Idaho State University offering new taxation degree

A new degree has been added to Idaho State University’s curriculum. Starting fall semester 2017, ISU will now be offering a master of taxation degree.

The master of taxation degree, or MTax for short, is a one-year graduate program. It’s a very specialized degree.

ISU’s College of Business is already accepting applications for the program. The university already has a master of accounting degree. But the taxation degree will focus directly on all aspects of tax education. All classes in the degree will be focused on taxes, rather than just one or two classes, like it is with the accounting program.

“The master of taxation degree is going to open up some doors for folks that a general degree wouldn’t open from a taxation perspective,” said Daniel Ames, associate dean and chair of the accounting deparment at ISU.

ISU said it felt adding the program was necessary.

“Whether you’re a small company, a medium-sized company, or a large company, everybody needs help with taxation,” Ames said. “So Southeastern Idaho, as well as nationally, there’s a tremendous need for individuals that possess this skill set. And that’s what we’re going to provide to our students to be able to provide then to the community and nationally.”

Ames said 40 percent of their faculty already on staff are experts in taxation so they can teach courses for the program.

Ames said the college felt like it was an all-around good fit for ISU.

Ames said several accounting firms now require a specialized degree like the MTax. He said the average starting salary for someone with a taxation degree is about $79,000 per year.

You can apply online at isu.edu/apply. Applicants must also submit a transcript, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and have GRE or GMAT scores. Questions and information can be directed to the business college at 208-282-2504.