The Master of Tax Accounting

A multi-dimensional program educating tax specialists in an ever-changing field.

students leaving bidgood hall

Whether working in public accounting or industry, tax accounting is one of the most dynamic fields in business. The Master of Tax Accounting program provides students with the opportunity to develop and strengthen the skills which are necessary for a successful career in tax, including critical thinking, professional judgment, and problem-solving skills. The innovative curriculum incorporates instruction in the emerging tax specialty practice areas such as accounting for income taxes, state and local taxation, international taxation, mergers, acquisitions, and transaction services.

Program Info

The Master of Tax Accounting (MTA) degree program is a multidimensional approach to the education of the modern tax specialist which includes coursework in the key tax specialty practice areas and incorporates opportunities for students to utilize leading software and technology platforms to enhance their knowledge. By drawing on their comprehensive knowledge of accounting and taxation principles, Manderson graduates are well-positioned for a successful career in the continuously evolving field of taxation.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of approved coursework beyond the undergraduate degree.
At least 18 of these hours must be coursework in the major field.
A minimum of 24 hours must be taken in courses open only to graduate students, and 15 of these must be in courses in accounting and taxation at The University of Alabama.
Students will take 2 tax law courses at The University of Alabama School of Law.
Students are also required to complete Governmental & Nonprofit Accounting, either prior to entering the program or as part of the MTA degree.

Curriculum

The Master’s of Tax Accounting (MTA) degree program is a multidimensional approach to the education of the modern tax specialist. The program develops an understanding of the taxation system and the interrelationships that exist between that system and accounting theory; a basic knowledge of the legal system as it relates to taxation; and the basic tools necessary for research and communication in taxation. Graduates are prepared to research tax, legal and accounting databases related to tax problems and to make tax-related decisions.

For more information on specific courses, visit the UA course catalog.

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

Admission and Conditional Admission decisions are made based upon all application materials: academic transcripts, statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, GMAT score, work experience, etc.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
Transcripts from all colleges attended.
A Statement of Purpose outlining your reasons for desiring the degree.
An up-to-date Resume.
3 Letters of Recommendation (at least one of which should be from an accounting professor).
GMAT score*

*GMAT Waiver Policy: Applicants who meet any of the following criteria qualify to have the GMAT requirement waived (Applicants that do not meet any of the criteria may apply for a waiver which will be considered on a case-by-case basis):

Applicants with an Accounting GPA of 3.25 or above in a minimum of 15 upper-division credit hours.
Applicants with a graduate degree.
Applicants who have passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
Applicants with five years of management experience that includes significant budgetary and leadership responsibility and a 3.0 (or better) upper-division undergraduate GPA from an accredited university.

Before admission to the program, students should have completed the following accounting courses or their equivalents found on the UA course catalog.

Tuition & Cost

Learn about the tuition and cost of attending graduate school at The University of Alabama.

FAQs

Q: What financial assistance is available?

A: The following types of financial assistance are available:

University Fellowships

The department is allowed to nominate a small number of students who compete with students from other colleges on campus for fellowship positions. For additional information please see the following website and/or contact the Program Director Karen Miller, krmiller8@culverhouse.ua.edu, or Department Chair Rich Houston, rhouston@culverhouse.ua.edu. https://graduate.ua.edu/prospective-students/graduate-school-scholarships-fellowships/

Graduate Assistantships

Every applicant accepted for admission into the program is automatically considered for a graduate assistantship. Assistantships are awarded based upon the materials submitted as part of the application to the program (e.g. Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Resume).

Cash Scholarships

Cash scholarships are awarded based on a number of different criteria (merit, financial need, etc.) according to the desires of our generous alumni. Students should fill out the scholarship application detailing any specific details of their background and financial situation. See the following link for the application.

Q: What do graduate assistants do?

A: Graduate assistants are typically assigned to one of the following roles: tutors for undergraduate courses, research assistants, LIFT leaders, teacher assistants, or AC210 lab instructors.

Q: What time of year can I start the program?

A: You can begin the program in the Spring, Summer, or Fall. Accounting courses are taught exclusively in the Spring and Fall however they are not taught in sequence so students may start at any time during the academic year. Some electives are offered in the Summer, however, the majority are also offered in the Spring and Fall semesters.

