Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The programme combines core business and accounting foundation courses with specialised taxation study to build technical competence in individual and business tax matters. Typical modules include:

• Principles of Accounting – financial and managerial accounting fundamentals that underpin tax work.
• Federal Income Taxation: Individuals – individual tax rules, filing requirements, deductions, credits and compliance processes.
• Federal Income Taxation: Corporations & Partnerships – taxation of business entities, basis and distributions, pass-through taxation and corporate tax issues.
• Advanced Tax Issues – topics such as deferred tax, tax accounting methods, consolidated returns and international tax considerations.
• Tax Research & Practice – research techniques, use of tax authorities, tax ethics and representation before tax authorities.
• Business Law & Ethics – contracts, business organisations and ethical responsibilities relevant to tax practitioners.
• Accounting Information Systems – technology used in tax compliance, data management and tax software applications.
• Auditing and Assurance – audit principles that affect tax reporting and controls.
• Electives & Practicum – options may include estate and gift taxation, payroll tax, state and local taxation, and internships or practicum placements with accounting firms or tax departments.

The degree usually integrates general education requirements and business school core courses, resulting in a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for entry-level tax roles and further professional study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong performance in mathematics and related subjects. Standard entry considerations include high-school GPA, college preparatory coursework (including algebra and, where available, calculus or statistics), and a completed application to the university.

Additional points that strengthen an application include prior coursework in accounting, economics or business, demonstrated quantitative skills, and extracurricular or work experience that shows attention to detail. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college transcripts and credits; mature or non-traditional applicants may be considered with relevant work experience.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in taxation have a range of career options in public accounting firms, corporate tax departments, government tax agencies, non-profit organisations and tax advisory practices. Typical roles include:

• Tax associate or tax staff in public accounting
• Corporate tax analyst or tax accountant
• State or federal tax examiner or auditor
• Payroll and benefits tax specialist
• Tax consultant or adviser in boutique firms or consulting practices

Many graduates continue toward professional credentials — for example the CPA or Enrolled Agent — or pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Taxation or MBA to advance into senior technical or leadership positions. Practical skills developed in the programme, such as tax research, compliance workflow and client communication, are highly transferable across accounting and finance careers.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University’s College of Business offers an AACSB-accredited business education with access to experienced faculty who combine academic knowledge and practitioner background in taxation. The university’s location within reach of the Detroit metropolitan area provides strong internship and employer networking opportunities with regional accounting firms, corporate headquarters and government agencies.

Students benefit from career services, accounting and tax student organisations, and experiential learning opportunities such as internships and tax clinics or community tax-preparation programs. The programme’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for immediate employment and for further professional certification, while small-class settings support personalised advising and faculty mentorship.