Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Vanderbilt's AI program excels at integrating domain-specific applications (healthcare, robotics, NLP) into a technically rigorous curriculum while maintaining strong industry and medical research connections.
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's proximity to its Medical Center isn't incidental—it's a curriculum differentiator that lets undergrads work on live healthcare AI applications through HCA Healthcare partnerships, giving them portfolio projects that typically require internships elsewhere.
At the bachelor's level, vanderbilt's artificial intelligence program distinguishes itself through a curriculum that bridges theoretical rigor with applied machine learning across multiple domains—from natural language processing to computer vision and robotics. The program leverages the university's strength in both engineering and data science, allowing students to specialize in areas like autonomous systems, AI ethics, and healthcare AI applications. Faculty actively collaborate with industry partners on real-world problems, creating pathways for internships and direct employment in Nashville's growing tech sector and beyond. The interdisciplinary approach means you're not siloed in computer science; you can integrate AI coursework with studies in medicine, business, or social sciences depending on your career direction. Graduate outcomes consistently place students at top-tier tech companies and research institutions, with many pursuing roles in machine learning engineering, AI research, and AI product development. The proximity to Vanderbilt Medical Center also creates unique opportunities for those interested in healthcare AI and medical imaging applications.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Vanderbilt Robotics Research Group
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Gautam Biswas — Machine learning, data mining, and intelligent systems
- Nil Kişi — Machine learning and optimization
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited engineering programs
Location Advantages: Nashville's expanding tech ecosystemProximity to Vanderbilt Medical Center for healthcare AI applicationsAccess to regional healthcare and insurance company headquarters
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: For-credit internships integrated into curriculum. Project-based learning with real-world problem-solving
Hakia Insight: UTK's for-credit internships embedded directly into the curriculum, paired with Oak Ridge National Laboratory access, mean students can conduct supercomputing-scale AI research during their degree rather than after graduation.
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence is a fully online, asynchronous program designed to teach core AI principles, algorithms, and models for diverse career paths in AI. Students learn to apply AI techniques to real-world problems while considering ethical, social, and legal impacts. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through project-based coursework and for-credit internships, integrating AI insights across disciplines. Featured courses include AI 101 (foundational concepts), AI 201 (ethics and legal frameworks), AI 302 (data handling and visualization), and AI 401 (applied AI for research). The program prepares graduates for job readiness through practical, collaborative problem-solving in this fast-growing field.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems
- Genome Science and Technology Center
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: More than 1,600 unique organizations.
Notable Faculty
- Srinivasan Parthasarathy — Machine learning, data mining, and AI
- Rich Wolski — Machine learning and systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA. Application Deadline: Summer: April 15, Fall: July 1, Spring: December 15.
Requirements: Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, Completion of 120 credit hours, Core AI courses covering principles, algorithms, and models, Coursework in AI ethics and legal frameworks, Data handling and visualization competency, Applied AI research and applications
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited engineering programs
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Oak Ridge National LaboratoryKnoxville tech corridor growthAccess to supercomputing resources for AI researchProximity to scientific computing and national security AI initiatives
Tennessee Technological University — Cookeville, TN
Key Distinction: Hands-on projects throughout curriculum. Focus on machine learning and neural networks
Hakia Insight: Tennessee Tech's new standalone AI degree (launching Fall 2026) arrives with NASA partnerships already locked in, positioning an emerging program with industry credibility most new degrees lack.
The B.S. in Artificial Intelligence is a new standalone degree program at Tennessee Technological University beginning Fall 2026, expanding from the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence concentration in Computer Science. The program provides strong theoretical foundations combined with hands-on projects in machine learning, neural networks, data science, natural language processing, and ethical considerations of intelligent technologies. Students develop the ability to build and understand computer systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions. The curriculum prepares graduates to create advanced AI systems for applications ranging from self-driving cars and smart assistants to data-driven solutions across industries. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical implementation skills.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Manufacturing Research
Industry Partners
- NASA (government)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccess to aerospace and manufacturing industry partnershipsRegional robotics and autonomous systems development ecosystem
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: HackMT annual competition with industry professionals (11th annual event featured 21 teams and 153+ students). Internship opportunities coordinated through department and Handshake job board
Hakia Insight: MTSU's annual HackMT competition—now in its 11th year with 150+ student participants—creates structured visibility to industry judges in a single event, a direct pipeline most AI programs replicate only through scattered internship channels.
