Master of Science in Taxation (MST)
Economic events have brought into sharp focus the interrelationships of tax policy, the nation’s social goals, individual and corporate planning, and financial security. As tax laws become more complex, as business becomes more competitive and as the need for financial and estate planning becomes more evident, the need for highly trained tax experts becomes even more obvious.
The Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program prepares students for entry into professional tax practice in both the public and private sectors. Through the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the MST student learns the accounting, legal and public policy aspects of taxation. As students progress through the rigorous program toward the capstone course, they gain a solid foundation in the discipline.
The Department of Accounting’s full-time faculty members have expertise in auditing, international accounting, business law and ethics, taxation and other areas. In addition, part-time instructors share their experiences as business professionals. All are committed to helping you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to advance your career.
ADMISSION
Admission to the MST program is contingent upon admission to the Wayne State University Graduate School. Students must hold a baccalaureate degree in accounting (or other business discipline, which includes upper division accounting courses) from an accredited institution; demonstrate high promise of success in graduate business study and earn a minimum 450 composite on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
To be considered for admission, you must submit the following materials to the address below:
1. Completed WSU Application for Graduate Admission
2. Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
3. Official notification of GMAT score
Office of Graduate Admissions
Wayne State University
42 W. Warren
The Welcome Center, Suite 436
Detroit, MI 48202
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The MST program requires a total of 30 credit hours, with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0. The program does not require a thesis.
CURRICULUM
The MST program consists of four categories of courses:
Foundation Courses are background courses that are required but do not generate credit toward the MST degree. Candidates who have already earned a degree in business administration or accounting will usually be able to waive most, if not all, of the foundation courses.
Core Courses (7 courses, 21 credits) provide coverage of the body of knowledge associated with major studies in taxation and tax policy. Students who have completed equivalent courses in their undergraduate or other graduate studies within the preceding three years with a GPA of 3.00 or above must substitute an advanced course in taxation for the Core course.
Elective Courses (2 courses, 6 credits) provide advanced coverage of the body of knowledge associated with studies in taxation and accounting. With the approval of the MST Committee, electives from other business disciplines in the School of Business Administration may be elected.
Capstone Course: ACC 7998, “Seminar in Tax and Accounting Policy.” This course is taken in the final 12 credit hours of the program.
COURSES
Foundation Courses
ACC 7040 Intermediate Financial Accounting I
ACC 7050 Intermediate Financial Accounting II
and
ACC 7120 Tax Problems in Business Affairs
Core Courses
ACC 7300 Accounting and Tax Research and Professional Communications
ACC 7310 Business and Professional Ethics for Managers and Accountants
ACC 7320 Advanced Tax Problems
ACC 7325 Advanced Tax Research and IRS Procedures
ACC 7330 Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders I
ACC 7335 Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders II
ACC 7340 Taxation of Pass-through Entities
Elective Courses
ACC 7220 Law of Corporate Management and Finance
ACC 7400 Taxation of International Business and Multinational Transactions
ACC 7410 Tax Accounting Methods and Deferred Income Taxes
ACC 7420 Taxation by State and Local Jurisdictions
ACC 7430 Taxation of Exempt Organizations
ACC 7440 Financial and Estate Planning
ACC 7450 Taxes and Business Strategy
ACC 7990 Internship in Tax Practice
ACC 7995 Directed Study
ACC 7996 Topics in Tax
Capstone Course
ACC 7998 Seminar in Tax and Accounting Policy
For further information, contact the Office of Student Services at 313-577-4505 or the Chair of the Department of Accounting, Randy Paschke, at 313-577-6032 or rcpaschke@wayne.edu.