Graduate Tax Program
The Graduate Tax Program at the University of Denver has been a leader in the education of tax professionals since its inception in 1975. Over the last 50 years, the demand for our graduates continues to increase, along with the complexity of our nation’s tax laws. Our curriculum combines both the law and accounting aspects of tax practice, giving our graduates the ability to provide thoughtful, practical advice to their clients.
The Graduate Tax Program offers two distinct degree options. We offer an LLM for lawyers and a Master of Taxation for accountants and other graduate students. Both degrees can be completed in flexible formats that best fit your schedule no matter where you are across the globe through utilizing online courses.
Degree Programs and More
Earn Your Degree Online
The Sturm College of Law Graduate Tax Program is offered online in an asynchronous format with opportunity for interaction and engagement, allowing you the flexibility to complete your studies without losing the ability to engage with your faculty members, fellow students, and tax professionals.
Program Highlights
- A highly sophisticated and relevant course of study in taxation grounded in the Internal Revenue Code, treasury regulations, and materials developed especially for our program to enhance your understanding of the complex subject matter.
- A robust online learning platform where students can access course media and materials, submit work and quizzes, and interact with professors and other students. Classes are offered in an asynchronous format allowing maximum flexibility, with the exception of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, which can be taken online but requires synchronous online attendance.
- Outstanding faculty, including professionals from top local and national firms and the IRS.
- Law students and accounting students study alongside each other and gain valuable insight and perspective.
- Full-time students can earn a degree in just one year; part-time students can earn a degree in 18-24 months. Either option is appropriate for working professionals.
- Excellent nationwide job placement opportunities through job postings, on-campus recruiting programs, alumni connections, and networking opportunities.
- Generous scholarships are available.
- Onsite and hybrid events, allowing students to enjoy in-person gatherings of students, alumni, and tax professionals. Ability to participate in online discussions with students in Denver and around the country.
- On-site and hybrid events to allow in-person connection with students, alumni, and practitioners.
- Opportunity for externships.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) is one of largest and long-standing tax clinics in the nation. LITC is highly regarded in the Colorado tax and legal communities and is the preferred referral source for the U.S. Tax Court in Denver.
LITC represents low-income taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service in audit, appeals, collections and Tax Court litigation. Representing over 250 clients each year, students participating in the clinic gain valuable practical skills handling client matters, researching individual income tax issues and working directly with the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue.
All Sturm College of Law students are eligible to participate can participate in the LITC for credit or as a volunteer. Please contact LITC Director Sabrina Strand for additional information. The LITC is available fully remotely, although synchronous participation is required for class times.
Specializations in Tax
Non-Degree Tax Micro-Credentials
For 40 years, the Graduate Tax Program at the University of Denver has been providing comprehensive training in tax law to lawyers and accountants through its LLM and Master of Taxation degrees. Now, with four distinct digital Badges—Corporate Taxation, Estate Planning, Pass-Through Entities and Tax Controversy—lawyers and accountants can gain expertise in specific tax fields without embarking on a full degree pathway. Successful earners of one or more Badges have the option of applying for the LLM or Master of Taxation degree and applying credits for one Badge to that degree if they pursue a full graduate degree.
Other Non-Degree Options: Applicants interested in a limited amount of courses, and are not interested in pursuing a full degree, should reach out to Ryan Dessler, Director of Academic Initiatives and Advising, for more information to discuss options available for Special Status Students.
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Dual-Degree Student Moderates Panel at ABA Midyear Tax Meeting
At the recent ABA Section of Taxation Midyear Meeting, Omar Ochoa (current third-year Sturm College of Law JD and Tax LLM candidate) moderated the panel, "Choice of Entity: Is There Really More than One Option?" -
Tax LLM Student Recognized by Colorado Bar Association
Alexis Whitley, JD'24, a current Tax LLM candidate at the Sturm College of Law, was recently awarded an academic scholarship by the Executive Council of the Taxation Section of the Colorado Bar Association (CBA). -
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic 2024 Highlights
In 2024 the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) at the Sturm College of Law enrolled 32 students who represented 167 clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Colorado Department of Revenue.
Support Our Graduate Tax Program
Graduate Tax Program
