Application deadline
Credits and costs
Earn a Graduate Certificate in Taxation — Online
Companies need tax specialists to help them navigate the nuances of today’s tax laws. As a student in the Penn State Graduate Certificate in Taxation program, you can acquire the core knowledge and practical skills needed to help organizations maneuver through overly complex tax laws in order to promote legal compliance and minimize tax liability.
This graduate program, delivered through Penn State World Campus, is specifically designed for online learners, giving you the opportunity to upgrade your skills on a part-time basis while you continue to work.
Depending upon course selection, students in the program can:
- gain an understanding of how taxation impacts economic decision-making
- learn how U.S. federal income tax law is applied to corporations and how the effect of income taxes is reported in financial statements
- appreciate how federal tax law is applicable to pass-through entities (PTEs)
- effectively research tax issues and explore unique approaches to strategic tax planning
- develop effective strategies for organizational performance and success
- understand the ethical and societal implications of tax decisions
The Penn State Difference
Penn State’s taxation program is delivered in partnership with the internationally ranked Penn State Smeal College of Business (AACSB accreditation). As an online learner, you will have unprecedented access to a world-class education without having to set foot on campus. You will learn from the same highly regarded faculty who teach in our on-campus programs. Learn more about the Penn State Smeal Advantage.
Ideal for Current and Aspiring Tax Professionals
This online program is designed for early- to mid-career professionals who seek to carve out a niche for themselves in taxation. An added benefit from the certificate courses is that credits may be used to satisfy the 150-hour educational requirement needed for CPA licensure in most states.
No GMAT or GRE test scores are needed for admission to the certificate program, so prospective students can apply right away.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.
Courses
Penn State's 9-credit online Graduate Certificate in Taxation program provides you with a working understanding of tax laws and regulations. Topics cover the foundational elements of taxation, research and analysis, corporate and international taxation, and ethical responsibility.
All courses in this self-paced program are delivered asynchronously, meaning you are not required to log in at a particular time each week. Optional synchronous discussions for Smeal-developed courses will be available for those students who prefer a higher level of engagement. You can complete your graduate certificate online on a part-time basis in about 12 months.
Required Courses (select 9 credits)
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,132 per credit |
| 12 or more | $13,587 per semester |
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,143 per credit |
| 12 or more | $13,723 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Paying for Your Certificate
Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.
Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.
Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your certificate application should be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete:
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
GRE or GMAT test scores are NOT required.
English Proficiency (if applicable) — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660
Statement of Purpose — Describe how your professional experience and goals align with the Graduate Certificate in Taxation. Please do not exceed 500 words.
Vita or Résumé — A listing of your professional experience. Upload to the online application.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
- Choose "Taxation" as the certificate
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the general technical requirements for this program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Taxation, or for questions regarding the program curriculum or your application status, contact:
Penn State Smeal College of Business
Professional Graduate Programs Office
Phone: 814-865-5290
Email: [email protected]
For general questions about Penn State World Campus or how to apply, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]
Penn State Smeal Advantage
More options, greater flexibility and a commitment to lifelong learning
The desire for knowledge and professional growth spans a lifetime. That is why the Penn State Smeal College of Business offers a portfolio of professional graduate programs for all stages of your career. In partnership with Penn State World Campus, Smeal makes it easy to customize a learning plan to your unique career aspirations and busy schedule. Penn State Smeal offers you a lifetime of learning with more concentrations and one of the most integrated, flexible offerings of online and residential programs in the United States.
An entire team dedicated to your success
Personal advising — Our experts will explain the many options that Penn State Smeal offers and will help you refine your career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to your interests. It all starts with a simple, but critical question: “What are your goals?”
Career coaching* — Our Alumni Career Services team will support you across all career stages with professional advancement opportunities and coaching to help you stay focused on achieving your goals.
Delivering the best of online and in-person learning for a rich educational experience
We understand that today’s professional learners want meaningful discussion and interaction with faculty and classmates along with the technologies and flexible approaches of contemporary online learning. By aligning the best of both worlds, we bring richness, depth, and diversity to the overall educational experience.
Courses designed to engage and motivate the professional student
Creative Teams consisting of a lead faculty member, a Teaching Support Specialist (TSS), and an Instructional Designer use advanced analytics to develop and deliver contemporary graduate courses that promote application and engagement. We strive to innovate in ways that others don’t.
A real-world perspective
- Industry professionals inside the virtual classroom — Many of Penn State Smeal’s courses feature industry professionals who have been in the trenches and work hard to make an impact every day. These individuals, most of whom hold a Smeal graduate degree, partner with our renowned faculty to provide a rich academic context with real-world application.
- Global immersion* — This unique, optional experience will enhance your ability to communicate cross-culturally, adapt to evolving business environments, and manage the risks and benefits of operating on a global scale. Any student pursing a full degree from Smeal may participate in this optional, faculty-led experience for elective credit. Previous destinations have included Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Prague, Czech Republic; Santiago, Chile; and Zagreb, Croatia.
One of the largest and most influential networks in the country
At Penn State, you are part of a worldwide community of instructors, learners, and more than 750,000 alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact.
More than 90,000 Smeal alumni benefit from connections around the globe as well as networking events, podcasts, webinars, a powerful LinkedIn community, and opportunities for volunteerism.
Impact Smeal Day — This day provides alumni and professional graduate students with the opportunity to come to campus and interact with current students, network with other alumni, gain professional insights, and hear about college initiatives. The day is designed so that you can sign up for the sessions that work for your schedule.
* Services are available only to students and alumni of Penn State Smeal’s degree programs and online degrees led by Smeal and delivered through the World Campus. Students and alumni of online graduate certificates are not eligible to receive these benefits unless they are also enrolled in a degree program.