Offered through the school’s renowned Graduate Tax Program, our Master in the Study of Tax Law is a 24-credit program designed to provide foundational tax law training to aspiring and current accountants, auditors, and other business professionals. Building on the foundation of the Graduate Tax Program, program students have access to one of the most comprehensive curricula for advanced tax studies in the country. Our graduates, over 3,000 strong, have consistently told us that their BU Law LLM in Taxation degree has been an essential ingredient to their professional success, and we could not be more excited to open the program to a wider audience of tax professionals.

Who Should Apply?

The MSLT is ideal for individuals seeking to build tax expertise and apply legal concepts in professional settings without becoming a licensed attorney.

This program is ideal for:

• Accounting professionals and auditors seeking advanced knowledge of US tax law
• Tax advisors and consultants looking to deepen technical expertise
• Business and finance professionals working in corporate tax, compliance, or reporting
• Professionals transitioning into tax-focused roles
• Recent graduates in accounting, finance, or related fields preparing for careers in taxation

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Admission Requirements

Admission to the MSLT program is selective.

Applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Strong academic credentials
• Demonstrated interest in tax, accounting, or a related field

Professional experience is considered but not required.

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Enrollment Options

Full Time

Students complete the program in two consecutive semesters, allowing for an accelerated path to degree completion.

Part Time

Working professionals may complete the program at a flexible pace, with up to four years to finish degree requirements.

Online and On-Campus Learning

Students may choose from online and on-campus courses. Online students receive the same instruction and access to program resources and are encouraged to participate in events and campus experiences.

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Why Pursue the MSLT?

BU Law’s Graduate Tax Program is widely recognized for excellence in tax education and strong connections to employers across accounting, corporate, and government sectors.

Students in the MSLT gain access to the same resources and opportunities as graduate tax law students, including recruiting events, employer engagement, and a robust professional network.

The program emphasizes practical skill development through training in tax research, legal analysis, and written communication. Students build the technical knowledge needed to interpret and apply tax law in real-world scenarios, enhancing their effectiveness in advisory and compliance roles.

Career development is integrated into the student experience through networking opportunities, advising, and exposure to leading firms, including Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Flexible study options allow students to complete the program full time or part time, with online and on-campus access supporting a range of schedules and professional commitments.

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Courses & Curriculum

Foundational and Applied Tax Curriculum

The MSLT curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to US tax law, combining foundational coursework with opportunities to develop practical skills. Students learn how to analyze tax issues, conduct legal research, and communicate effectively in professional contexts.

Degree Requirements

Students complete 24 credits, including required courses, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 and no more than one grade of D. Full time students complete the degree requirements in two consecutive academic semesters, while part time students may take no more than four years.

Required Components

Introduction to Tax Law Module

All students complete a required, non-credit online module prior to matriculation. The module introduces key concepts necessary for success in the program, including:

• The US legal system
• Sources of tax law
• Legal research fundamentals
• Case analysis and legal methods
• Legal writing principles

Legal Research and Writing Requirement

Students complete at least 4 credits in courses focused on legal research and writing (such as TX 982 Tax Seminar or TX 985 Tax Law Research) and produce a substantial written project totaling at least 7,500 words, not including footnotes.  It is anticipated that a student will complete this requirement as part of the TX 982 Tax Seminar course.

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Careers and Employment Outcomes

Graduates of the MSLT pursue careers in accounting firms, tax advisory practices, corporations, and government agencies.

Students benefit from access to the Graduate Tax Program’s network of more than 3,000 alumni, as well as career development resources that support job placement and long-term advancement.

Career Pathways

• Public accounting and tax advisory firms
• Corporate tax and finance departments
• Government and regulatory agencies
• Consulting and advisory roles

Employment Outcomes

Employment outcomes vary based on prior experience, academic background, and geographic preferences. Students are supported through advising, networking, and employer engagement opportunities throughout the program.

• Class of 2023 Employment Statistics
• Class of 2022 Employment Statistics
• Class of 2021 Employment Statistics

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Beyond the Classroom

Professional Development

Students participate in recruiting events, networking opportunities, and advising sessions designed to support career advancement. The program hosts employer engagement opportunities with leading firms, including Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, along with access to proprietary job postings and career resources.

Experiential Learning

Students may observe proceedings in the US Tax Court and participate in workshops that develop skills in tax research tools and Excel for tax analysis. Lecture series on emerging tax topics provide exposure to current issues shaping the field.

Community and Networking

The MSLT fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. Students participate in social events, networking receptions, and alumni engagement opportunities. Online students are fully included and often visit campus during their studies.

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Life & Community in Boston

Boston is a global hub of intellectual energy, where top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Boston University intersect with cutting-edge innovation and legal thought. Just across the Charles River, Kendall Square is home to leading startups and companies like Google, Meta, and Tripadvisor, placing you at the center of the ideas, networks, and opportunities shaping the future of law and technology.

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Frequently Asked Questions