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Student Experience

Student Experience

The Master of Science in Taxation (MST) at the University of Washington Foster School of Business offers a rigorous, career-focused student experience designed to prepare students for specialized roles in taxation. Students develop deep technical expertise while engaging with faculty, peers, and industry professionals in a collaborative learning environment.

What Defines the MS in Taxation Student Experience

Cohort-based Experience

Students progress through the program as part of a structured cohort, working closely with peers to analyze complex tax scenarios. The experience builds collaboration, communication, and professional judgment.

Hands-on Learning

Students build practical tax expertise through applied coursework focused on real-world tax challenges, developing the ability to interpret tax law and apply it to business decision-making.

Full-time, Daytime Format

The program is delivered in a full-time, daytime format designed for focused, immersive study. This structure supports consistent engagement and prepares students for careers in tax, accounting, and consulting.

Industry Engagement and Access

Students engage with tax professionals through guest speakers, employer interaction, and recruiting opportunities, gaining insight into current tax practice and career pathways.

How the MS Tax Student Experience Works

The MST combines technical coursework, professional development, and industry engagement in a structured format:

Coursework: Develop expertise in tax law, research, and analysis
Application: Reinforce concepts through structured coursework and real-world tax scenarios
Career Engagement: Connect with employers, recruiters, and alumni
Community: Learn alongside a focused cohort of peers

Experiential Learning in Practice

Experiential learning is central to the MST experience, ensuring students can apply technical concepts in real-world contexts.

Students engage in:

  • Case-based coursework focused on real tax scenarios and decision-making
  • Applied assignments aligned with current industry challenges
  • Integration of tax policy, research, and practice in classroom discussions
  • Opportunities to connect technical knowledge with practical application

Learning Community

The MST cohort creates a close-knit professional community that extends beyond the classroom.

Through this model, students:

  • Collaborate with classmates in discussion-based courses
  • Learn from diverse academic and professional perspectives
  • Build relationships that support long-term professional growth

Career Integration

In recent years, 100% of students received job offers before graduation, with many joining leading accounting firms and regional employers.

Through the program, students:

  • Receive individualized career coaching and recruiting support
  • Build connections with accounting firms, corporations, and consulting organizations through networking events
  • Prepare for roles in tax advisory, compliance, and strategy

For detailed employment outcomes and employer connections, explore the Career Outcomes page.

Student Perspectives

Students in the MST program share how the experience shapes their technical expertise, career paths, and professional networks.

Jennifer Lo, 2020 MST alumna, shares about her experience in the MST program and her career as a Tax Consultant at Deloitte.Watch the video

Jennifer Lo, Master of Science in Taxation

Billy Price (BSME 2002), founder of BILLY Footwear, gave the commencement address at the June 2023 graduation celebration for the Master of Science in Taxation and the Master of Professional Accounting at the University of Washington Foster School of BusinessRead the story

Billy Price’s Inspiring Message for Foster Accounting Grads

I posed this question to our Seattle area accounting firms: Some Accounting students share with me that they are concerned about losing their work/life balance at their future firm. How would you address this concern?Read the story

Ask the Firms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MS in Taxation student experience like?

The experience is rigorous, career-focused, and designed to build deep technical expertise. Students engage in applied coursework, real-world learning, and professional development.

How career-focused is the program?

Career preparation is integrated throughout the program, with coaching, recruiting support, and strong employer connections that help students secure roles before graduation.

What skills do students develop?

Students develop advanced technical knowledge in taxation, along with analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills relevant to professional practice.

How do students connect with employers?

Students engage with employers through recruiting events, networking opportunities, and connections facilitated by the program’s career team and alumni network.