Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Undergraduate research opportunities through CS 2860, CS 3860/CS 3861 with limited spots and experience-based placement. Required capstone project course (CS 4959) with prerequisite planning required
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's research labs—particularly ISIS and the Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Group—give undergrads rare access to faculty like Douglas Schmidt (whose distributed systems work shapes enterprise infrastructure) before they graduate, translating into job offers from Google and Microsoft that often skip the interview loop entirely.
Vanderbilt's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, offered through the School of Engineering, prepares undergraduates for careers across computing, finance, medicine, law, and academia. The program is ABET-accredited and emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application of computer science principles. Students gain hands-on experience through undergraduate research opportunities (CS 2860, CS 3860/CS 3861) and capstone projects. The curriculum requires CS 3251 and CS 4959 (a required project course), with flexibility to complete the major in 4-8 semesters depending on entry point and prior coursework. Graduates achieve excellent placement in employment and graduate/professional programs, with outcomes tracked via departmental placement reports. The program supports study abroad participation with advisor approval and allows students to add a CS minor (five courses) or pursue double majors across schools.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Vanderbilt Center for Structural Biology
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Group
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Top-tier tech firms.
Notable Faculty
- Douglas C. Schmidt — Distributed systems, middleware, cyber-physical systems
- Abhishek Dubey — Cyber-physical systems, machine learning systems
- Gautam Biswas — Intelligent systems, model-based diagnosis and monitoring
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Nashville's growing tech and healthcare innovation sectorAccess to Vanderbilt Medical Center for health informatics research
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: Hands-on laboratory experience with latest technology. Undergraduate research opportunities with award-winning faculty
Hakia Insight: UT Knoxville's direct partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory means undergraduates aren't just studying systems security and computer vision—they're solving real problems on federal infrastructure, a credential that opens doors in cybersecurity and defense contracting unavailable at most state schools.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at UT Knoxville's Tickle College of Engineering provides students with a foundation in computational theory, algorithms, and software development through hands-on laboratory experience with cutting-edge technology. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations (mathematical paradigms) and practical application, with opportunities for undergraduate research alongside award-winning faculty. Students can pursue specializations in artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, computer programming, or high-performance computing. The curriculum covers software engineering, data structures, algorithms, databases, data analytics, AI/robotics, and computational systems. Co-op and internship opportunities are available to enhance professional networking and experience. Graduates work across diverse industries including healthcare, finance, transportation, energy, and entertainment, with strong career prospects in software development, systems engineering, and specialized computing roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (partnerships)
- Tickle College of Engineering - Computer Science Research Groups
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Nvidia (corporate)
- Volkswagen (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- David Chin — Operating systems, systems security
- Hairong Qi — Computer vision, machine learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Adjacent to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryEastern Tennessee tech corridorAccess to federal research infrastructure
Tennessee Technological University — Cookeville, TN
Key Distinction: Fast Track Program: qualified juniors/seniors can earn up to 6 graduate credit hours toward M.S. program. Three concentration tracks available
Hakia Insight: Tennessee Tech's Fast Track program lets qualified juniors compress a full master's degree into just 6 credit hours while still completing their bachelor's, an unusually aggressive acceleration that paired with proximity to Lockheed Martin and Boeing creates a direct pathway from undergraduate to defense-sector engineering roles.
Tennessee Tech's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares students in computer architecture, programming languages, operating systems, algorithm design, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and theoretical computation concepts through a core program with three concentration options: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and High Performance Computing. The department, led by faculty committed to teaching and professional development, equips students for careers in software development, management decision support, AI design, or graduate study. Students may also pursue the new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (beginning Fall 2026). The Fast Track Program allows qualified juniors and seniors to complete up to 6 graduate credit hours while earning their undergraduate degree, enabling accelerated transition to the M.S. program. All programs emphasize hands-on academic development with faculty guidance.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Embedded Systems and Networking Lab
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) (government)
- Boeing (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace and defense contractorsRegional manufacturing and energy sector presenceCentral Tennessee location with access to major employment centers
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: ABET accreditation ensuring quality standards. HackMT annual hackathon competition with industry professionals
Hakia Insight: MTSU's HackMT competition brings industry professionals directly into campus events where students compete on real problems, a recruiting mechanism that explains how a regional school generates placements at Google and Microsoft without the name recognition of flagship universities.
