Online MS in Accounting: Tax Compliance and Planning Emphasis

Master of Science in Accounting with an Emphasis in Tax Compliance and Planning

Offered By: Colangelo College of Business

Reinforce Your Foundation in Taxation and Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting with an Emphasis in Tax Compliance and Planning degree at Grand Canyon University is a graduate degree that teaches advanced theoretical and practical accounting skills for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) candidates.

This master’s degree is designed to prepare you to sit for the CPA exam by teaching you material covered in the CPA Discipline of Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). As a CPA candidate, you will be guided to enhance your understanding of compliance with tax codes, research and planning techniques while applying skills in accounting and taxation.

Student sitting at desk taking notes with laptop
Get More Information

 

MS in Accounting Degree

Unlock Your CPA Potential

Offered by the Colangelo College of Business, this degree program teaches a range of advanced competencies in the accounting field with a focus on tax planning and compliance. The Colangelo College of Business develops degree programs that are guided by an emphasis on conscious capitalism, a Christian worldview and our three guiding pillars: servant leadership, ethics and entrepreneurism.

Your instructors will encourage you to develop a keen sense of professional ethics and responsibility as you prepare to make a positive impact on your community and the business environment. Using curriculum guided by industry needs and expectations, this degree program teaches accounting skills that are immediately applicable in the field. 

We offer tax accounting classes online. Being an online student at GCU means that you have access to online resources, support and flexibility while receiving a high-quality education. Our online programs can provide you with everything you need to incorporate your studies into your life, so you can earn your degree without sacrificing what’s important to you. As a member of our interactive online learning community, you’ll have opportunities to enjoy meaningful interactions with peers and instructors. 

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 34
Online: 8 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
TUITION RATE:
Online: $655 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance

 

Examine Advanced Skills in Tax Accounting and Strategy

In this MS in Accounting: Tax Compliance and Planning emphasis, you will be guided to strengthen your knowledge of critical accounting and taxation principles while working to build and further your professional practice. You will be expected to master course topics including:

  • Research in accounting
  • Corporate taxes
  • Flow-through entities
  • CPA preparation (tax core, auditing and accounting information systems core, business analysis and reporting discipline)
  • Financial planning for individuals and business owners

As you near your expected graduation date, you will be required to complete a capstone course. This course summarizes the entirety of your degree program and gives you the opportunity to prepare for the tax compliance and planning section of the CPA examination through Gleim CPA Exam Review assignments.

Careers Opportunities With a Focus on Taxation and Accounting

The accounting degree for tax associates can help you reach the next stage in your career by preparing you to sit for the CPA exam and focusing your career on the taxation specialty.

With an academic framework of advanced competencies in accounting, you may decide to pursue positions such as:

  • Accountants and auditors
  • Forensic accountants
  • Financial examiners
  • Tax preparers
  • Tax examiners and collectors and revenue agents

By covering two main competencies — CPA core and tax planning and compliance — this degree may help you feel prepared to work in a range of settings. Government agencies, insurance companies and accounting and tax preparation agencies are some of the most common employers of accounting professionals. Alternatively, you may decide to establish your own accounting business as a self-employed professional.1

$79,880

Median annual wage of accountants and auditors as of May 20232

Graduate With a Degree From an Accredited University

As an institutionally accredited university, we prioritize the quality of our education. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The Colangelo College of Business shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering enrolling in tax accounting classes, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about degree specifics and what is needed for a career in taxation.

There are many concepts to learn and skills to master to become a successful tax professional, which can indeed be challenging and time-consuming. However, as with any master’s-level program, if you are dedicated to improving your knowledge and committed to meeting the requirements of your program, you may find a taxation and accounting degree to be a rewarding next step. 

At minimum, tax-related careers such as that of a tax accountant typically require a bachelor’s in an accounting-related field, such as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. However, those who wish to earn their CPA license can choose to advance their education and enroll in a relevant master’s degree program to meet exam requirements and prepare for the exam. Candidates can then take the CPA exam to obtain licensure and position themselves to potentially pursue career advancement in taxation.3 

The type of degree that is best for you depends on your career aspirations. Compared to a finance degree, an emphasis that covers tax planning and compliance (as well as other tax accounting degrees) provides a more specialized knowledge base, focusing on specific accounting practices, principles, regulations and strategies concerning taxation. 

A Bachelor of Science in Finance degree is broader and includes course materials that cover theoretical financial knowledge, financial analysis and reporting, along with general courses in business, statistics and economics to teach you diverse competencies in the financial industry. 

In addition to meeting the educational requirements, a tax accountant can benefit from having a variety of hard and soft skills so they can best serve their clients’ interests. Some of the skills and qualities that are helpful for accountants can include:3

  • Effective communication skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Strategies for minimizing tax liability
  • Proficiency in math and accounting
  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
Build a Foundation in Tax Accounting

Gain the advanced skills to lead tax compliance initiatives and develop innovative tax strategies.

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Accountants and Auditors: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 25, 2024. 

2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Accountants and Auditors as of May 2023, retrieved Sept. 25, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as accountants and auditors, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates. 

3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How To Become an Accountant or Auditor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 25, 2024.

Course List

Major:
34 credits
Degree Requirements:
34 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.

Course Description

This course provides students with applied research experience using electronic databases to determine proper application of GAAP, IASs, and IFRSs to practical situations. Students develop the skills needed to access accounting and auditing rules and regulations, company financial statements, and related industry data used for analyzing financial statements.

Course Description

This course explores advanced data analytics techniques frequently used in public accounting. Students apply financial data analytics methods that are commonly tested on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) Discipline.

Course Description

This course is a review of concepts frequently tested on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam: Auditing and Accounting Information Systems Core (AUD). Students reinforce concepts learned in undergraduate work and apply them by completing questions and simulations similar to those found on the Uniform CPA Exam.

Course Description

This course is a study of the theory and practices of accounting for income taxes of corporations and state taxation. In addition, students explore advanced tax planning concepts, including acquisitions and consolidated financial statements for tax compliance. Prerequisite: ACC-614.

Course Description

This course is a review of concepts frequently tested on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam: Accounting and Data Analytics Core (ACC). Students reinforce concepts learned in undergraduate work and apply them by completing questions and simulations similar to those found on the Uniform CPA Exam.

Course Description

This course is a study of the theory and practices of accounting for income taxes of flow-through entities. In addition, students explore advanced tax planning concepts, including joint ventures and tax research. Prerequisite: ACC-669.

Course Description

This course is a review of concepts frequently tested on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam: Regulation and Taxation Core (REG). Students reinforce concepts learned in undergraduate work and apply them by completing questions and simulations similar to those found on the Uniform CPA Exam.

Course Description

This course is a study of the theory and practices of financial planning for individuals and business owners. In addition, students explore advanced tax planning concepts, including estate, gift, and trust taxation. Prerequisite: ACC-614.

Course Description

This course is a review of concepts frequently tested on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam: Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). Students reinforce concepts learned in prior graduate work and apply them by completing questions and simulations similar to those found on the Uniform CPA Exam. Prerequisites: ACC-669, ACC-661, and ACC-663.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
  • Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

Program Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.