- Attorneys seeking advanced tax law training<\/li>
- Early-career lawyers building specialized expertise<\/li>
- International lawyers pursuing knowledge of US tax law or bar eligibility<\/li>
- Professionals in accounting, finance, or government transitioning into tax-focused legal roles<\/li>
- JD students interested in accelerated pathways<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nAdmission Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Admission to the LLM in Taxation program is selective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Applicants must have:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- A first law degree such as a JD, LLB, or international equivalent<\/li>
- Strong academic credentials<\/li>
- Demonstrated interest in tax law or a related field<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Professional experience and prior coursework in tax are considered but not required. International applicants may pursue additional enrollment pathways, including options that support New York Bar eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHow to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nEnrollment Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On Campus Option<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The residential LLM in Taxation allows students to study in Boston through evening courses that support working professionals. Students may enroll full time or part time and may take up to six credits of online courses to accommodate scheduling conflicts. Residential students can also pursue the Estate Planning Certificate in-person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online Option<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The online LLM in Taxation offers the same curriculum, faculty, and degree as the residential program. Students can begin in fall, spring, or summer and complete the program full time or part time, accessing recorded lectures and course materials on demand. This format is ideal for domestic and international lawyers whose professional obligations preclude attendance in Boston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two-Year LLM Program<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
International students who wish to strengthen their English proficiency and academic skills prior to enrolling in the Tax LLM can pursue a two-year program<\/a> format, combining language preparation with advanced tax coursework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Six-Semester JD\/LLM Degree<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This accelerated dual degree option enables BU Law students to earn both their JD and LLM degrees in six semesters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seven-Semester JD\/LLM Degree<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This dual degree option is available to BU Law students who take qualifying courses during the second and third years of their JD program and complete the remaining LLM requirements in an additional semester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New York Bar Qualification Option<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Foreign-trained students seeking both the LLM in Taxation and eligibility to sit for the New York Bar may enroll in a 32-credit, three-semester pathway. Students complete required courses on campus to meet New York Board of Law Examiners requirements, while also earning the BU Law LLM in Taxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summer Courses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Begin your LLM program with summer courses<\/a> specifically designed to set you up for success during the regular semester. Build a strong foundation for your graduate studies with courses like Academic Skills for the International Lawyer<\/a>, Financial Services Fundamentals<\/a>, Fundamentals of Banking Law<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nWhy Pursue an LLM in Taxation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
BU Law\u2019s Graduate Tax Program is consistently ranked among the top Tax LLM programs in the United States and is widely recognized by employers across the legal and accounting industries. Graduates benefit from a strong reputation in the market and access to opportunities across law firms, accounting firms, corporations, and government agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The program integrates career development into the student experience through employer recruiting events, engagement with leading accounting firms, and a dedicated Tax LLM job fair. Students gain access to proprietary job postings, individualized career advising, and a global alumni network that supports long-term career growth in tax law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The LLM in Taxation can be pursued full time or part time, either in Boston or fully online. All students receive the same curriculum and instruction, with residential lectures recorded and made available within 24 hours to ensure a consistent and flexible learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The curriculum emphasizes applied learning through training in tax research platforms, exposure to current tax controversies, and skill-building workshops that prepare students for the technical demands of modern tax practice. Students learn in a collaborative environment with peers from across the United States and around the world, supported by small class sizes that encourage meaningful engagement with faculty and fellow students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nCourses and Curriculum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Comprehensive Tax Curriculum<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The BU Law LLM in Taxation offers one of the most extensive tax law curricula in the United States. Students can select from more than 40 courses annually covering federal income taxation, corporate and partnership taxation, international tax law, estate planning, and financial services taxation. All courses are available to both residential and online students, with lectures recorded and posted within 24 hours for flexible learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nView Course Offerings<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDegree Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits, including required foundational courses, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3. Full time students typically finish in two semesters, while part time students may take up to eight semesters. A thesis is not required, though students may pursue independent research or faculty-supervised projects to deepen their expertise. Credit from other Boston University graduate programs may be applied toward the degree upon approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nEmphasis Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n
