Program Overview

GGU’s Master of Science in Taxation stresses real-world skills that empower students to be exceptional tax professionals. Many of the “Big Four” firms hire Golden Gate University graduates and send their employees to GGU to update their tax education.

Our taxation courses are taught by tax practitioners and lawyers who are experts in their field — in an environment that promotes the development of analytic and communication skills. Our Master of Science in Taxation is one of the most prestigious tax programs in the country, having earned a reputation for providing the most comprehensive and practical education available. Our taxation program’s current rankings include Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees (College Choice), 2024 Best Taxation Master’s Degree Schools (College Factual), and Best Online Master’s in Taxation Programs of 2024 (Forbes Advisor).

The curriculum stresses real-world content that prepares students to be knowledgeable tax professionals. Courses cover general and specialized tax subjects, including: estate and gift tax; partnerships; C corporations; LLCs and S corporations; California and multi-state tax; international tax; retirement plans; tax issues for individuals; and tax research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Taxation program will:

• Demonstrate the ability to identify tax issues, determine the applicable relevant primary authority, analyze relevant primary authority and apply the authorities to reach well-reasoned oral or written conclusions.
• Demonstrate technical tax knowledge in the areas of individual, corporate and partnership taxation.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of IRS practice and procedure and be able to represent a client in a tax controversy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the ethics and standards of professional responsibilities applicable to tax practitioners.