New Taxation Graduate Program Available Online

The University of Kentucky has launched a new Graduate Certificate program in Taxation that prepares aspiring and current CPAs to pursue a specialization in Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). The graduate level certificate program housed within the Von Allmen School of Accountancy in the Gatton College of Business and Economics starts this fall. 

This program offers students who already hold a bachelor’s level degree in a related field the opportunity to further their knowledge and research in tax law and tax strategy in a short amount of time. The program was created to benefit:

• Those who have previous experience as finance and accounting majors who want to focus their careers on taxation
• Working accountants who are interested in pursuing a career focused on taxes and tax law
• Students from other academic areas of business and finance who are seeking a new career path and want to gain specific education related to accounting and taxes

What are tax laws?

Tax laws are the legal rules and regulations created by local, state, and the federal government to ensure the fair and equitable collection of revenue needed to fund government operations and services. Tax laws are constantly changing and require professionals with in depth knowledge to lead businesses and individuals to comply with these laws.

What does a Taxation Certificate do for you?

The accounting industry is continuing to flourish and both businesses and individuals rely on accountants to provide advice and guidance on tax law adherence and document preparation. This graduate program prepares accountants to pursue a specialization in Tax Compliance and Planning and gain expertise in the areas of complex tax issues, tax strategies, and tax research.

1. Expertise in Tax Laws: Accountants with a taxation certification have accurate information and education concerning tax planning, compliance, and strategies to minimize tax liabilities.  
2. Career Advancement: A taxation certification demonstrates to employers and clients that the accountant is an expert in taxation matters, which may lead to promotions, salary increases, or specialized roles within firms or corporations. 
3. Client Trust: Clients search for professionals who specialize in taxes because they trust their expertise and ability to identify and navigate complex issues. 
4. Compliance and Risk Management: With a taxation certification, accountants are equipped to protect their clients and employers from the risk of penalties, audits, and other legal consequences. 

A Taxation certificate adds credibility, expertise, and career opportunities for accountants who strive to specialize in taxation and provide high-quality tax advisory and compliance services to the economy. 

What does the program entail?

This fully-online program is available in an asynchronous format, meaning that course requirements can be completed on your own schedule. The Gatton College of Business and Economics is AACSB accredited, an achievement held by less than 5% of the world’s business schools. Further, the school holds a supplemental accounting accreditation from the AACSB, held by less than 1% of business schools. This speaks to the quality of the faculty and the education in taxation accounting that students receive.

The program requires two prerequisite courses (these courses are often completed during an undergraduate accounting program but can also be completed online by non-accounting majors) 

• ACC 201 - Financial Accounting 

• ACC 407 - Concepts of Income Taxation 

The program consists of 9 credits. In less than a year, you can be a specialist in taxation. 

• ACC 507 - Advanced Topics in Taxation 

• ACC 617 - Selected Topics in Taxation

• ACC 637 - Taxation of Flow Through Entities

Apply Today!

The program accepts applications in the Fall and Spring term. View the Taxation program page for exact dates and more information.