Taxation Degrees and Programs

Taxation professionals generally have a degree in accounting and may have specialized training from an accounting certificate program. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), taxation professionals work in government, for non-profit organizations, for colleges and universities, for businesses of all sizes, and in accounting firms.

Taxation professionals generally have a degree in accounting and may have specialized training from an accounting certificate program. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), taxation professionals work in government, for non-profit organizations, for colleges and universities, for businesses of all sizes, and in accounting firms.

As accountants, taxation professionals are expected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to see rapid job growth in coming years. As the AICPA notes, "Everyone has to pay taxes--so there will always be a need for CPAs who can advise individuals and organizations how best to plan their taxes and manage their finances."

Taxation degrees: Multiply your career options

Although CPAs are required to have at least 30 credit hours of school beyond a bachelor's degree, the BLS reports, taxation programs are available at the certificate and associate level as well. Taxation certificates are often designed for students who already hold a degree--often in accounting--and are looking to specialize in a particular area of accounting. According to the AICPA, taxation courses should include the following:

• Basic accounting
• Communications
• Business
• Technology
• Individual tax issues
• Business tax issues

At the advanced level, students can pursue a master's degree in taxation or a master's of business administration (MBA) in accounting with a concentration in taxation. Because taxation issues are so intricately related to the law, a number of schools also offer joint programs in law and taxation.