Q: Is there an application deadline?

A: No, we review applications as they are submitted. However, students are encouraged to apply before scholarships are awarded in order to receive full consideration for financial assistance. Typically, cash scholarships are awarded the semester prior to when the student starts coursework.

Q: Does the program provide career counseling?

A: Yes, the accounting department organizes career fairs each semester in which students can network with employers located around the globe as well as others located exclusively in the Southeastern United States.

Scholarships

The Culverhouse School of Accountancy awards scholarships and assistantships to eligible students in the Master of Accountancy or Master of Tax Accounting programs based on factors such as merit and/ or need, depending upon the underlying scholarship agreements.

Currently Enrolled Alabama Accounting Students

You should use the undergraduate scholarship application for currently enrolled UA students for MAcc and MTA scholarships. To be considered for scholarships as an incoming MAcc / MTA student, you must be listed as an accounting major complete the scholarship form as follows:

On myBama, go to your Admissions/Scholarships Tab.
In the left-hand column titled “Scholarships,” you will see a section labeled “Undergraduate Students Only.” Click on the link underneath the title labeled “Current Student Scholarship Application.”
Once you access the application, please select the following information:
- Anticipated class status: Senior
- Anticipated college: Culverhouse College of Commerce.
- Anticipated Graduation Term: Select either Spring 2023 or Summer 2023 depending on your estimated graduation date.
- Complete Section C of the form (the written section). This is your opportunity to provide details about your financial situation and other special circumstances. We urge you to use the section concerning extraordinary circumstances / special needs to describe personal circumstances that create financial need and/or have had a significant impact on your academic performance. These circumstances may be physical, emotional, or financial. It is important that the scholarship committee knows all it can about you and your specific needs/circumstances.

The deadline for this scholarship application is March 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. We cannot extend this deadline, so be sure to complete the application as soon as possible. You do not have to have your Graduate School Application complete in order to submit the scholarship application. If you have any questions concerning this process, please contact Sydney Simmons in the accounting office for assistance (ssimmons@culverhouse.ua.edu).

Outside Students Seeking Enrollment into our MAcc/MTA

Applicants to the MAcc or MTA program from other Universities should complete this form for scholarships: MAcc/MTA Scholarship Application for Non-Alabama Students and contact Dr. Rich Houston (rhouston@culverhouse.ua.edu) for information about assistantships.

You do not have to have your Graduate School Application completed in order to submit the scholarship application.

The deadline for this scholarship application is March 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. We cannot extend this deadline, so please complete the application as soon as possible. You do not have to have your Graduate School Application complete in order to submit the scholarship application. If you have any questions concerning this process, please contact Sydney Simmons for assistance (ssimmons@culverhouse.ua.edu).

Career Outcomes

The Culverhouse School of Accountancy hosts career fairs each semester. Students have the opportunity to network with professionals in public accounting, corporate accounting, finance, government, and non-profit organizations. Recent job placements include:

Deloitte
Ernst & Young
KPMG
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Aprio
BDO
Bennett Thrasher
BMSS
CBIZ
Cherry Bekaert LLP
Class Advisors, Inc.
CRI
Crowe
Dixon Hughes Goodman
FBI
Freddie Mac
Grant Thornton
Home Chef
Jackson Thornton
LeCroy Richardson, PC
McAbee Construction, Inc.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
Moore Colson
Norfolk Southern
RSM
Smith, Dukes, and Buckalew
TravelSky
Warren Averett, LLC
Way, Ray, Shelton & Co., P.C

Required Courses Info

Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of approved coursework beyond the undergraduate degree. At least 18 of these hours must be coursework in the major field. A minimum of 24 hours must be taken in courses open only to graduate students, and 15 of these must be in courses in accounting and taxation at The University of Alabama. Students are also required to complete Governmental & Nonprofit Accounting, either prior to entering the program or as part of the MTA degree.

Start your journey to Manderson

Apply Now

Contact Us

Karen Miller | Director of the MTA Program

Rich Houston | Department Head

April Ingram | Director of Specialized Masters and Ph.D. Programs