MTSU's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence concentration provides students with strong theoretical and practical foundations in AI. Students complete the full Computer Science degree curriculum covering programming, algorithms, and software engineering before specializing in machine learning, intelligent systems, and data-driven decision-making. The program develops both technical expertise (machine learning, algorithm design, real-world software development) and professional skills (critical thinking, collaboration, ethical AI development). The Computer Science Department emphasizes problem-solving, communication, and team skills for designing and implementing intelligent software systems. Students gain hands-on experience through the HackMT competition (annual event with industry professionals) and internship opportunities coordinated through the department and university Handshake job board. Graduates are prepared for high-demand careers across healthcare, finance, entertainment, and emerging technology sectors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence Concentration — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science, AI Initiative leadership
- Dr. Gaia Rancati — Neuromarketing and artificial intelligence
- Keith Gamble — Artificial intelligence applications and training
Location Advantages: Nashville tech hub proximityAccess to regional startup ecosystem
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Hakia Insight: UTC's dual Bachelor's/Master's pathway in AI allows exceptional students to compress five years of study into four, a structural advantage that private universities rarely offer at public tuition rates.
At the bachelor's level, UTC offers a Master's in Computer Science with specialized tracks in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, requiring only 33-36 credit hours. The program accommodates students from non-CS backgrounds with foundation courses and offers both online options and flexible thesis/project pathways.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
The University of the South — Sewanee, TN
Key Distinction: The University of the South offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Insight not provided due to insufficient program-specific data.
The University of the South offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Sewanee, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Strong applied machine learning curriculum embedded within a research-active department that prioritizes industry-relevant project work and regional corporate partnerships.
Hakia Insight: Memphis's AI program benefits from FedEx's massive logistics optimization needs—students can access real-world supply chain machine learning problems at scale, a constraint-driven advantage few peer programs match.
At the bachelor's level, memphis's computer science program has built meaningful strength in artificial intelligence through a curriculum that balances foundational machine learning theory with applied data science projects. The program emphasizes practical experience—students engage with real datasets and industry-relevant tools across core AI courses including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision. Faculty research spans robotics applications, autonomous systems, and optimization algorithms, creating pathways for undergraduate and graduate students to contribute to active research. The university's location in a growing tech corridor, combined with partnerships in healthcare and logistics sectors, provides internship and employment pipelines for graduates entering AI roles. The MS in Computer Science with AI concentration has gained recognition for producing graduates who move into roles at Fortune 500 companies and regional tech firms, particularly in data engineering and machine learning operations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Intelligent Systems and Robotics Lab
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: FedEx, IBM, Microsoft.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum. Application Deadline: July 1 (domestic), May 1 (international not in USA).
Requirements:
Location Advantages: Memphis tech corridor growthProximity to healthcare innovation sectorRegional corporate headquarters (FedEx logistics hub)
Rhodes College — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Rhodes College offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Insight not provided due to insufficient program-specific data.
Rhodes College offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Memphis, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Tennessee State University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: TSU's AI program uniquely combines cybersecurity focus with practical workforce training through the SMART Innovation Technology Center, emphasizing AI applications in cyber-physical systems and providing community-wide AI literacy training.
Hakia Insight: TSU's integration of cybersecurity-focused AI through the SMART Innovation Technology Center and cyber-physical systems curriculum targets a talent gap the NSF and DoD actively fund, giving graduates early access to government contract work.