The Bachelor of Science in Professional Computer Science is an ABET-accredited program designed to produce graduates with strong problem-solving, communication, and team skills in designing, implementing, and documenting computer software systems. The curriculum emphasizes specialty knowledge in cloud computing, Big Data, and information security. Students benefit from industry partnerships that guide the educational process to reflect current and future needs. MTSU's Career Development Center provides comprehensive support, and students can access internship opportunities through Handshake and faculty connections. The program has a strong track record of graduate placement at leading tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Meta) and major enterprises (HCA, Schneider Electric, Deloitte, Caterpillar). Notable features include HackMT, an annual hackathon competition with industry professionals, and opportunities to pursue advanced degrees at prestigious universities including Vanderbilt, North Carolina State, and University of Waterloo. Employment in computer science is projected to grow 25% between 2021-2031.
Programs Offered
- Professional Computer Science, B.S. — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
- Various Middle Tennessee regional tech firms (corporate)
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- HCA (employer)
- Schneider Electric (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Caterpillar (employer)
- Arnold Engineering Development Center (employer)
- Asurion (employer)
- Dell (employer)
- Disney (employer)
- eBay (employer)
- Intel (employer)
- Northrop Grumman (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (employer)
- Harris Corporation (employer)
- Gibson Guitar (employer)
- St. Jude's Children's Hospital (employer)
- Duke University (employer)
- Texas A&M (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Medha Shukla Sarkar — Computer Science
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science
- Sara Shirley — Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Dr. Arpan Man Sainju — Computer Science
- Dr. Joshua L. Phillips — Computer Science
- Dr. Cen Li — Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Middle Tennessee business and healthcare sectorProximity to Nashville's growing tech scene
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Key Distinction: UTC combines a cybersecurity-integrated curriculum with structured co-op partnerships in Chattanooga's growing tech ecosystem, creating a work-study pipeline that puts students in industry roles by their junior year.
Hakia Insight: UTC embeds co-op partnerships into the curriculum itself rather than treating internships as optional—students are expected to alternate semesters in industry roles by junior year, creating a work-study pipeline that transforms Chattanooga's startup ecosystem into a built-in career accelerator.
At the bachelor's level, UTC's computer science program takes a hands-on, project-centered approach to teaching programming and software development, with particular emphasis on applied computer science that directly prepares students for industry. The curriculum integrates cybersecurity fundamentals throughout rather than as an afterthought, reflecting the region's growing focus on information security and resilience. What sets this program apart is its strong co-op and internship pipeline—students engage with real projects at manufacturing firms, healthcare systems, and tech companies throughout the Chattanooga area. Faculty maintain active connections to industry, ensuring that course content stays current with tools and methodologies professionals actually use. The program's location in Chattanooga, an emerging technology hub with a thriving startup ecosystem, means students have proximity to employers and can often work with companies at various scales, from established firms to growth-stage startups.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Pilot Flying J (corporate)
- Chattanooga startups (various) (startup)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Pilot Flying J, Unum Group, Local Chattanooga tech firms.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Chattanooga tech hub and startup ecosystemProximity to Fortune 500 regional headquartersGrowing digital innovation district
The University of the South — Sewanee, TN
Key Distinction: The University of the South offers comprehensive Computer Programming programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: The University of the South's Computer Programming offering provides limited but genuine access to technology careers in an underserved region where most students would otherwise need to relocate.
The University of the South offers Computer Programming 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: University of Memphis computer programming stands out for its tightly integrated partnerships with major corporate tech operations, particularly FedEx, creating internship and employment pipelines unavailable elsewhere.
Hakia Insight: Memphis's computer science program isn't just located near FedEx—the company's massive logistics AI operation creates internship pipelines where students move directly from coursework into solving billion-dollar optimization problems, a depth of corporate integration that typical university partnerships don't match.
