Graduate Tax Programme (LLM in Taxation)

Rigorous training and superior preparation

BU Law’s Graduate Tax Programme (GTP), established in 1959 as one of the nation’s first graduate tax programs, stands as one of the best. It currently ranks second in the nation, according to the National Law Journal. We are #8 in tax studies among US law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. And for four consecutive years, we’ve been ranked among the country’s top seven LLM in Taxation programs in the annual TaxTalent survey of corporate tax department heads.

Employers value the BU Law LLM in Taxation credential because it signals rigorous training and superior preparation. We offer one of the most comprehensive curricula for advanced tax studies in the country. Simply put, we equip students with the practical skills required for immediate success in the field of taxation, whether they earn the degree through residential studies in Boston, online from home, or through a combination of both formats. We also offer an Estate Planning Certificate for students seeking specialized instruction without the commitment of a degree program. Our graduates—over 3,000 strong—consistently tell us that their BU Law LLM in Taxation degree has been an essential ingredient to their professional success.

We are proud to lead the field of tax education with our focus on tax technology and innovation. Our faculty, alumni, and employers have told us that technology is changing the way the world thinks about tax and the GTP is committed to preparing our students for success in this rapidly evolving tax landscape. This includes offering students opportunities to develop proficiency in technology tools currently being used by tax practitioners and expanding our curriculum to offer courses on tax technology, cryptocurrency, and more.

The GTP extends our “innovation” focus to our classroom experience by offering a “best of both worlds” approach combining residential and online education opportunities. Our small class sizes allow students the opportunity to easily distinguish themselves and build strong professional relationships with their professors and fellow classmates. At the same time, our online program allows us to offer maximum flexibility for students who are not able to attend class in person. Our 40+ courses are available to all students, whether pursuing their LLM degree online, in residence, or through a combination of both formats. Residential and online students have the option to focus their study of tax law in specific practice areas, including business tax, financial services, international tax, and estate planning.

We focus on hiring faculty who bring real-world experience to the classroom so that our students are simultaneously learning the law and the practical skills necessary to their future practice. Our faculty are among the most experienced tax and estate planning practitioners in law firms, tax consulting firms, trust companies, and government. Many GTP faculty are also alumni of this program and, as a result, have a personal commitment to ensuring the continued success of our students.