Unlock Your Career in Tax Law with a Master of Legal Studies in Taxation

A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Taxation provides professionals with specialized knowledge in tax law, offering a deep understanding of federal, state, and international taxation issues.

For professionals already working in a financial field such as business law, corporate tax law, or international finance, a Master of Legal Studies in Taxation (MLS-T) can give you an extra edge. The online master's programs offered by many universities and law schools today are tailored for working professionals who need the flexibility remote learning can provide.

What is a Master of Legal Studies in Taxation?

The Master of Legal Studies in Taxation is designed for professionals who want to enhance their understanding of tax law without becoming a practicing attorney. These programs cover the legal aspects of tax law in a manner designed for professionals who aren’t attorneys.

Students can take in-depth courses such as:

• Corporate Tax Structure
• Partnership Taxation
• Criminal and White-collar Taxes
• Estate and Gift Taxes
• State-specific Taxation, such as California’s Prop 13 property tax
• International Taxation

These courses help non-attorneys understand the complexities of financial regulation, tax implications for contracts and mergers, as well as taxes in international relations.

Key Features of a Master of Legal Studies in Taxation Program

Online Master of Legal Studies in Taxation programs let professionals study tax law and get their graduate degrees while keeping their full-time jobs. Most online programs are asynchronous, meaning students may log into courses when their schedule allows, or have hybrid structures with part-time, in-person courses.

Most MLS programs require foundational courses in graduate law, such as:

• Introduction to the Legal System
• Compliance Skills: Auditing, Investigation & Reporting
• Ethics and Professional Standards
• Legal Research and Analysis
• Risk Assessment and Management

Top Online Master of Legal Studies in Taxation Programs for 2024

Washington University in St. Louis:

The school’s online MLS-T is for students seeking an advanced degree to leverage their careers. Students must complete nine credit hours from the general curriculum before starting the specialized tax curriculum. Courses include Federal Income Taxation, Federal Estate and Gift Taxation, International Taxation, and more. Prospective students should visit the admissions website for details on requirements and financial aid information.

Texas A&M:

The Texas A&M School of Law has a 30-credit-hour graduate course in International Tax Law and a 12-credit-hour certificate for those who want a quick immersion in the fundamentals of international finance. Both courses are designed for new or experienced tax professionals — accountants, attorneys, and economists can all benefit from the graduate course and the certificate. These classes combine online coursework and flexible class meetings. Interested students should contact Texas A&M’s graduate department for more information.

Drexel University:

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law features an MLS in Financial Regulatory Compliance. Students must complete 25 units of introductory courses before entering the financial specialization track. Drexel’s MLS is available both online and as a hybrid online/in-person program. Admissions requirements are complex so potential students should contact the admissions office for details.

American University:

This school has multiple business, healthcare, and technology specializations in compliance and regulation. Finance, accounting, and international negotiation are important parts of the curriculum in all specializations of this degree. American University requires a statement of purpose among other admissions requirements. Interested applicants should contact the admissions office for details and financial aid information.

Liberty University:

Liberty’s unique Juris Master (J.M.) degree, like an MLS degree, is designed for the working professional seeking legal knowledge without the time commitment of a law degree. The J.M. in Compliance prepares professionals to work in a range of regulatory and financial compliance fields. Risk management, policy, and corporate compliance are career tracks available for a Liberty University J.M. graduate. Admissions requirements include transcripts and a CV or resume. Potential applicants should contact the admissions office with any questions about the process and to apply for financial aid.

Specializations in Master of Legal Studies in Taxation

• Corporate Tax:

Students will focus on corporate income tax, securities regulation, civil or criminal tax procedures and penalties, along with tax transfers and regulation.

• International Taxation:

A highly specific tax course, students can expect to take courses in tax treaties, international taxes, tax policy and public finance, and corporate taxation for international tax students.

• Federal Income Taxation:

Federal income tax courses concentrate on federal laws, tax courts, bankruptcy and estate taxes, and regulatory compliance in tax laws, both personal and corporate.

Career Outlook for Master of Legal Studies in Taxation Graduates

Getting your Master of Legal Studies in any area is a benefit. Having a specific degree like taxation lets you tailor your area of expertise to a niche market. A Master of Legal Studies in Taxation opens roles in areas besides business and accounting, including:

• Tax Compliance Officer
• Corporate Tax Manager
• International Tax Specialist
• Tax Policy Advisor
• Paralegal Studies in Tax Law

If you are working in these fields, or are interested in expanding your marketability, an MLS is one way to open your work horizons.

Admission Requirements for Master of Legal Studies in Taxation Programs

Each university and law school has its own set of requirements for admission. Students should always check with the admissions office before submitting any application. However, all schools have common requirements for all applicants. You will need:

• Proof of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or in some cases substantial proof of completion of a four-year degree.

• A personal statement or writing sample.

• Letters of recommendation — usually two or three. Schools are looking for professional or academic references, not personal ones.

• A resume or CV that highlights any experience in tax law, business administration, or other relevant experience.

• If you are applying for a scholarship, you may need to produce a writing sample relevant to that scholarship.

As a general rule of thumb, do not submit anything the school does not request, and do your due diligence to submit all requirements for the school you’re applying to.

Cost and Financial Aid for Master of Legal Studies in Taxation

Most online MLS programs cost the same per unit as the in-person classes. For instance, the per-unit cost of a degree at Drexel University is $945, whether online or in-person. The advantage of an online program is in the cost-of-living savings. Since you live at home, and may continue working, you will not have to foot the additional living costs that increase in-person tuition.

Financial Aid Options:

Almost all online, hybrid, and in-person MLS programs qualify for financial aid. Most of the applications include a FAFSA application, although students should think carefully before applying for federal aid.

Other alternatives for financial assistance include:

• Scholarships:

These can be found online and through the American Bar Association (ABA) and state bar websites. Even small scholarships can help offset some costs.

• Employer Tuition Reimbursement:

Check with your HR department, some larger employers may help with an advanced degree if you plan to use it to further your career in your company. This can include paycheck deductions or reimbursement after you complete the degree.

Why Choose an Online Master of Legal Studies in Taxation?

The main advantage of an online MLS-T is the flexibility it offers for working professionals. You won’t need to quit your job or take an extended leave to complete your master’s degree when you can attend classes on your own time. Asynchronous classes mean that there’s no need to rush home and spend another four hours logged into your computer. Online courses let you balance your work, home life, and study time without burning yourself out.

In addition, your personal data remains private. Even if you have to study at work, nobody will see your logged class time until you choose to make it public. Online courses are protected by privacy clauses and security software during your time at school.

If you’re interested in an online degree, visit the schools mentioned here for more information. Other colleges and universities may be available. Take time to research and find the school that’s right for you.

FAQs About the Master of Legal Studies in Taxation

Whether you’re a legal professional looking for a boost in your career or someone branching out in a new direction, the MLS-T has advantages for your employment goals.

• How long does an MLS in Taxation take?

The MLS in Taxation, like all online MLS programs, is designed to take between 12 and 24 months, depending on whether students enroll full-time or part-time. Some courses can be completed in as few as nine months for students willing to devote a full eight-hour day to their studies.

• Is an MLS in Taxation worth it?

A graduate degree is a benefit to anyone in the corporate field. For professionals in corporate tax, international taxation, and business law, this degree provides a competitive edge in legal and financial environments.

• What careers can I pursue with this degree?

Besides your existing career in corporate tax, accounting, and bankruptcy, possible careers include regulatory compliance, financial advisory, tax management, chief financial officer, and business analyst.