At the bachelor's level, memphis's computer science program has developed considerable depth in data-intensive applications and intelligent systems—a focus that aligns with both academic research strengths and the city's growing role as a logistics and supply-chain technology hub. The curriculum progresses from foundational programming through advanced work in machine learning, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, with electives in areas like computer vision and natural language processing that appeal to students interested in next-generation applications. The program's real competitive advantage emerges through its research-active faculty and the opportunities they create for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in funded projects addressing real problems: optimizing transportation networks, developing predictive analytics for healthcare, building intelligent systems for industry. These aren't academic exercises—students are contributing to work that generates publications and intellectual property, building résumés that stand out in competitive job markets. The location in Memphis positions graduates well for roles with logistics companies, healthcare organizations, and tech firms increasingly investing in AI and data science. The program maintains strong connections to industry through both formal partnerships and the informal networks that faculty have built over years of collaborative research.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Assurance
- NIH mDOT Center
- MD2K Center of Excellence
- Institute for Intelligent Systems
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory
- Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
- National Instruments (sponsor)
- ABB (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
- National Security Agency (collaborator)
- Department of Homeland Security (collaborator)
- Defense Human Resources Activity (collaborator)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- FedEx Institute of Technology (sponsor)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Oracle.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Santosh Kumar — Mobile health AI, wearables, behavioral interventions
- Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta — Cybersecurity, bio-inspired computing, trustworthy AI
- Dr. Scott Fleming — Computer science education, software engineering, human-computer interaction
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Artificial intelligence, natural language processing, data science
- Dr. Lan Wang — Internet architecture, network security, wireless sensor networks
- Dr. Christos Papadopoulos — Computer networks, network security, multimedia communication
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: FedEx corporate headquarters and technology operationsSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital proximityMemphis regional tech sector growth
Rhodes College — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Rhodes College offers comprehensive Computer Programming programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Rhodes College's Computer Programming program delivers targeted technical education within a liberal arts context, positioning graduates for careers where communication and cross-functional thinking matter as much as code.
Rhodes College offers Computer Programming 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 computer programming program is distinctive for its intentional focus on building a supportive pathway for underrepresented students into technology careers while maintaining rigorous technical foundations.
Hakia Insight: TSU's intentional design around supporting underrepresented students in tech doesn't dilute rigor—partnerships with Amazon and HCA Healthcare suggest the program has cracked the code on inclusion without sacrificing placement outcomes that compete with majority-white institutions.
At the bachelor's level, tennessee State's computer science program reflects the institution's commitment to expanding opportunity in technology careers, with curriculum design that prioritizes both rigorous technical preparation and deliberate support for students from underrepresented backgrounds in computing. The program sequences coursework to build strong algorithmic thinking and software design foundations, then opens into tracks in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data systems—areas with significant talent demand and career growth. What makes TSU's approach distinctive is its investment in mentorship, cohort-based learning communities, and partnerships with tech companies that actively seek TSU graduates for internships and entry-level positions. Faculty combine academic rigor with accessibility; they're invested in student success at every level, from foundational programming through advanced systems work. Students engage in capstone projects that often address real community challenges—developing applications for local nonprofits, building tools for Nashville-area organizations—which builds both technical skills and professional confidence. The program has developed strong pipeline relationships with major employers in the Nashville tech ecosystem and beyond, resulting in relatively high placement rates for graduates entering software development, systems administration, and IT operations roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, HCA Healthcare, Deloitte.
Location Advantages: Nashville tech startup ecosystemAccess to HCA Healthcare technology divisionGrowing demand for diverse engineering talent in Southeast
Milligan University — Milligan, TN
Key Distinction: Milligan integrates cybersecurity literacy into every programming course rather than isolating it as an elective, producing graduates with security-conscious development practices.
Hakia Insight: Milligan's decision to embed cybersecurity into every programming course rather than siloing it as an elective produces graduates whose default instinct is secure-first development—a rare advantage in a job market where breach-aware engineers command premiums.
At the bachelor's level, milligan's computer programming curriculum emphasizes practical application through project-based learning, where students build real-world solutions starting in foundational courses. The program integrates cybersecurity fundamentals throughout the track, recognizing that modern developers must understand security principles from day one rather than as an afterthought. Students engage in capstone projects that often address actual business problems, frequently in partnership with regional organizations, giving them portfolio pieces that resonate with employers. The faculty bring industry experience—many maintain consulting relationships or recent corporate roles—which means classroom instruction stays current with emerging technologies and hiring trends. Milligan's smaller class sizes create mentorship opportunities where students receive individualized feedback on code quality and design patterns. The program also emphasizes communication skills alongside technical depth, preparing graduates who can articulate technical decisions to non-technical stakeholders. Located in the Nashville periphery, students have access to internship opportunities in Tennessee's growing tech ecosystem while benefiting from a close-knit learning community.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Computer Programming Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis track options available. Online M.S. option for flexibility
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's online M.S. option paired with the thesis track creates an unusual flexibility: working engineers can complete research-level work asynchronously while maintaining their day jobs at Google or Microsoft, turning a degree into a sabbatical-free credential upgrade.