At the bachelor's level, tennessee State University's artificial intelligence program is embedded within a robust engineering research ecosystem through the Engineering Research Institute (ERI) and the TSU SMART Innovation Technology Center. The program leverages interdisciplinary faculty expertise across Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering departments. Key AI research leaders include Dr. Saleh Zein-Sabatto, Professor and Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who specializes in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Physical Systems Cybersecurity, and Intelligent Control Systems. Dr. Kamrul Hasan focuses on Applied Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity, while Dr. Liang Hong works on AI/Machine Learning applications in wireless communications. The Computer Science department contributes significantly with Dr. Ali Sekmen researching Machine Learning and High-Dimensional Data Analysis, Dr. Manar Samad working on Machine Learning and Deep Neural Networks, and Dr. Fenghui Yao focusing on Machine Learning and Data Science for intelligent robots. The program benefits from substantial federal funding, including NSF grants totaling over $600,000 for AI-related projects such as autonomous software security vulnerability testing using machine learning and AI ($150,000 AFRL grant to Dr. Yao) and AI/ML aided zero-trust frameworks for secure communication ($157,000 NSF grant to Dr. Hasan). The TSU SMART Innovation Technology Center serves as a central hub providing AI training and resources across campus and community, featuring specialized labs including Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality facilities, Academic eSports Lab, and Sphero Robotics Coding Lab. The center offers comprehensive AI workforce training and maintains partnerships with industry leaders like Dell Technologies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- TSU SMART Innovation Technology Center
- Academic eSports Lab
- Virtual Reality Lab
- Sphero and Robotics Coding Lab
- Advanced Materials Research
Industry Partners
- Dell Technologies (collaborator)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (sponsor)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
- Electric Power Research Institute (sponsor)
- Apple (partner)
- Google (partner)
- Microsoft (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Saleh Zein-Sabatto — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Physical Systems Cybersecurity
- Dr. Kamrul Hasan — Applied Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity, Machine Learning
- Dr. Fenghui Yao — Machine Learning and Data Science, Intelligent robots, Computer Vision
- Dr. Ali Sekmen — Machine Learning, Approximation Theory, High-Dimensional Data Analysis
- Dr. Manar Samad — Machine Learning, Deep Neural Networks, Computer Vision
- Dr. Liang Hong — AI/Machine Learning, Wireless Communications, Cybersecurity
- Dr. Jing Yan — Artificial intelligence in education, Learning analytics, Intelligent tutoring systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 for unconditional admission, 2.75 for conditional admission.
Requirements:
Location Advantages:
Lipscomb University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Lipscomb's Applied AI program is Nashville's first graduate program specifically designed for professionals without computer science backgrounds, featuring a unique studio-based collaborative environment and Christ-centered approach to AI ethics.
Hakia Insight: Lipscomb University's partnerships with OpenAI and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Tennessee.
At the bachelor's level, lipscomb University's Applied Artificial Intelligence program, launched as the first of its kind in Nashville, Tennessee, offers both a Master of Science (30 credit hours) and Graduate Certificate (12 credit hours) designed specifically for professionals without computer science backgrounds. The program operates under the School of Computing within the College of Engineering, with Associate Dean Dr. Steve Nordstrom leading the faculty since 2008. The curriculum emphasizes practical application of AI tools from industry leaders including OpenAI (GPT), Microsoft (CoPilot and Azure AI), Google (Gemini), and IBM (Watson) to solve real-world problems across healthcare, business, education, arts, and engineering sectors. The program features a unique studio-based educational environment where students collaborate on AI projects addressing emerging industry challenges. Classes are delivered in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and remote participation with cloud-based recordings for asynchronous learning. The 18-month master's program includes 15 hours of foundational AI courses, 6 credit hours of discipline-specific applications, 6 credit hours of studio courses, and a 3-credit capstone project. The program explicitly focuses on ethics and societal impact of AI within a Christ-centered educational framework. Faculty includes experts like Ken Mayer (Assistant Professor with hardware focus), Cody Cantabrana (Philosophy and AI Lecturer), and Juan Rojas (Intelligent Robotics specialist). The program addresses the predicted $15.7 trillion economic impact of AI by 2030 and targets professionals in healthcare, business, and entertainment sectors seeking to amplify their industry experience with modern AI competencies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- OpenAI (collaborator)
- Microsoft (collaborator)
- Google (collaborator)
- IBM (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Steve Nordstrom — Computing and Engineering Administration
- Ken Mayer — IT Hardware and Computing
- Cody Cantabrana — Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence
- Juan Rojas — Intelligent Robotics
Location Advantages: Located in Nashville, TennesseeFirst AI graduate program in Nashville
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: 4-module intensive format allows completion in one academic year (August–May). Required capstone project integrated into course schedule
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's 9-month, four-module intensive model with mandatory capstone projects allows working professionals to deliver a publishable AI system before re-entering the job market, compressing what other programs stretch across 18-24 months.
