Charles F. Dolan School of Business introduces Master of Science degree program in taxation | Press Releases

The Charles F. Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University will begin offering a Master of Science degree program in taxation this fall. The degree will be geared toward industry managers and executives, financial services and public accounting professionals, and others seeking a specialized education in taxation. The part-time program will be the only Master of Science degree program in taxation in Fairfield County.

"Due to the nature of the operating and regulatory environment facing firms, taxes are a particularly complex factor in conducting business today," said Kathleen M. Weiden, C.P.A., Ph.D., professor of accounting at Fairfield. Dr. Weiden also holds an M.S. in taxation.

"Firms in industry face a myriad of federal, state, local and international tax structures as they conduct business in the global economy, and they must consider these tax structures from both compliance and planning perspectives," Dr. Weiden said. "For these firms and their advisers, those in the legal, financial services and public accounting fields, the program will train business professionals to use the variety of tax authorities (i.e., statutory, judicial and administrative) and other resources to critically consider and resolve complex tax issues."

The Dolan School of Business anticipates a particularly strong interest in the tax program from public accounting professionals.

"While the technicalities involved in tax work have traditionally led public accounting firms to hire tax attorneys, the layering of a Master's of Science in Taxation on an undergraduate accounting degree creates a professional with the ability to recognize and deal with both the financial statement and tax reporting effects of completed or contemplated transactions and events. These dual-skilled professionals are in great demand by firms in public practice," Dr. Weiden said.

The Dolan School of Business already offers a part-time MBA with a concentration in taxation. While the School of Business expects a continued interest in that program from managers and executives with multi-disciplinary responsibilities, discussions with area employers also indicated a need for more tax specialization. The Master's of Science in Taxation will provide that in-depth training.

"We are very excited about this new program," said Paul Caster, C.P.A., Ph. D., associate professor of accounting and director of graduate accounting programs at Fairfield. "The program features seven required tax courses and three electives. For students interested in C.P.A. certification, the program gives them the flexibility to pick up the additional courses and credits they need to meet the 150 credit hour requirement to sit for the C.P.A. exam."

The new program joins the School's robust suite of graduate degree offerings, which include a Master's of Science in Finance and an M.B.A. with concentrations available in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Information Systems and Operations Management, International Business and Taxation.

"The M.S. in Taxation fills an important need in the business and professional community," said Norman Solomon, Ph.D., dean of the Dolan School. "Utilizing its excellent Accounting faculty the Dolan School of Business will be one of the few business schools in the metro New York area to offer this program."

The Charles F. Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University is a leader in business curriculum innovation.

An AACSB International-accredited program, The Dolan School annually serves 1,500 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students to advance within their professions and empowering them to become leaders in their fields. In addition to substantial professional business experience, faculty members are recognized nationally and internationally for their scholarship. The School itself is housed in a technology-rich building and dedicated to excellence in a business-learning environment – a facility that is among the best in the nation.

Students can register now for the fall semester. For more information on the new Master's of Science in Taxation degree program, or any Dolan School of Business graduate program offerings, call (203) 254-4070, or e-mail gradadmis@mail.fairfield.edu .