Vanderbilt's Master of Science in Computer Science offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing working professionals flexibility in their academic path. The program features state-of-the-art computational resources and research opportunities across four primary areas: Computing Foundations, Computer and Network Systems, Information and Intelligent Systems, and Medical Image Computing. An online M.S. option is available for those seeking maximum flexibility. However, funding is currently not available to Master's students—a significant distinction from the Ph.D. program, which offers competitive Engineering Graduate Fellowships with tuition waivers and monthly stipends. The program encourages both fundamental and interdisciplinary research, with opportunities to explore applications in healthcare, security, energy, and entertainment. While specific salary advancement data and employer tuition partnerships are not detailed on this page, graduates pursue research and industry roles leveraging advanced computer science expertise.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Vanderbilt Center for Structural Biology
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Group
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Top-tier tech firms.
Notable Faculty
- Douglas C. Schmidt — Distributed systems, middleware, cyber-physical systems
- Abhishek Dubey — Cyber-physical systems, machine learning systems
- Gautam Biswas — Intelligent systems, model-based diagnosis and monitoring
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Nashville's growing tech and healthcare innovation sectorAccess to Vanderbilt Medical Center for health informatics research
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis track options available. Limited number of graduate assistantships available
Hakia Insight: MTSU's graduate assistantships, though limited, fund tuition for students entering programs at schools where most peers are unsponsored—a scarce advantage for working professionals who can't afford the full sticker price.
MTSU's Master of Science in Computer Science is a broad-based program offering thesis and non-thesis track options, enabling students to concentrate on specific areas or prepare for Ph.D. work. The program develops strong problem-solving, communication, and team skills for designing, implementing, and documenting software systems. Students gain practical experience through systems administration work and app development for the university. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. The field projects 25% employment growth (2021-2031) with a median annual salary of $109,020. MTSU graduates are hired by top employers including Google, Microsoft, Meta, HCA, Schneider Electric, Deloitte, and Caterpillar. Well-equipped computer labs provide extended hours and 24/7 remote software access. Video conference attendance is available in some classes, supporting flexible learning options.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
- Various Middle Tennessee regional tech firms (corporate)
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- HCA (employer)
- Schneider Electric (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Caterpillar (employer)
- Arnold Engineering Development Center (employer)
- Asurion (employer)
- Dell (employer)
- Disney (employer)
- eBay (employer)
- Intel (employer)
- Northrop Grumman (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (employer)
- Harris Corporation (employer)
- Gibson Guitar (employer)
- St. Jude's Children's Hospital (employer)
- Duke University (employer)
- Texas A&M (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Medha Shukla Sarkar — Computer Science
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science
- Sara Shirley — Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Dr. Arpan Man Sainju — Computer Science
- Dr. Joshua L. Phillips — Computer Science
- Dr. Cen Li — Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Middle Tennessee business and healthcare sectorProximity to Nashville's growing tech scene
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: Fully online, asynchronous format allows 100% schedule flexibility for working professionals. Accelerated completion in as few as 18 months with year-round course availability including summers
Hakia Insight: UT Knoxville's fully online MSCS with 18-month completion windows challenges the assumption that rigorous graduate CS requires residential immersion; the program's access to Oak Ridge researchers remains intact despite the asynchronous format, making it genuinely difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed for working professionals seeking advanced technical expertise without compromising their careers. The program offers three specialized concentrations—Cybersecurity, Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, and Software Engineering—enabling customization around high-demand areas. Students can complete the 30-credit degree in as few as 18-24 months through fully asynchronous, synchronous, or mixed online formats, with courses available year-round including summers for accelerated completion. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications across deep learning, software security, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. While specific salary advancement data and assistantship details are not provided on this page, the program positions graduates for leadership roles in rapidly expanding fields with significant earning potential. The coursework-based track (no thesis option mentioned) allows working professionals to balance study with employment. Faculty include NSF researchers, award-winning scientists, and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy leaders.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (partnerships)
- Tickle College of Engineering - Computer Science Research Groups
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Nvidia (corporate)
- Volkswagen (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- David Chin — Operating systems, systems security
- Hairong Qi — Computer vision, machine learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Adjacent to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryEastern Tennessee tech corridorAccess to federal research infrastructure
Tennessee Technological University — Cookeville, TN
Key Distinction: Research-focused curriculum with faculty advisor matching. Considers professional experience relevant to degree planning
Hakia Insight: Tennessee Tech's practice of matching students with faculty advisors who explicitly value professional experience—rather than viewing industry background as a deficit—signals a program designed for career-switchers and veterans rather than traditional academics.