Estate Planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students may pursue Estate Planning either as a formal concentration<\/strong>, which appears on the transcript, or as an emphasis area<\/strong>, allowing flexible course selection without transcript notation. Estate Planning coursework <\/a>covers advanced estate and gift taxation, wills and trusts, and succession planning. Students develop practical skills for advising clients and structuring estates in compliance with federal and state tax law.<\/p>\n\n\n
General Business Taxation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students focusing on business taxation explore corporate, partnership, and transactional tax issues. General Business taxation electives <\/a>allow students to deepen knowledge in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and tax policy.<\/p>\n\n\n
International Taxation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students learn cross-border tax issues, including taxation of multinational corporations, international tax treaties, and compliance issues. International Taxation courses<\/a> provide insight into global tax advisory work.<\/p>\n\n\n
Financial Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students focusing on financial services taxation study regulatory frameworks, tax implications for banks, investment funds, insurance, and other financial institutions. Financial Services courses<\/a> emphasize applied problem-solving and compliance strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nCareers and Employment Outcomes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The BU Law LLM in Taxation prepares graduates for high-impact careers in law, accounting, corporate, and government sectors. Students benefit from personalized career advising<\/a>, exclusive recruiting events, and a global alumni network, whether studying residentially in Boston or fully online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employment Statistics by Class<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recent classes\u2019 employment outcomes demonstrate the program\u2019s success. Placement depends on factors like prior experience, academic background, and geographic preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Class of 2024 Employment Statistics<\/a><\/li>
- Class of 2023 Employment Statistics<\/a><\/li>
- Class of 2022 Employment Statistics<\/a><\/li>
- Class of 2021 Employment Statistics<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why BU Law Tax LLM Graduates Excel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
BU Law Tax LLM graduates are recognized and sought after by top law firms, accounting firms, and multinational corporations. They gain exclusive access to proprietary job postings and participate in the annual Tax LLM Job Fair. Students benefit from hands-on career support and mentorship from faculty and our extensive alumni network. Graduates also have opportunities to pursue New York Bar eligibility and international career placements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BU Law LLM in Taxation graduates leave equipped to launch and advance careers in tax law worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nBeyond the Classroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Professional Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
LLM in Taxation students benefit from top-tier career support, including employer recruiting events, personalized advising, exclusive job postings, alumni mentoring, and the annual Tax LLM job fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experiential Learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students gain hands-on experience through United States Tax Court observations, tax research and advanced Excel workshops, and timely lectures that connect theory to practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community and Networking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students join a collaborative community with small classes, integrated online learning, and strong networking opportunities, connecting them to a global alumni network of 3,000+ professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLife & Community in Boston<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boston is a global hub for legal education and a front\u2011row seat to developments in tax law across finance, healthcare, tech, and higher education. BU Law\u2019s tax faculty, strong local practitioner and alumni networks, and Boston\u2019s concentration of law firms, accounting firms, government tax offices, and innovative industries make it an ideal place for LLM students to gain practical experience, internships, and career opportunities in tax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n![](\"\/law\/files\/2026\/03\/world-class-sports-thumbnail.jpg\")
\nWorld Class Sports<\/h3>\n
Cheer for Boston’s hometown teams at baseball, football, hockey, and basketball games, and support BU’s nationally-ranked Men’s Hockey Team on program-sponsored outings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n![](\"\/law\/files\/2026\/03\/skating-thumbnail.jpg\")
\nSkiing and Skating<\/h3>\n
Winter in New England means fun in the snow! Join faculty and classmates for trips to local ski trails and skating rinks on the BU campus or Boston Common.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n![](\"\/law\/files\/2026\/03\/symphony-thumbnail.jpg\")
\nConcerts at Symphony Hall<\/h3>\n
Walk to Boston\u2019s Symphony Hall, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops. Students are eligible to receive free tickets to select concerts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n![](\"\/law\/files\/2026\/03\/international-night-thumbnail-2.jpg\")
\nAnnual International Potluck<\/h3>\n
Take a study break and bring a dish from your home country or region to share with your professors and classmates. One of our most popular events!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n![](\"\/law\/files\/2026\/03\/inclusive-learning-thumbnail.jpg\")
\nStudent-Led Events<\/h3>\n
Have a hobby or interest to share? We fully support student involvement and will help you plan your event.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- Class of 2023 Employment Statistics<\/a><\/li>
- Class of 2024 Employment Statistics<\/a><\/li>