Earning a business-focused master’s degree can lead to career advancement, the potential for higher earnings, and new job opportunities. Accountants and auditors rank as the largest business and financial occupation category, made up of nearly 1.6 million working professionals, and they also have some of the highest salaries in business, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Aspiring accounting professionals can choose between a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting and a Master of Science (MS) in Taxation. Those considering programs for the MS in taxation versus accounting can learn about the similarities and differences between the two.
What Is an MS in Taxation?
A Master of Science in Taxation program is a graduate-level business degree program that enables students to develop taxation expertise. Through an emphasis on specialized tax knowledge, these programs prepare individuals for careers as high-level tax professionals.
An MS in Taxation program teaches students about state, local, federal, and international income taxation for individuals, organizations, and different types of corporations. Students examine tax regulations, tax planning strategies, and approaches to wealth management.
Common Master of Science in Taxation courses cover topics that include:
- Tax practices and procedures
- Individual income taxation
- Corporate income taxation
- Tax analytics
Taxation master’s students may also complete specialized courses in areas such as:
- Income taxation of estates and trusts
- Corporate reorganizations
- Wealth planning
Earning an MS in Taxation can lead to any of a number of tax-related career paths, and fulfills the education requirement for licensure as a certified public accountant (CPA).
What Is an MS in Accounting?
A Master of Science in Accounting program is a graduate-level business degree program that helps students develop advanced accounting expertise. Accounting master’s students complete coursework in accounting principles, analytical techniques, and auditing. Students build industry-specific skills by analyzing real-world scenarios and researching accounting topics.
Common Master of Science in Accounting courses cover topics that include:
- Accounting theory
- Advanced auditing and assurance
- Accounting analytics
- Income tax accounting
- Governmental accounting
- Accounting project design and analysis
Students in accounting master’s programs often have an opportunity to specialize their coursework with a concentration. Common MS in Accounting concentrations include:
- General accounting
- Accounting analytics
- Tax accounting
With a master’s in accounting, professionals can work in accounting, auditing, or a related field. Common job titles for MS in Accounting graduates include accounting manager, auditor, forensic accountant, and corporate controller. A master’s in accounting with a specialization in taxation can also lead to opportunities as a tax accountant. Earning an MS in accounting qualifies individuals to take the CPA exam.
Similarities: MS in Taxation vs. Accounting
MS in Taxation programs and MS in Accounting programs overlap in their required skill sets, their admission requirements, and the broad tax or audit accounting career paths graduates of each can pursue.
- Accounting Skills: Programs for both the MS in Taxation and the MS in Accounting require strong accounting and analytical skills. Applicants to either type of graduate program need a background in accounting, financial reporting, and financial analysis.
- Requirements: Taxation and accounting master’s programs often share similar admission requirements. Applicants to both types of programs typically need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and some universities require the completion of certain undergraduate accounting courses. Common required admission materials for both include a resume, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters. Programs may require specific GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores for admission.
- General Accounting Career Paths: Studying accounting or taxation at the graduate level prepares professionals for opportunities as a staff accountant, senior accountant, or accounting manager. Programs for both degrees also meet the education requirements to become a CPA.
Differences: MS in Taxation vs. Accounting
When evaluating programs for an MS in taxation versus accounting, it’s clear there are important differences between the two. In particular, accounting master’s programs offer a broader curriculum while taxation master’s programs focus on specialized taxation courses. Career outcomes and earning potential can also vary by degree program.
- Specialized Courses: Students in the two types of programs take different specialized courses. In an accounting master’s program, students may explore topics such as accounting analytics, multinational accounting, and governmental accounting. In contrast, an MS in taxation program emphasizes specialized taxation courses, including those covering topics such as state and local tax practice, corporate taxation, and international tax practice.
- Program Length: The program lengths for the two types of master’s programs can vary depending on the school. Accelerated accounting master’s programs can take less than one year, while taxation master’s programs typically take from one to two years.
- Earning Potential: Graduates’ earning potential can vary based on the type of degree they earn. Professionals with an MS in Taxation had a median annual salary of approximately $91,000 as of May 2023, according to Payscale. In contrast, those with an MS in Accounting had a slightly lower median salary of around $86,000 as of May 2025, also according to Payscale. Individuals’ specific salaries vary depending on their job title, location, and experience.
- Specialized Career Paths: The versatility of a master’s in accounting program means that graduates are prepared for many different types of top accounting jobs. Professionals with a master’s in accounting can work as a financial accountant, management accountant, auditor, or independent CPA. A master’s in taxation program offers more specialized training. While a master’s in taxation can lead to work as an independent CPA, it also can lead to tax accountant, tax consultant, or tax manager roles.
Earn an MS in Taxation or an MS in Accounting at Bryant University
Which is right for you, an MS in taxation or an MS in accounting? Bryant University offers both a Master of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Taxation, depending on your priorities and interests.
Prospective CPAs can fast-track their education with the in-person MS in Accounting program and graduate in as little as eight months. Bryant’s accounting master’s program offers concentrations in general accounting, accounting analytics, and tax accounting.
The MS in Taxation program is offered in an online format with flexible tracks leading to graduation in 12 to 24 months. Designed for working professionals, the taxation master’s program can lead to CPA licensure and a high-level tax career.
If you are looking into an MS in taxation versus accounting, find out how Bryant University can help you choose the degree that’s right for you so you can advance in your career.