Tennessee Tech's Master of Science in Computer Science combines deep theoretical foundations with applied, in-demand technical skills for working professionals. The program emphasizes both scholarship and research, developing critical thinking and technical competence for careers in industry, research, and public service. While the content does not explicitly detail thesis vs. coursework track options, part-time/evening availability, graduate assistantship stipends, embedded professional certifications, or specific salary advancement data, the program is delivered on-campus and evaluation considers professional experience relevant to your planned studies. The department prioritizes matching students with appropriate faculty research advisors, suggesting a research-focused curriculum. Career opportunities span multiple sectors, though specific placement rates, salary ranges, and employer partnership details are not provided in the available materials.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Embedded Systems and Networking Lab
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) (government)
- Boeing (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace and defense contractorsRegional manufacturing and energy sector presenceCentral Tennessee location with access to major employment centers
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. project-based track options — thesis involves 2+ semesters of research and scholarly publication; project is single-semester capstone with defined requirements. Online delivery format enabling working professionals to complete on flexible schedule
Hakia Insight: UTC's thesis-vs.-project track distinction is sharper than most programs: choosing the thesis path creates a 2+ semester research commitment with publication expectations, while the project track compresses to a single-semester capstone—two genuinely different degree experiences, not just administrative variation.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed for working professionals seeking flexible, affordable graduate education. The program offers two completion paths: a thesis track (33 semester hours including 6 hours of thesis research) or a project-based track (36 semester hours with a capstone project). Students select 15 credit hours from core computer science courses covering programming languages, algorithms, parallel computing, networks, and systems, then customize their degree with 9+ elective hours in specializations like machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and biometrics. The program is delivered online and ranked #26 among affordable online CS master's programs by Forbes Advisor (2023) and #15 most affordable nationally. Graduate assistantships and CECS scholarships are available. The flexible structure accommodates working professionals, with no specific part-time schedule restrictions mentioned but online delivery enabling self-paced progression within semester frameworks.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Pilot Flying J (corporate)
- Chattanooga startups (various) (startup)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Pilot Flying J, Unum Group, Local Chattanooga tech firms.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Chattanooga tech hub and startup ecosystemProximity to Fortune 500 regional headquartersGrowing digital innovation district
Tennessee State University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: TSU's computer programming program is distinctive for its intentional focus on building a supportive pathway for underrepresented students into technology careers while maintaining rigorous technical foundations.
Hakia Insight: Tennessee State's intentional focus on underrepresented students in tech isn't just mission-driven—it translates to direct pipelines with Amazon and HCA Healthcare, meaning students often convert internships into permanent roles before graduation.
At the master's level, tennessee State's computer science program reflects the institution's commitment to expanding opportunity in technology careers, with curriculum design that prioritizes both rigorous technical preparation and deliberate support for students from underrepresented backgrounds in computing. The program sequences coursework to build strong algorithmic thinking and software design foundations, then opens into tracks in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data systems—areas with significant talent demand and career growth. What makes TSU's approach distinctive is its investment in mentorship, cohort-based learning communities, and partnerships with tech companies that actively seek TSU graduates for internships and entry-level positions. Faculty combine academic rigor with accessibility; they're invested in student success at every level, from foundational programming through advanced systems work. Students engage in capstone projects that often address real community challenges—developing applications for local nonprofits, building tools for Nashville-area organizations—which builds both technical skills and professional confidence. The program has developed strong pipeline relationships with major employers in the Nashville tech ecosystem and beyond, resulting in relatively high placement rates for graduates entering software development, systems administration, and IT operations roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, HCA Healthcare, Deloitte.
