University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

This master’s focuses on substantive and applied tax subjects. Core studies typically cover federal income taxation of individuals and businesses, corporate tax and consolidated returns, partnership taxation, tax research and statutory interpretation, and taxation of pass-through entities. Students also study specialised areas such as international taxation, state and local tax (SALT), employee benefits and executive compensation tax rules, estate and gift taxation, and accounting for income taxes.

Programmes commonly combine classroom coursework with applied elements: tax research projects, case studies, and a capstone or practicum that simulates client engagements. Electives allow deeper work in areas such as transfer pricing, tax controversy and practice & procedure, tax policy, and advanced issues in multinational taxation. Many students also take complementary classes in advanced financial accounting, business law, and data analytics for tax to support technical practice.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants with an accounting undergraduate degree or significant accounting coursework are preferred; candidates from other quantitative disciplines may be considered but may need prerequisite courses.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts demonstrating strong academic performance, particularly in accounting, finance, economics or quantitative courses.
• Tests and scores: Some applicants may be asked to provide GMAT or GRE scores, though waivers are commonly available for qualified candidates with substantial professional experience or strong undergraduate records; check the programme for current policy.
• Professional materials: A current résumé or CV; one or more letters of recommendation that speak to academic or professional aptitude for graduate-level tax work.
• Statement of purpose: A personal statement outlining career goals, interest in taxation, and how the master’s will support professional development.
• Prerequisites: Coursework in introductory accounting and intermediate financial accounting is generally expected; applicants without these may be required to complete bridging courses prior to or during the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of a taxation master’s pursue roles across public accounting, industry, government and advisory services. Typical entry and mid-level positions include tax associate or senior in Big Four and regional accounting firms, in-house tax analyst or manager for corporations, state revenue department analyst, transfer pricing specialist, and roles in international tax compliance and planning.

Beyond technical practice, alumni often move into broader finance and advisory careers—tax director, controller, or roles in mergers & acquisitions and private equity where tax structuring is important. The degree also supports preparation for professional credentials such as the CPA and specialised tax certifications or continuing professional education for tax practitioners.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

• Applied emphasis: The university’s graduate programmes emphasise applied learning—students benefit from casework, research projects, and opportunities to work on real-world tax problems with faculty and local firms.
• Regional connections: Proximity to Denver’s large professional services market and Colorado’s business community provides access to internships, recruiting pipelines and practitioner guest lecturers.
• Faculty expertise: Tax courses are taught by faculty with academic and practitioner backgrounds, offering a balance of doctrinal understanding and contemporary practice insights.
• Career support: Dedicated career services and accounting/tax recruiting events connect students with public accounting firms, corporations and government employers; graduates leave with practical skills employers seek.
• Campus and lifestyle: Boulder’s setting offers a high quality of life—access to outdoor recreation, a collaborative campus culture, and a student network that supports professional and personal development while studying tax.