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Master's Student Success
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Online Master of Taxation Ambassadors
Online Master's Ambassadors offer valuable insights for navigating class, studying, and excelling in an online learning environment, while balancing professional and personal commitments.
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Complete our Ambassador Connection Request Form. You will receive an email notification within 24-48 hours with an Ambassador match to begin your conversation. We try our best to connect your with the Ambassador of your choice.
Please note that our Ambassadors are enrolled in Smeal online specialty graduate degrees and certificates and not resident programs. Learn more about .
Learn more about Online Specialty Master’s and Certificate Programs
Alumni Ambassador: Jessica Feemster
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Employment: Tax Accountant
Undergraduate degree: Business Management
Hobbies: Boxing, hiking
Program: Master of Taxation
Status in program: Graduated Winter 2025
Favorite graduate course: ACCTG 823: Survey of Tax Topics (Partnership Tax)
Why I chose Penn State: I chose Penn State for my graduate work after reviewing the curriculum for the Master of Taxation program. Many other available online taxation programs are Master’s of Accountancy with a concentration in Taxation. I believed Penn State’s Master of Taxation was a better fit for someone working specifically in taxation. I reviewed sample syllabi before applying and knew that PSU was the choice for me (based on the learning outcomes).
What makes this program valuable to you: I’ve applied what I have learned thus far, almost instantly to my career in tax. I started my career as a tax accountant at the same time I started my first courses as PSU — each course and lesson has advanced my understanding of taxation and made me a more confident tax professional. In addition to the Taxation specific courses, I am focusing my electives on courses that will benefit me in preparing for the CPA exam.
What advice would you offer to new or prospective students? Review the sample syllabi available on the program information page. This will give you a good idea of the topics you’ll be learning and skills you’ll gain. For incoming students–decide on a method to keep your notes and course content organized early on. Throughout the program and your career, you’ll need to reference past material in an organized system.
Alumni Ambassador: Paul Hess
Location: Central Florida
Employment: Government
Undergraduate degree: Business Management and Finance, Stony Brook University
Program(s): Master of Taxation, graduate certificates in Taxation and Accounting Foundations
Status in program: Graduated Summer 2025
Favorite graduate course: ACCTG: 822 Corporate Taxation
What makes this program valuable to you: The accounting credits I needed to fulfill my requirements were offered.
What advice would you offer to new or prospective students? Really think about the future career opportunity before committing to the program and taking on the financial burden. Please consider your ability to complete the courses if working full time.
Alumni Ambassador: Kareema Thomas
Location: Charlotte, NC
Employment: Internal Revenue Agent
Hobbies: Puzzling, community service activities, and napping.
Programs: Master of Taxation, Accounting Foundations graduate certificate
Status in programs: Graduated Spring 2025; graduate certificate completed Fall 2024
Favorite graduate course: ACCTG 813: Auditing
Why I chose Penn State: I chose Penn State because of the availability of the programs offered. The flexibility to complete online Taxation program and the quality of the program solidified my choice.
What makes this program valuable to you: The quality of the courses offered.
What advice would you offer to new or prospective students? Pace yourself. Know your learning style. Take full advantage of all Penn State has to offer as an Online Graduate Student.