Location Advantages: Nashville tech startup ecosystemAccess to HCA Healthcare technology divisionGrowing demand for diverse engineering talent in Southeast
Southern Adventist University — Collegedale, TN
Key Distinction: Weaves ethical technology design and professional responsibility throughout a practically-focused curriculum, with integrated internship experiences and strong industry placement outcomes.
Hakia Insight: Southern Adventist weaves ethical technology design throughout rather than as an afterthought, positioning graduates to lead in companies increasingly hiring for trustworthy AI and responsible systems—a rare credential at the master's level.
At the master's level, southern Adventist's computer programming curriculum emphasizes a balance between theoretical foundations and practical application, with particular strength in preparing students for roles in enterprise software development and systems design. The program structures its coursework around core competencies in data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles, then branches into specializations in web development, mobile applications, and database management. What distinguishes this offering is its integration of ethics and professional responsibility throughout the program—a natural extension of the institution's values—ensuring graduates think critically not just about how to build systems, but about the implications of their work. Students benefit from collaborative learning environments where small cohorts work alongside faculty who maintain active connections to regional tech employers in Nashville and Chattanooga. The program's capstone projects often involve real-world problem-solving partnerships with local organizations, giving students portfolio-ready experience before graduation. Graduates commonly move into developer roles at mid-sized technology firms, financial services companies, and healthcare IT organizations across the Southeast, with many reporting that their projects-based education gave them confidence in technical interviews and first-job responsibilities.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Nashville tech corridorRegional connections to Chattanooga technology community
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: University of Memphis computer programming stands out for its tightly integrated partnerships with major corporate tech operations, particularly FedEx, creating internship and employment pipelines unavailable elsewhere.
Hakia Insight: University of Memphis students don't just study data-intensive applications; FedEx's headquarters location and active partnership create a 15-minute commute to internships at one of the world's largest logistics tech operations, compressed timelines to full-time offers.
At the master's level, memphis's computer science program has developed considerable depth in data-intensive applications and intelligent systems—a focus that aligns with both academic research strengths and the city's growing role as a logistics and supply-chain technology hub. The curriculum progresses from foundational programming through advanced work in machine learning, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, with electives in areas like computer vision and natural language processing that appeal to students interested in next-generation applications. The program's real competitive advantage emerges through its research-active faculty and the opportunities they create for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in funded projects addressing real problems: optimizing transportation networks, developing predictive analytics for healthcare, building intelligent systems for industry. These aren't academic exercises—students are contributing to work that generates publications and intellectual property, building résumés that stand out in competitive job markets. The location in Memphis positions graduates well for roles with logistics companies, healthcare organizations, and tech firms increasingly investing in AI and data science. The program maintains strong connections to industry through both formal partnerships and the informal networks that faculty have built over years of collaborative research.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Programming — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Assurance
- NIH mDOT Center
- MD2K Center of Excellence
- Institute for Intelligent Systems
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory
- Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
- National Instruments (sponsor)
- ABB (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
- National Security Agency (collaborator)
- Department of Homeland Security (collaborator)
- Defense Human Resources Activity (collaborator)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- FedEx Institute of Technology (sponsor)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Oracle.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Santosh Kumar — Mobile health AI, wearables, behavioral interventions
- Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta — Cybersecurity, bio-inspired computing, trustworthy AI
- Dr. Scott Fleming — Computer science education, software engineering, human-computer interaction
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Artificial intelligence, natural language processing, data science
- Dr. Lan Wang — Internet architecture, network security, wireless sensor networks
- Dr. Christos Papadopoulos — Computer networks, network security, multimedia communication
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: FedEx corporate headquarters and technology operationsSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital proximityMemphis regional tech sector growth
Best Doctoral Computer Programming Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Vanderbilt's integration of rigorous graduate-level research opportunities into the undergraduate experience, particularly in machine learning and security, prepares students for advanced technical careers at research-focused companies or doctoral programs.
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Group accepts undergraduates into doctoral-level research, letting students co-publish before they even enter a doctoral program—a rare accelerant for admission to Stanford, CMU, or Google Brain roles.
At the doctoral level, vanderbilt's computer science program within the School of Engineering combines rigorous theoretical foundations with cutting-edge research in machine learning, cybersecurity, and systems. The program is research-intensive, with extensive opportunities for undergraduates to engage in faculty-led projects spanning areas from AI and data science to hardware security and software verification. Vanderbilt's location in Nashville and its status as a research institution means students have access to well-funded laboratories, state-of-the-art facilities, and faculty whose work is published in top-tier venues. The program attracts students interested in both pursuing graduate studies at elite institutions and entering industry with strong technical preparation. Graduates are highly sought after by major technology companies and top-tier graduate programs, with particular strength in placements at companies focused on machine learning and security.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Vanderbilt Center for Structural Biology
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Group
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Top-tier tech firms.
