Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Taxation is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and regulations. This online certificate program is offered by Penn State World Campus and is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals seeking to specialize in taxation.

Program Details

• The program consists of 9 credits and can be completed in 8-16 months.
• The curriculum covers foundational elements of taxation, tax research and analysis, corporate taxation, and international taxation.
• Students can choose from a variety of courses, including:
  • ACCTG 812: Taxation
  • ACCTG 822: Corporate Taxation and Financial Reporting
  • ACCTG 823: Taxation of Pass-Through Entities
  • ACCTG 826: International Taxation
  • ACCTG 827: State and Local Taxation

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree.
• Official transcripts from each institution attended are required.
• GRE or GMAT test scores are not required.
• English proficiency is required for international applicants.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register.
• Tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year are $1,154 per credit for 11 or fewer credits and $13,860 per semester for 12 or more credits.
• Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid.
• Private alternative loans may be an option.

Career Opportunities

• The program is designed to help students advance their careers in taxation.
• Graduates can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including public accounting, private industry, and government.
• The program also provides a solid foundation for those seeking to pursue a master's degree in taxation.

Faculty

• The program is taught by experienced faculty with diverse backgrounds and industry expertise.
• Faculty members include:
  • Lawrence Friedken
  • Edward R. Jenkins
  • Sean Nemchik
  • Michael Rosenberg
  • Kristy M. Schenck

Accreditation

• The Penn State Smeal College of Business is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide.

Additional Information

• The program is offered in partnership with the Penn State Smeal College of Business.
• Students can earn a respected credential while learning from faculty with diverse backgrounds and industry expertise.
• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and regulations, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers.