

The Part-Time LLM in Tax offers an extensive and practice-oriented curriculum designed for working professionals who seek advanced expertise in tax law while balancing academic commitments with long-term career responsibilities. The program integrates foundational and specialized coursework in federal taxation, corporate tax planning, international tax structures, and regulatory compliance, enabling students to develop a strong conceptual and analytical understanding of complex tax systems. Through sustained engagement with statutory interpretation, case analysis, and policy evaluation, learners explore how tax rules shape financial decisions, business strategies, and public-sector regulation. This academically rich structure equips students to navigate tax frameworks with deep legal insight and professional precision.
The program also emphasizes long-term skill development through research projects, practitioner-led seminars, and applied problem-solving exercises that simulate real tax planning scenarios. Students interact with experienced attorneys, financial professionals, and faculty experts, gaining practical exposure to evolving tax standards and cross-border considerations. These experiences strengthen competencies in legal interpretation, tax compliance strategy, risk assessment, and professional communication, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world tax challenges. With a flexible part-time format designed for sustained progression, the program supports both intellectual growth and practical mastery over the course of several years, preparing graduates for high-level responsibilities in the legal, corporate, and regulatory sectors.
Year 1 – Foundations of U.S. Tax Law & Legal Analysis
• Federal Income Tax
• Introduction to Tax Research and Writing
• Tax Procedure and Administration
• Professional Responsibility in Tax Practice
Year 2 – Corporate, Partnership & Transactional Taxation
• Corporate Taxation
• Partnership and LLC Taxation
• Taxation of Business Transactions
• Applied Tax Planning Workshop
Year 3 – International, State & Comparative Tax Structures
• International Taxation
• State and Local Taxation
• Transfer Pricing and Cross-Border Planning
• Comparative Tax Systems
Year 4 – Advanced Tax Strategy, Compliance & Regulation
• Wealth Transfer and Estate Taxation
• Tax-Exempt Organizations
• Tax Policy, Legislation and Reform
• Advanced Compliance and Risk Management
Year 5 – Research Integration, Specialization & Capstone
• Specialized Elective in Taxation
• Advanced Tax Research Project
• Seminar in Contemporary Tax Issues
• Capstone Legal Analysis or Portfolio Defense
Graduates of this program are prepared for advanced legal and advisory roles across sectors where tax expertise is central to financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and organizational decision-making. Many professionals work in law firms, corporate tax departments, financial consulting firms, and government agencies, assisting clients or organizations in interpreting tax regulations, structuring transactions, preparing legal analyses, and resolving tax disputes. Their responsibilities often include drafting legal memoranda, advising on business formations, analyzing the tax implications of domestic and international transactions, assisting with audits, and collaborating with finance teams to optimize tax efficiencies. With strong grounding in legal research, statutory interpretation, and strategic tax planning, graduates are also positioned for leadership roles in policy development, compliance oversight, or specialized advisory services. The program’s long-term part-time structure allows students to apply newly acquired expertise directly to their ongoing professional work, strengthening career advancement prospects throughout their studies.
This program is well suited for professionals seeking a comprehensive and flexible pathway to develop advanced legal expertise in taxation while continuing their careers. Its curriculum emphasizes legal depth, strategic tax analysis, and practice-oriented skill development, offering sustained academic engagement over a multi-year structure. Students benefit from close mentorship, access to experienced practitioners, and opportunities to analyze complex tax scenarios that mirror real-world legal challenges. The extended timeline allows for deeper mastery of technical subjects, continuous refinement of research skills, and meaningful integration of academic learning into professional practice. For individuals aiming to specialize in tax law, pursue higher-level advisory roles, or strengthen their influence in corporate or regulatory environments, this program provides a rigorous and highly relevant academic foundation.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States