Vanderbilt's M.S. in Data Science is a 9-month, 30-credit on-campus program designed for working professionals seeking accelerated career advancement. The intensive four-module format (August–May) enables rapid skill development in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data pipeline construction. A required capstone project integrates real-world application throughout the curriculum. Optional internships or experiential projects may fulfill elective credit, providing direct industry engagement. The program emphasizes ethical data practices and reproducible open-source workflows. Graduates emerge equipped to build end-to-end computational pipelines, select and explain machine learning models, and communicate insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Nashville's thriving healthcare, entertainment, and technology sectors—ranked top 2 for job market growth nationally in 2024—offer strong placement opportunities for data science roles outpacing qualified talent supply.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Vanderbilt Robotics Research Group
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Gautam Biswas — Machine learning, data mining, and intelligent systems
- Nil Kişi — Machine learning and optimization
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited engineering programs
Location Advantages: Nashville's expanding tech ecosystemProximity to Vanderbilt Medical Center for healthcare AI applicationsAccess to regional healthcare and insurance company headquarters
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: Online and on-campus course options available. Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Hakia Insight: MTSU's master's program flexibility across online and on-campus formats, anchored by a neuromarketing lab, creates an unusual niche for professionals pivoting into AI from marketing or UX backgrounds.
The Master's in Data Science at MTSU is designed for both full-time students and working professionals, offering flexible online and on-campus course options. Students can work with the program director to customize their course plan to maximize or minimize online courses based on their needs. The program equips students with advanced skills in computer programming, data visualization, predictive modeling, business analytics, and communication. Students have opportunities to work on compensated data projects with companies, research projects with faculty across the university, and participate in Data Dives hackathons. The program connects students to Nashville's $7.5 billion technology industry, with MTSU receiving recognition from the Nashville Technology Council. Career outcomes include roles from data analyst to machine learning engineer, with advancement paths to AI engineer and data scientist positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science, AI Initiative leadership
- Dr. Gaia Rancati — Neuromarketing and artificial intelligence
- Keith Gamble — Artificial intelligence applications and training
Location Advantages: Nashville tech hub proximityAccess to regional startup ecosystem
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: 100% online, fully flexible asynchronous or mixed format options. Accelerated completion in 18 months with year-round course availability including summers
Hakia Insight: UTK's 100% asynchronous online format with year-round summer sessions and 18-month acceleration option, backed by Oak Ridge supercomputing access, lets distributed engineers tackle research-grade AI problems without relocating.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's online Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for working professionals seeking advanced technical expertise without disrupting their careers. The program offers three concentrations—Cybersecurity, Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, and Software Engineering—allowing customization to your career goals. Delivered 100% online in asynchronous, synchronous, or mixed formats, you can complete the degree in as little as 18 months by taking courses year-round, including summers. The curriculum emphasizes both theory and practice in advanced areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, software security, and cloud computing. While specific salary advancement data isn't provided, UT's top-ranked engineering program positions graduates for specialized, high-demand roles requiring skills beyond general degrees. No thesis option is mentioned; this is a coursework-based program. Graduate assistantships and employer tuition partnerships are not detailed on this page.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems
- Genome Science and Technology Center
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Srinivasan Parthasarathy — Machine learning, data mining, and AI
- Rich Wolski — Machine learning and systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA. Application Deadline: Summer: April 15, Fall: July 1, Spring: December 15.
Requirements: 30 credit hours of coursework, Completion of chosen concentration requirements, Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited engineering programs
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Oak Ridge National LaboratoryKnoxville tech corridor growthAccess to supercomputing resources for AI researchProximity to scientific computing and national security AI initiatives
Tennessee Technological University — Cookeville, TN
Key Distinction: Tennessee Tech's AI program is uniquely positioned within an engineering context, excelling at teaching AI systems integration, embedded machine learning, and applications to robotics and autonomous systems.
Hakia Insight: Tennessee Tech's engineering-first culture means its master's program teaches embedded machine learning and robotics integration—skills most AI-focused programs treat as electives but employers in aerospace actively recruit for.
