Marymount University

What you'll study

The Master's in Taxation combines technical tax law and policy with applied research and practitioner-focused training. Coursework covers core areas of individual and business taxation, tax research and planning, and contemporary topics such as international tax and state and local taxation. The programme is structured to support full‑time students and working professionals through evening, hybrid or accelerated delivery options.

• Advanced Federal Income Taxation: in-depth study of individual and corporate income tax rules and their application.
• Corporate and Partnership Taxation: tax treatment of business entities, distributions, reorganisations and basis adjustments.
• International Taxation: cross-border issues, treaties, transfer pricing and residence/source concepts.
• Tax Research and Policy: statutory interpretation, use of primary tax sources, research tools and argumentation.
• Estate and Gift Taxation: planning, trusts, wealth transfer techniques and compliance.
• Taxation Practicum or Capstone Project: applied project or practicum with real-world tax problems, emphasising client communication and professional judgment.
• Tax Ethics and Professional Responsibility: professional standards, ethical issues and regulatory compliance for tax practitioners.
• Electives and Special Topics: state and local taxation, multistate tax, tax controversy, tax technology and data analytics for tax.

Students typically complete a combination of required courses and electives and produce a capstone project or practicum that demonstrates applied tax analysis. Opportunities for internships or practicum placements leverage Marymount's proximity to federal agencies, law firms and accounting firms in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an accredited bachelor's degree. Typical academic preparation includes coursework in accounting and foundational business subjects; applicants without specific undergraduate accounting training may be admitted conditionally and required to complete prerequisite courses. The admissions portfolio normally includes:

• Official undergraduate transcripts showing satisfactory academic performance (competitive applicants often present a solid GPA).
• A current résumé or CV outlining relevant work or volunteer experience.
• A personal statement describing goals and reasons for pursuing advanced tax study.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

Marymount may consider professional qualifications and relevant work experience as part of the assessment. Standardised tests (such as the GRE or GMAT) are not universally required but may be requested in some cases; international applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or other institutional pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master's in Taxation pursue roles across public accounting, industry and government. Common career paths include:

• Tax associate or senior in public accounting firms (including regional and international firms).
• Corporate tax analyst, tax manager or director within multinational corporations and mid‑sized companies.
• Tax consultant or adviser at boutique tax practices and advisory firms.
• Government tax examiner, policy analyst or attorney roles at federal, state or local tax agencies.
• Specialist roles in estate planning, transfer pricing, international tax structuring and tax controversy.

The programme also supports candidates preparing for professional certifications such as the CPA or enrolment in law or doctoral study focused on taxation and tax policy.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and direct access to faculty who have practical tax and accounting experience. Its location near Washington, D.C. provides unique proximity to federal agencies, law firms and multinational organisations, which enhances internship and networking opportunities. The university emphasises career support through advising, practicum placements and connections with regional employers, making it a strong option for students who want applied training and professional pathways in taxation.