Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business will be offering classes in Stamford for its Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program beginning in May. Through an initiative with KPMG, the audit, tax and advising firm, students will be able to take select required MST courses at the firm's 3001 Summer Street building.

Norm Solomon, Ph. D., dean of the Dolan School, said, "The Dolan School's Stamford location will undoubtedly be a great convenience to professionals living and working in the Stamford area and Westchester County. Students will be taught by the same Fairfield University faculty who bring to the classroom a wealth of experience from working at the top accounting firms, banks and respected financial service institutions."

Classes start on May 18 at the Stamford site, which is located a short drive from both the Merritt Parkway and downtown Stamford. The AACSB-accredited Dolan School is accepting applications for September enrollment in the part-time program designed to prepare individuals for advancement in the field of taxation. Questions should be directed to Dawn W. Massey, Ph. D., CPA, chair of the accounting department at Fairfield, at DMassey@mail.fairfield.edu .

The MST program is geared to a wide range of students, from recent graduates with bachelor's degrees in accounting or finance to more experienced professionals who want to advance their careers. It is conceived to be especially useful for industry managers, executives, financial service professionals, public accountants, and others seeking a specialized education in taxation. Ken Seel, KPMG Stamford Office Managing Partner, said, "In today's world of complex tax issues, providing tax compliance or consulting services requires a high degree of technical tax knowledge. Earning an MST will provide individuals with the necessary depth and breadth of knowledge that is typically not available in an MBA or undergraduate program."

Students will be taught a variety of tax authorities (statutory, judicial and administrative) and other vital resources to critically consider and resolve complex tax issues. The program requires students take 10 three-credit courses, of which seven are required. Students can use their three elective choices to customize the program to suit their needs. For example, students can opt to take as their electives courses that may enable them to fulfill the education requirements for certification as Certified Public Accountants in New York State, as well as in Connecticut. Classes offered at the Stamford location and Fairfield's main campus will vary each semester. Classes are held for the convenience of working professionals, generally in the evenings. For more information about the Dolan School of Business, visit fairfield.edu/dsob or call (203) 254-4070.

Image: Dawn W. Massey, Ph. D., CPA, chair of the accounting department at Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business, and Ken Seel, KPMG Stamford Office Managing Partner.

KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International's member firms have 137,000 professionals, including more than 7,600 partners, in 144 countries.

Posted On: 04-23-2009 10:04 AM

Volume: 41 Number: 319