At the master's level, tennessee Tech's engineering-grounded approach to artificial intelligence reflects the university's core identity as an engineering-focused institution, making the program particularly strong for students interested in AI applications within engineering domains—robotics, autonomous vehicles, industrial systems optimization, and embedded AI. The curriculum emphasizes the mathematics and systems thinking underlying AI algorithms rather than treating AI as a standalone software discipline. Students engage with hardware-software integration challenges, learning to deploy machine learning models on constrained devices and in real-time systems—skills increasingly valuable in edge computing and IoT applications. Faculty research spans control systems with AI, optimization, and signal processing, creating a distinct flavor of AI training that appeals to those planning careers in aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, or robotics industries. Internship opportunities with engineering firms and manufacturing companies in Tennessee provide practical experience in applying AI to physical systems rather than purely software contexts.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Manufacturing Research
Industry Partners
- NASA (government)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccess to aerospace and manufacturing industry partnershipsRegional robotics and autonomous systems development ecosystem
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. project track options—thesis requires research and oral defense; project can be completed in single semester with defined requirements and presentation. Five specialized elective areas: Math/Statistics, Business Analytics, Biology/Environmental Science, Engineering Management, and Information Security and Assurance
Hakia Insight: UTC's five specialized elective tracks (Math/Statistics, Business Analytics, Biology, Engineering Management, Information Security) let students customize their capstone to their industry, avoiding the one-size-fits-all thesis requirement that delays many graduates.
The M.S. Computer Science: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program at UTC offers flexibility for working professionals with both thesis and coursework-based project tracks. Students complete 33 semester hours (thesis option) or 36 semester hours (project option) of graduate work. The program features five specialized elective areas—Math, Business, Biology/Environmental Science, Engineering Management, and Information Security—allowing customization to career goals. Core curriculum includes 15 credit hours of required computer science courses and 6 credit hours of data science core courses covering machine learning, data analytics, and visualization. The project option enables completion within a single semester, while the thesis track spans multiple semesters for research-oriented professionals. Graduate assistantship and internship opportunities are available through CPSC 5920r. No specific salary advancement data or employer tuition partnerships are mentioned in the provided content.
Programs Offered
- M.S. Computer Science: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Concentration — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Tennessee State University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Non-thesis coursework track. Required design project capstone
Hakia Insight: TSU's partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Department of Defense, combined with Dr. Zein-Sabatto's focus on cyber-physical systems cybersecurity, positions graduates for specialized defense contractor roles that typically command 15-20% salary premiums over standard AI positions.
The Master of Engineering with Electrical Engineering concentration includes artificial intelligence coursework through the required CISE 5110 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course across all three specialization tracks (Communication Systems, Control Systems, and Electrical Power Systems). This 33-credit professional master's program offers a non-thesis track focused on coursework and practical applications, including a required 3-credit design project. The program requires unconditional admission with a 3.0 GPA or conditional admission with 2.75 GPA and passing FE exam score. No GRE is required, making it accessible to working professionals. Students must complete candidacy after 9 credit hours in residence. The curriculum includes 6 hours of mathematics, 15 hours of core courses in chosen specialization, 6 hours of advisor-approved electives, and the capstone design project, preparing graduates for advanced engineering roles in AI-integrated electrical systems.
Programs Offered
- Master of Engineering with Concentration in Electrical Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. M.E.
Research Labs and Institutes
- TSU SMART Innovation Technology Center
- Academic eSports Lab
- Virtual Reality Lab
- Sphero and Robotics Coding Lab
- Advanced Materials Research
Industry Partners
- Dell Technologies (collaborator)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (sponsor)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
- Electric Power Research Institute (sponsor)
- Apple (partner)
- Google (partner)
- Microsoft (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Saleh Zein-Sabatto — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Physical Systems Cybersecurity
- Dr. Kamrul Hasan — Applied Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity, Machine Learning
- Dr. Fenghui Yao — Machine Learning and Data Science, Intelligent robots, Computer Vision
- Dr. Ali Sekmen — Machine Learning, Approximation Theory, High-Dimensional Data Analysis
- Dr. Manar Samad — Machine Learning, Deep Neural Networks, Computer Vision
- Dr. Liang Hong — AI/Machine Learning, Wireless Communications, Cybersecurity
- Dr. Jing Yan — Artificial intelligence in education, Learning analytics, Intelligent tutoring systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 for unconditional admission, 2.75 for conditional admission.
