Taxation, MS – Technology and Analytics Concentration
Program at a Glance
Program
Taxation, MS – Technology and Analytics Concentration
Format
Hybrid / San Francisco
Total Units
36
Requirements
No GMAT or GRE Required
Fall ’25 Early Application Deadline
July 13
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Taxation with a Technology and Analytics Concentration is an innovative cohort program designed for tax professionals working towards becoming leaders in their field. This program combines a strong legal foundation in tax with cutting-edge technology and analytics skills. Students will learn to leverage financial data to improve strategic decision-making, while developing expertise in data analytics, automation, visualization, and communication of financial information.
This program is ideal for working adults, as it features a low-residency requirement with classes held in the late afternoons and evenings. The coursework will be delivered in a hybrid modality, combining online and in-person elements. Each term of the six sequential terms will include two courses, one of which will be a hybrid course with multiple in-person sessions, providing a flexible learning format that supports continuous professional engagement.
This unique program stands apart from GGU’s online MS in Taxation due to its law-based curriculum, taught by experienced tax professionals who are deeply knowledgeable in tax law. The program provides opportunities for networking, as well as personal and professional development, essential for future leaders in tax. The program’s location in the San Francisco Financial District, home to major Big 4 accounting firms, further enhances opportunities for career advancement.
Our program is a STEM-designated degree program, providing students with an edge in the competitive field of taxation, particularly in leveraging emerging technologies that are transforming the profession. The curriculum includes a blend of core and specialized courses, covering topics such as estate and gift tax, partnerships, C corporations, LLCs and S corporations, California and multi-state tax, international tax, retirement plans, individual tax issues, and tax research. This ensures that students are well-prepared for the practical challenges of the tax industry.
Cohort Admission Requirements
The program is only available as a cohort, with a Fall 2025 start. It will be completed over 6 terms (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027). As a low-residency program, it is well-suited for student veterans or students on F1 Visas, offering the flexibility needed for these individuals.
- Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a recognized foreign institution (outside the United States), and provide official transcripts.
- Master’s degree holders only need to submit transcripts from previous graduate programs. However, applicants are encouraged to submit all transcripts to maximize transfer credit.
- All applicants will need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a resume.
- For applicants with a GPA under 3.0, the Statement of Purpose should address the circumstances that led to the applicant’s academic performance, what has changed, and why they think they’ll be more successful now.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must meet the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements.
Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement
Students are expected to possess proficiency in writing to ensure they can be successful in their course of study. Students may meet this requirement by satisfying one of the screening criteria listed under the Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Taxation with Technology and Analytics Concentration requires completion of 36 units in the graduate program with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better in courses taken at Golden Gate University that are applicable to the program’s requirements. Courses listed carry three semester units of credit unless otherwise noted.
For further information regarding graduation requirements, see Academic Requirements for Graduate Programs.
Students may take TA 329 in lieu of TA 329A and TA 329B, with the permission of the dean.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Science in Taxation cohort program with a Concentration in Technology and Analytics will possess the skills and knowledge to:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify tax issues, determine the applicable relevant primary authority, analyze relevant primary authority and apply the authorities to reach well-reasoned oral or written conclusions.
- Demonstrate technical tax knowledge in the areas of individual, corporate, and partnership taxation.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of IRS practice and procedure.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the ethics and standards of professional responsibilities applicable to tax practitioners.
- Effectively communicate tax and financial information using analytics and automation technology.
- Demonstrate experience and skill in tax planning and analysis through the use of technology tools increasingly used in the tax and accounting professions.
Program Format
Earn the MS in Taxation – Technology and Analytics Concentration is an in-person program that takes place on a fixed schedule with a group of peers.
Cohort Program
- Courses are primarily offered in-person in San Francisco and via web conference
- Cohort program students take courses full-time on a fixed schedule
-
STEM-designated with internship options near the end of the program
- Meets the residency requirements for international students on a visa and for eligible students utilizing VA education benefits
-
Students in the program will complete the degree in under 2 years
CAREER DEVELOPMENT & PLACEMENT SUPPORT
Cohort students earning this degree will attend frequent workshops focusing on career search techniques, including resume writing and interview coaching. Multiple career options are presented by tax and accounting firms and industry leaders. Networking events and interactive sessions with accounting and tax professionals at all levels — from first year staff members to managing partners — are convened exclusively for cohort students. Technical panels and hands-on training sessions allow cohort students to immediately leverage their classroom knowledge so they are able to use what they have learned in real-life practice situations during their internship or employment position.
Term by Term Course Breakdown
| Fall 2025 | Units | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| TA 329 – Tax Research and Writing | 3 | In-Person/Online |
| TA 318 – Advanced Federal Income Taxation | 3 | In-Person/Online |
| Spring 2026 | Units | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| TA 330 – Property Transactions | 3 | In-Person/Online |
| TA 336 – Introduction to Data Analytics for Tax | 3 | Online-Synchronous |
| Summer 2026 | Units | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| TA 338 – Tax Timing | 3 | In-Person/Online |
| TA 339 – Automation and Innovative Technologies | 3 | Online-Synchronous |
| Fall 2026 | Units | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| TA 322A – Federal Income Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders 1 | 3 | In-Person/Online |
| TA 340 – Advanced Automation | 3 | In-Person/Online |
| Spring 2027 | Units | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| TA 328 – Federal Income Taxation of Partners and Partnerships | 3 | In-Person/Online |
| TA 319 – Federal Tax Procedure | 3 | Online-Synchronous or Online-Asynchronous |
| Summer 2027 | Units | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| TA 335 – Visualization of Accounting & Tax Data | 3 | In-Person/Online or Online-Synchronous |
| TA 398 – Internship: Taxation or TA 341 – Emerging Technology in Tax and Accounting |
3 or 6 |
*Program sequence and modality subject to change. At least one course per term will be Hybrid (In-Person & Online).
MS in Taxation – Technology and Analytics Concentration Tuition
The tuition for the MS in Taxation degree program at Golden Gate University is $1,250 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty. This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.
