Business Taxation (MBT)

Understanding taxation is critical to every business decision and many personal decisions as well. Whether you are preparing for a career as a tax professional in public accounting, industry, government or the investment arena or are starting your own business, tax planning must be done. Because of the complexity of the tax law and its pervasive influence, people facing tax decisions routinely call on tax professionals for advice in planning and structuring their affairs in order to comply with the law and to ensure economic good sense.

The Master of Business Taxation (MBT) program is designed to develop the skills and expertise professionals need to assist individuals and firms trying to cope with myriad tax legislation and regulation at both the federal and local levels. The program offers students: 1) technical and conceptual knowledge; 2) professional development; 3) research and lifelong learning; 4) ethical and professional standards; and 5) globalization and diversity. For details on these student learning outcomes, see the program website at marshall.usc.edu/mbt/academics.

Application

An undergraduate accounting or business major is not necessary, nor is work experience a requirement. The program enrolls students in the summer or fall based on their academic backgrounds. For application information visit marshall.usc.edu/mbt/admissions.

Program Requirements

The Leventhal School of Accounting Master’s Program Office evaluates the academic background of each admitted student to determine the courses required to complete the program. Typically, a student with an undergraduate degree in accounting will complete the 30-unit program. Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting at USC may be able to earn the Master of Business Taxation in as few as 24 units. Students should meet with a graduate adviser during their junior year to determine if they qualify. A student with an undergraduate degree in any other subject usually needs preparatory course work totaling 15–18 additional units.

Prerequisite Course Work

Each summer the Leventhal School of Accounting offers an eight-week, 40 hours-per-week course to students who have not completed undergraduate degrees or other extensive course work in accounting. ACCT 525 x Intensive Accounting Principles and Practices 15  must be completed successfully prior to beginning the core program.

If students have not taken a finance course as part of their undergraduate degree, they will also be required to take GSBA 548 Corporate Finance 2, 3  prior to or during the program.