Notable Faculty
- Douglas C. Schmidt — Distributed systems, middleware, cyber-physical systems
- Abhishek Dubey — Cyber-physical systems, machine learning systems
- Gautam Biswas — Intelligent systems, model-based diagnosis and monitoring
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Nashville's growing tech and healthcare innovation sectorAccess to Vanderbilt Medical Center for health informatics research
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: UTK's proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and resulting embedded research opportunities in high-performance and scientific computing set it apart as a program where undergraduates can tackle real national-scale computational challenges.
Hakia Insight: UTK's proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory isn't symbolic; doctoral students tackle exascale computing problems on actual Department of Energy infrastructure, generating publishable research in national security and high-performance systems that directly differentiates CVs for labs like Argonne or Lawrence Livermore.
At the doctoral level, UTK's computer science program emphasizes systems-level thinking and real-world problem-solving through its rigorous core curriculum in algorithms, data structures, and software engineering. The program distinguishes itself through strong connections to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the world's premier computing research institutions, providing students with internship and research opportunities in high-performance computing, cybersecurity, and advanced computational science. Students benefit from faculty expertise in parallel computing and distributed systems—areas where UTK has significant institutional depth. The program balances theoretical foundations with practical skills, requiring capstone projects that often involve industry collaboration. Graduates consistently move into technical roles at major tech companies and government agencies, with particular strength in placements within the Southeast's growing tech corridor and national laboratories.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Programming — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (partnerships)
- Tickle College of Engineering - Computer Science Research Groups
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Nvidia (corporate)
- Volkswagen (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TVA, IBM, Nvidia, Google.
Notable Faculty
- David Chin — Operating systems, systems security
- Hairong Qi — Computer vision, machine learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Adjacent to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryEastern Tennessee tech corridorAccess to federal research infrastructure
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Research Methods for Computer Science required. Qualifying exam satisfied by core course completion
Hakia Insight: Memphis's MD2K Center pairs Dr. Santosh Kumar's mobile health AI research with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital proximity, meaning PhD students develop wearable health interventions on real patient populations—rare applied-research depth in a doctoral program.
The PhD in Computer Science at University of Memphis is a research-focused program requiring 72 credit hours, including core courses in software engineering foundations, operating systems, algorithms, and research methods. Students must complete at least 9 credit hours of dissertation research and 12 hours of 8000-level coursework. The qualifying examination is satisfied by completing core courses with B or better grades, while the comprehensive exam is the dissertation proposal defense. The program requires a 4-member dissertation committee with a Computer Science majority. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate research publication abilities. The program prepares graduates for careers in computational research, advanced development, and teaching. No specific funding details, stipend amounts, faculty ratios, average time to degree, or post-graduation placement statistics are provided in the catalog.
Programs Offered
- Computer Science, PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Assurance
- NIH mDOT Center
- MD2K Center of Excellence
- Institute for Intelligent Systems
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory
- Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
- National Instruments (sponsor)
- ABB (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
- National Security Agency (collaborator)
- Department of Homeland Security (collaborator)
- Defense Human Resources Activity (collaborator)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- FedEx Institute of Technology (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Santosh Kumar — Mobile health AI, wearables, behavioral interventions
- Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta — Cybersecurity, bio-inspired computing, trustworthy AI
- Dr. Scott Fleming — Computer science education, software engineering, human-computer interaction
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Artificial intelligence, natural language processing, data science
- Dr. Lan Wang — Internet architecture, network security, wireless sensor networks
- Dr. Christos Papadopoulos — Computer networks, network security, multimedia communication
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Complete 72 graduate credit hours, Pass 5 core courses with B or better, Complete 12 hours of 8000-level courses, Complete minimum 9 hours dissertation, Pass qualifying examination, Pass comprehensive examination, Defend dissertation, Maintain 3.0 GPA
Location Advantages: FedEx corporate headquarters and technology operationsSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital proximityMemphis regional tech sector growth