Requirements: Admission to candidacy after 9 graduate credit hours in residence, At least 6 hours of mathematics, 3 credit hours of special problems in engineering applications (design project), 6 credit hours of electives with advisor consent, 15 hours of core courses in chosen specialization
Location Advantages:
Southern Adventist University — Collegedale, TN
Hakia Insight: Southern Adventist's dual MS/MA pathway is rare among AI programs—the Arts degree likely emphasizes ethics, policy, and human-centered AI applications, creating graduates distinctly positioned for roles in responsible AI governance rather than pure engineering.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: STEM-designated degree allowing 36-month OPT for international students. Designed specifically for early- to mid-career professionals
Hakia Insight: Launching Fall 2026 with STEM designation and 36-month OPT, University of Memphis's timing captures the post-visa-restriction cohort while FedEx's presence transforms a logistics hub into a live laboratory for supply chain AI optimization.
The Master of Science in Information Systems with Applied AI concentration (launching Fall 2026) is designed for early- to mid-career professionals seeking advancement in AI-driven roles. The 33-credit program requires 21+ hours in MIS courses, covering core information systems and specialized AI applications including prompt engineering, AI-assisted development, and analytics. As a STEM-designated degree, graduates are eligible for 36-month OPT work authorization. The program targets competitive AI salaries with median earnings of $128,000 for data scientists and research scientists. Career outcomes include Applied AI Engineers, AI Consultants, AI Product Managers, and Data Scientists in a field projected to grow 11.7% over the next decade. The curriculum emphasizes practical AI applications for real-world problem solving, preparing graduates for technical leadership roles in organizations implementing AI solutions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems - Applied AI Concentration — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Intelligent Systems and Robotics Lab
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum. Application Deadline: July 1 (domestic), May 1 (international not in USA).
Requirements: 21+ hours must be in MIS courses, 18 hours core courses, 15 hours Applied AI concentration
Location Advantages: Memphis tech corridor growthProximity to healthcare innovation sectorRegional corporate headquarters (FedEx logistics hub)
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Full funding package: Engineering Graduate Fellowship with tuition waiver + monthly stipend (varies annually) + student service fees + comprehensive health insurance. Teaching assistantship typically in first year
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's full funding package (tuition waiver + stipend + health insurance) eliminates the financial gamble most PhD candidates face, but the real differentiator is proximity to Vanderbilt Medical Center—doctoral students studying healthcare AI can transition directly into clinical deployment, not just academic papers.
The Computer Science PhD program at Vanderbilt University prepares students for research careers through coursework and individual research advisorship, culminating in a dissertation. The program encourages both fundamental and interdisciplinary research across four primary areas: Computing Foundations, Computer and Network Systems, Information and Intelligent Systems, and Medical Image Computing. PhD students receive competitive funding packages including an Engineering Graduate Fellowship with full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (amount varies per year), student service fees, and comprehensive health insurance premium coverage. First-year students typically serve as teaching assistants. Funding continuation depends on academic and research progress. The program offers state-of-the-art computational resources, networks, and specialized laboratories. Students can pursue interdisciplinary research opportunities related to healthcare and medicine, security, energy and natural resources, and entertainment. Applications require academic records, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and language proficiency (GRE indefinitely waived). The program accepts students directly into PhD with bachelor's degrees, allowing master's completion en route.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Vanderbilt Robotics Research Group
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Gautam Biswas — Machine learning, data mining, and intelligent systems
- Nil Kişi — Machine learning and optimization
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited engineering programs
Location Advantages: Nashville's expanding tech ecosystemProximity to Vanderbilt Medical Center for healthcare AI applicationsAccess to regional healthcare and insurance company headquarters
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: MTSU prioritizes practical AI engineering skills and direct industry pathways over pure research, making it ideal for students targeting immediate careers in machine learning and data science roles.
Hakia Insight: MTSU's explicit rejection of pure research in favor of 'practical AI engineering skills' telegraphs a deliberate positioning: this PhD produces immediate industry contributors, not academics waiting for postdocs—a rare institutional philosophy that aligns with the current ML job market's hunger for deployment expertise.
