Online PhD in Tax Law Admission 2024-25, Placements, Preparation, Course-Wise Median Packages

ONLINE PHD IN TAX LAW

UNSW’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Taxation Law will prepare you to become a globally focused and socially engaged research leader.

The School of Taxation Law offers the choice of a three-year or four-year PhD program. The four-year program is offered full-time and includes an extended coursework program and the opportunity to participate in the training for future academic roles. The three-year program may be taken full-time or part-time.

Ph.D. programs in tax law are hard to find, though a few exist. However, you can also choose to earn the dual Juris Doctor (J.D.)/Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation or J.D. or Master of Taxation degrees. Both programs require a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment and prefer accounting majors. If you have a three-year degree in another field, you’ll need to complete prerequisite coursework prior to enrolling in the taxation courses.

A dual-degree program is the most common way to receive legal instruction specific to practicing tax law. Master’s programs in taxation teach you how to research tax law, represent clients in the tax court and comply with existing regulations. In the workforce, you can help clients deal with the taxation aspects of real estate transactions, sales, corporate organization and probate matters. The J.D. curriculum provides you with legal training and qualifications to sit for the state bar exam and become a practicing lawyer. 

Four-Year Program Overview

You’ll join a cohort of high-achieving research students and benefit from the interdisciplinary engagement with your cohort. This is your opportunity to become integrated into the UNSW Business School’s community of scholars.

You’ll first undertake rigorous coursework covering the theoretical foundations of tax policy or business law policy and regulation. As part of your PhD program, you’ll also be involved in the research projects from an early stage. This training will equip you with the skills required to identify, analyze and solve problems in the fields.

You’ll then pursue full-time research under the supervision of high-profile UNSW academics, culminating in the doctoral thesis. There will also be exciting opportunities to develop your teaching portfolio.

Your PhD thesis will showcase your research skills and enable you to make an original contribution to your field.

Three-Year Program Overview

The PhD requires a minimum of three and a maximum of four years of full-time study and can be taken part-time. It requires the submission of the thesis, usually not exceeding 100,000 words. You’ll be supervised by experts in your chosen area, who will help you develop insights and critical research skills in a supportive environment.

Compulsory courses include research ethics, research methods and data management. Ongoing enrolment requires confirmation of candidature between the 9-12 months full-time equivalent. Confirmed students will then have annual progress reviews. 

What Do I Need to Practice Law?

Before you practice law, you’ll need to pass the state bar exam to become licensed in the state you plan to work. States may recognize experienced lawyers licensed in another state. Depending upon the nature of your practice or clients, you may also need to apply for admission to the bar of state supreme courts, U.S. circuit courts, U.S. appeals courts or the United States Supreme Courts.

If you plan on representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you’ll need to apply to the IRS’ Office of the Professional Responsibility. This office administers an exam that establishes your competency in tax law. This exam is open to lawyers, certified public accountants and others who have technical expertise in tax law.

Can I Earn the Degrees Online?

Though several schools offer The j.d. degree program fully or partially online, the American Bar Association (ABA) doesn’t recognize or approve any. Graduates of an online program may qualify to sit for the state bar exam; however, many states depend on the ABA’s academic standards. You may be able to complete the requirements for the Master of Taxation or Master of Laws degree online.

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