Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme covers core and elective topics that build a comprehensive understanding of taxation and its application to individuals and businesses. Typical modules include:

• Federal Income Taxation – principles and computation of income tax for individuals and flow-through entities.
• Corporate and Partnership Taxation – tax issues affecting corporations, S-corporations and partnerships, including formation, operations and distributions.
• Tax Research and Writing – using primary sources, researching tax issues and preparing professional memoranda and opinions.
• Estate, Gift and Trust Taxation – transfer taxation, estate planning tools and fiduciary income tax.
• State and Local Taxation – nexus, apportionment and other state-level tax considerations.
• International Taxation – cross-border transactions, transfer pricing basics and residence/source rules.
• Tax Planning and Strategy – practical approaches to minimising tax liabilities and advising clients on transactional tax consequences.
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility – standards of practice for tax professionals and regulatory obligations.

The programme is usually delivered through a mix of lectures, case studies, problem sets and a capstone or practicum project that emphasises real-world application. Students often have options for full-time or part-time study and may choose electives aligned with public accounting, corporate tax, or estate planning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Specific requirements commonly include:

• An undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, business or a related discipline; applicants with other backgrounds may be considered if they can demonstrate quantitative aptitude.
• A minimum cumulative GPA from undergraduate study (requirements vary by programme and applicant pool).
• A CV or résumé detailing relevant academic and professional experience.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose explaining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees may be requested.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent credentials is required.

Some applicants, particularly those with substantial professional accounting experience, may be eligible for test waivers or alternative admissions pathways. Prospective students should consult the admissions office for exact documentation and any prerequisite coursework in accounting or taxation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the master’s in taxation typically enter or advance in roles that require specialised tax expertise. Common career paths include:

• Tax accountant or senior tax associate in public accounting firms
• Corporate tax analyst or tax manager within industry
• State revenue or federal tax agency roles (e.g. examiner, compliance officer)
• Tax consultant or adviser in boutique tax firms and law firms
• Estate planning specialist or trust officer
• Transaction tax specialist in mergers & acquisitions, private equity or investment firms

The programme also supports candidates preparing for professional credentials such as the CPA or advanced tax credentials; its focus on tax research, technical rules and applied practice helps prepare students for technical interviews and advisory roles.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a tax programme with small-class teaching and instructors who combine academic backgrounds with practical experience in accounting and tax practice. The university’s proximity to New York City provides access to a broad network of accounting firms, corporate tax departments and tax practitioners for guest lectures, internships and networking.

Students benefit from flexible delivery options that suit working professionals, hands-on coursework emphasising tax research and casework, and career services that connect graduates with regional employers. The programme’s emphasis on applied skills and ethical practice prepares graduates to meet the technical demands of modern tax careers.