Distinguishing Features of the CSUN Master of Science in Taxation
Skills-Based Focus: The program focuses on developing the highly specialized writing and research skills essential for the growth and success of today’s tax practitioner.
Midcareer-Professional Student Body: This cutting-edge program is tailored to prepare midcareer professionals for advancement in the field of taxation.
Cohort Format: Students enter the Master of Science in Taxation program and proceed through the curriculum as a group. This format provides students with the advantages of guaranteed enrollment in every class and a predetermined schedule of classes for the entire program. Learning is facilitated by seminar-style instruction and a curriculum carefully designed to ensure that each successive course builds on what has been learned in earlier courses. The cohort format also provides opportunities for maximizing interaction with the faculty and developing valuable networking relationships with fellow students.
Convenient Scheduling: Classes meet some evenings and weekends. No classes are scheduled for the several weeks prior to the April, September and October tax deadlines.
Practitioner-Faculty: Courses are taught primarily by leading practitioners in the field. This blend of active experience and outstanding scholarship in the field of taxation adds immeasurably to the learning experience.
Practice-Oriented: The program integrates theory and practice throughout the curriculum and provides two outstanding clinical-experience opportunities: participation in the Bookstein Tax Clinic and involvement with the student-run Tax Development Journal. Each of these clinical experiences serves to integrate the material learned in the program while providing unique opportunities to gain valuable practical experience. For example, the Bookstein Tax Clinic enables students to offer free consultation and representation assistance to qualified taxpayers on matters relating to disputes with the Internal Revenue Service. Serving as an editor of the Tax Development Journal, which applies scholarly discourse to a broad array of timely tax topics, enables students to gain valuable insights and make meaningful and lasting contributions to the field.
Tax-Planning Focus: The program incorporates a seminar on innovative tax-planning strategies.
External Connections: The Bookstein Institute for Higher Education in Taxation facilitates advanced tax education, research projects and scholarships and attracts outside support from business professionals and leaders. Both the program and the Bookstein Institute are committed to developing mutually beneficial relationships with the business community that allow for networking opportunities and exchanges of knowledge.
Accreditation: The tax program is offered through CSUN’s College of Business and Economics, which is accredited by the leading business school accrediting agency, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
“The cohort structure of this program creates a supportive atmosphere and builds camaraderie among the participants. Watching these relationships develop between working professionals is among the rewards of teaching in this program.”
— Professor George Gans, CPA, MST , Tax Partner, Deloitte, LLP
See what students and faculty members have to say about the
M.S. in Taxation