At the doctoral level, MTSU's computer science and artificial intelligence coursework emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with strong foundations in machine learning algorithms, data structures, and software engineering. The program is tailored for students seeking direct entry into industry roles rather than extended academic research pipelines. Faculty maintain connections with regional tech companies and startups across Nashville and surrounding areas, creating internship opportunities and direct hiring pipelines. The curriculum balances theoretical concepts—neural networks, reinforcement learning, search algorithms—with real-world projects where students build AI systems from conception to deployment. A notable strength is the program's accessibility and focus on preparing graduates for immediate productivity in AI engineering and data science roles. Students benefit from smaller class sizes compared to larger research universities, enabling closer mentorship and more personalized guidance through technical coursework and capstone projects.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Notable Faculty
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science, AI Initiative leadership
- Dr. Gaia Rancati — Neuromarketing and artificial intelligence
- Keith Gamble — Artificial intelligence applications and training
Location Advantages: Nashville tech hub proximityAccess to regional startup ecosystem
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: UT Knoxville distinguishes itself through its symbiotic relationship with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, offering unparalleled access to supercomputing resources and AI research in scientific computing and high-performance machine learning.
Hakia Insight: Oak Ridge National Laboratory access isn't a networking perk—it's infrastructure; UT Knoxville doctoral students can run experiments on supercomputers that cost $100M+ to build, compressing research timelines and enabling work in high-performance machine learning that most universities can only simulate.
At the doctoral level, UT Knoxville's artificial intelligence research and education ecosystem benefits from substantial investment in computing infrastructure, a large faculty base spanning AI subfields, and deep connections to Oak Ridge National Laboratory—one of the nation's premier computational research centers. The program offers both rigorous graduate training in AI research and specialized master's tracks for students targeting industry careers in machine learning and data science. Students can pursue focused study in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and AI systems while engaging with faculty conducting cutting-edge research in deep learning optimization, AI for scientific discovery, and high-performance computing. The proximity to Oak Ridge creates unique internship and research opportunities unavailable at most universities, particularly for students interested in AI applications in scientific computing, materials science, energy systems, and national security. Graduate outcomes span academia, national laboratories, and leading tech companies, with strong placement rates reflecting the program's reputation and the research-oriented training environment.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems
- Genome Science and Technology Center
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: More than 1,600 unique organizations.
Notable Faculty
- Srinivasan Parthasarathy — Machine learning, data mining, and AI
- Rich Wolski — Machine learning and systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA. Application Deadline: Summer: April 15, Fall: July 1, Spring: December 15.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited engineering programs
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Oak Ridge National LaboratoryKnoxville tech corridor growthAccess to supercomputing resources for AI researchProximity to scientific computing and national security AI initiatives
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Strong applied machine learning curriculum embedded within a research-active department that prioritizes industry-relevant project work and regional corporate partnerships.
Hakia Insight: Memphis's trinity of FedEx, IBM, and Microsoft as top employers suggests a program that bridges logistics optimization (FedEx), enterprise AI systems (IBM), and cloud infrastructure (Microsoft)—a rare technical breadth that keeps graduates agile across sectors.
At the doctoral level, memphis's computer science program has built meaningful strength in artificial intelligence through a curriculum that balances foundational machine learning theory with applied data science projects. The program emphasizes practical experience—students engage with real datasets and industry-relevant tools across core AI courses including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision. Faculty research spans robotics applications, autonomous systems, and optimization algorithms, creating pathways for undergraduate and graduate students to contribute to active research. The university's location in a growing tech corridor, combined with partnerships in healthcare and logistics sectors, provides internship and employment pipelines for graduates entering AI roles. The MS in Computer Science with AI concentration has gained recognition for producing graduates who move into roles at Fortune 500 companies and regional tech firms, particularly in data engineering and machine learning operations.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Intelligent Systems and Robotics Lab
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: FedEx, IBM, Microsoft.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum. Application Deadline: July 1 (domestic), May 1 (international not in USA).
Requirements:
Location Advantages: Memphis tech corridor growthProximity to healthcare innovation sectorRegional corporate headquarters (FedEx logistics hub)
