Idaho State University College of Business to offer a Master of Taxation Degree in Fall 2017

“Experts in taxation are in demand in Southeast Idaho and nationally,” said Daniel Ames, chair of the accounting department and associate dean. “There simply aren’t enough tax experts available locally or nationally. This degree program will help bridge that gap and provide another outstanding career path for our students.”

The MTax program will compliment the ISU College of Business’s successful Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program by offering students interested in pursuing a career in taxation a more specified degree in the field. According to Ames, the MTax will inherit the same unique structure as the MAcc in preparing students for the four parts of the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) exam, which has resulted in a successful 88 percent first-time pass rate among MAcc students over the last three years. 

“The MTax will overlap with the MAcc program in a handful of courses,” said Ames. “However, it diverges by offering several concentrated tax courses taught by our outstanding faculty members specializing in taxation.”

Students joining the MTax program can complete their degree in just one year – taking two eight-week courses at a time throughout the fall and spring semesters along with a summer course and capstone courses offered periodically during the 12-month program helping to prepare students for the CPA exam. Students will also receive specialized training in individual, corporate and partnership taxation as well as estate planning.  Additionally, students have the option to graduate with both an MTax and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with one extra semester of study and a slightly different semester course structure.      

“The overwhelming support of the University and the State Board of Education speaks to the demand for the degree and the confidence these entities have in the quality of our faculty and the potential of our students,” said Ames.

Ames points out that MTax graduates are likely to enjoy a “significant salary premium” over less specialized degree programs.   According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the starting salary for MTax graduates may be as high as $79,231, though that number is likely to be lower locally.

Applications to the new program are now being accepted for the Fall 2017 semester. Students can apply by visiting isu.edu/apply; submitting an official transcript to the ISU Graduate School at 921 South Eighth Ave, Stop 8075, Pocatello, ID 83209; submitting two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose and a resume; as well as having GRE or GMAT scores sent to Idaho State University. 

For more information about the MTax program, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Heidi Shiosaki at wadsheid@isu.edu or call 208.282.2966.