Grand Valley State University

What you'll study

The MST curriculum builds advanced competence in tax law, tax planning and tax research while reinforcing the accounting foundations needed to apply tax rules to complex transactions. Courses emphasise current US federal taxation and extend to state and local taxation, international tax issues and tax procedure.

• Core tax subjects: graduate-level federal income taxation of individuals and businesses, corporate taxation, partnership taxation, and taxation of trusts and estates.
• Tax research and procedure: statutory interpretation, administrative guidance, tax controversy, and use of research tools to apply tax law to real-world issues.
• Specialist topics: international taxation, state and local tax (SALT), tax planning for mergers and acquisitions, and taxation of investments.
• Accounting and professional practice: advanced accounting topics relevant to tax practice, ethics, and issues related to CPA and other professional credential preparation.
• Applied learning: casework, research projects and opportunities to engage with client-style problems, often integrating current developments in tax law and practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree. Candidates with a degree in accounting or a related business field are preferred because of the programme's technical focus, but applicants from other backgrounds with sufficient accounting coursework may also be considered.

• Academic preparation: undergraduate coursework in financial accounting, managerial accounting and introductory taxation is typically expected; completion of intermediate accounting is advantageous.
• Supporting materials: official transcripts, a current CV or résumé, and a personal statement outlining objectives for graduate study and career goals.
• Standardised tests and experience: some applicants may be asked to submit GMAT or GRE scores, though waivers may be available based on prior academic performance or relevant professional experience; professional work in accounting or tax practice strengthens an application.
• References: academic or professional references that can attest to the applicant's quantitative skills, communication ability and suitability for graduate study.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MST programme typically move into specialised tax roles across public accounting, industry, government and advisory firms. The degree equips students for both technical tax work and positions that require tax-aware strategic decision-making.

• Public accounting: tax staff, senior associate and tax manager roles at regional and national firms.
• Corporate tax: tax analyst, corporate tax manager or director positions managing compliance, planning and reporting for companies.
• Government and regulatory roles: tax examiner, revenue agent and positions in tax policy or enforcement agencies.
• Advisory and consulting: tax consultant specialising in transactions, international tax, or state and local tax issues.
• Further qualification: a pathway to professional credentials such as the CPA and advanced tax certificates or specialised practice areas (estate planning, M&A, cross-border taxation).

Why study at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley’s business programmes are delivered through a college with strong regional connections to firms and public agencies, providing students with applied learning opportunities and access to practitioners. The MST blends technical rigor with applied casework and research, taught by faculty with tax practice experience and scholarly expertise.

• Practical focus: curriculum designed to address current tax law and practice, emphasising tax research and real-world problem solving.
• Flexible delivery: options for part-time study and evening courses accommodate working professionals seeking to advance while employed.
• Professional integration: networking opportunities with alumni and regional employers, and support for students preparing for professional credentials.
• Supportive environment: access to academic advising, career services and resources to help students transition into specialised tax careers.