Business Taxation FAQs

Thinking about the Online Master of Business Taxation? This page covers the questions we hear most, from program format and curriculum to admissions and tuition.

Have a question not answered here? Feel free to email us anytime at [email protected].

 

Overview

The Master of Business Taxation (MBT) is a highly-ranked, 100% online master's program that focuses on developing deep technical expertise and analytical skills in key areas of business taxation, including corporate tax, international tax and tax policy.

The program is ideal for professionals currently employed in or seeking to transition to roles in public accounting (such as Senior Tax Analyst, Tax Manager, or Director of Taxation) who require a flexible, online format to complete their advanced degree.

The format is 100% Online with both full-time and part-time scheduling options. The average completion time is three years for part-time students, but the degree can be finished in as quickly as nine months or extended up to five years.

There are multiple intake periods: Fall (September) and Spring (January).

It is primarily designed for experienced professionals; however, work experience is not strictly required for admission. The typical cohort has approximately 4–6 years of professional work experience.

No, the Master of Business Taxation program is not STEM-designated. As a fully online program, it does not typically qualify international students for F-1 visa status or the Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.

Start your application online. We designed the process to be direct and accessible.

No. Work experience is not required, but the program is designed for working professionals applying tax concepts in practice. Most admitted students have several years of relevant experience in tax, accounting or public accounting environments.

We do not offer formal specializations. However, the curriculum includes eight elective credits. You can use these to focus on specific professional interests and career goals.

Graduates typically pursue roles such as senior tax accountant, senior tax analyst, tax manager and director of taxation. Most students currently work in or plan to transition to public accounting.

Yes. We offer scholarships for both full-time and part-time students. We award these based on financial need and academic merit. Contact us to learn more.

Tuition is $1,645 per credit hour. The 30-credit program costs approximately $49,350, excluding fees. For more up-to-date information, visit our Tuition & Aid webpage.

The program fits the schedule of working professionals. The average student finishes in three years. However, you can complete the degree in as little as nine months or take up to five years.

Admissions

Carlson's online MBT offers a flexible, fully online format with the same rigorous content as the top-ranked in-person program. Unique features include a scheduled break during the traditional tax season (March 1 to April 15) and coursework intentionally designed to help fulfill accounting and taxation education requirements relevant to CPA licensure.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (in any field) is required.

Applicants must complete two prerequisite accounting courses (Introduction to Financial Reporting and Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax, or equivalents) with a grade of C or better prior to enrolling in MBT coursework. These prerequisites do not need to be completed at the time of application.

There is no GPA requirement to apply. View our Requirements & Deadlines webpage for more details.

Work experience is not required; however, the program is designed for professionals currently working in or preparing for careers in taxation. Most students have several years of relevant professional experience.

Relevant professional experience in the tax field, along with CPA certification, is highly considered during the application review process.

No, the GMAT or GRE is not required and is entirely optional. Candidates may submit GMAT or LSAT scores to strengthen their academic profile if desired.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with three priority rounds for each start term: Fall Start (September): May 15, June 15, July 15. Spring Start (January): October 15, November 15, December 15.

Yes. A bachelor's degree in any field is accepted, provided the required prerequisite accounting coursework is completed prior to enrollment in MBT classes.

Tuition & Aid

The Master of Business Taxation costs $1,695 per credit for 2026-2027, the same rate for all students regardless of residency. The program requires 30 credits, so total tuition is $50,850 at the current rate. University fees, books and course materials are extra. See our Tuition & Aid page for the full breakdown.

Yes, scholarships are available for both full-time and part-time admitted students, awarded based on a combination of financial need and academic merit. Notification of scholarships is included with the admission decision.

The Master of Business Taxation doesn't offer program-specific teaching or research assistantships. Some union and non-union graduate assistant positions exist at the master's level across the University, and you're welcome to apply, but availability depends on the department and role, so don't count on an assistantship as a primary way to fund the degree. Most MBT students fund the program through employer reimbursement or financial aid instead.

Yes. Students are eligible for federal student loans, and due to the professional focus, employer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship is a common funding route.

The Master of Business Taxation doesn't estimate your cost of living, because you study from wherever you live and your day-to-day expenses are your own. What you spend depends on where you are, so it isn't part of the program cost. For the parts that don't change with your location, One Stop Student Services handles financial aid, loan eligibility and the FAFSA, and many students cover tuition through employer reimbursement, which is common in this field. Visit One Stop Student Services for aid and loan questions.

Curriculum

The program is 30 credits total, consisting of approximately 22 required credits and 8 elective credits. Core courses cover Tax Research, Corporate Tax I & II, Partnership Tax and Tax Technology & Analytics.

No formal concentrations are offered. The curriculum is tailored through 8 elective credits to align with professional goals, covering topics like Advanced ASC 740, International Tax II and Compensation & Benefits.

The online MBT does not require a capstone, practicum or internship.

Real-world application is integrated through coursework, such as the required Tax Research, Communication, and Practice course and by leveraging adjunct faculty who are leading experts in the field.

The program is extremely flexible, delivered 100% online with flexible scheduling designed for working professionals, including a scheduled break during the busy tax season (March 1 to April 15).

Community & Careers

The cohort consists of working professionals, many of whom are already employed in or transitioning to public accounting. The average work experience is approximately 4–6 years.

MBT students are integrated into the Minnesota Carlson community and may engage with the graduate business community in an online format, with potential opportunities to join Carlson-wide events.

Students have access to one-on-one career support to assist with job change and career advancement.

Graduates typically secure roles such as Senior Tax Accountant, Senior Tax Analyst, Tax Manager, Director of Taxation and Senior Taxation Manager across various sectors.

Students gain access to a strong professional network, including the program's dedicated 1,300+ alumni network, which is a valuable resource for professional networking and career leads.

The student experience is entirely online and self-paced, built around the schedules of busy professionals. Campus staff available to support student success include faculty, academic advising and technical support.