Best Bachelor's Data Science Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Vanderbilt's advantage is its genuinely interdisciplinary data science ecosystem spanning engineering, business, and healthcare, amplified by proximity to one of the nation's largest healthcare systems and Nashville's growing tech scene.
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's data science ecosystem spans engineering, Owen Business School, and Peabody College—allowing undergraduates to specialize in health data science with direct research access at Vanderbilt Medical Center and HCA Healthcare, an interdisciplinary depth that typically emerges only at the doctoral level elsewhere.
At the bachelor's level, vanderbilt's data science ecosystem spans multiple schools—Engineering, Owen Graduate Business School, and Peabody College—allowing students to customize interdisciplinary tracks rarely available elsewhere. The Graduate Data Science program anchors a broader initiative that integrates machine learning, causal inference, and domain applications across departments. Faculty include recognized researchers in statistical learning and AI, many publishing in top venues while teaching; students access cutting-edge methods through seminars and research collaborations. The university's location in Nashville and proximity to major healthcare systems (Vanderbilt Medical Center, HCA Healthcare) creates unparalleled opportunities for biomedical data science and health analytics work. Internships and postgraduate positions frequently flow into tech companies, healthcare enterprises, and research labs, with many graduates pursuing doctoral work or leadership roles in AI-forward organizations. The program's strength lies in combining rigorous theory with immediate real-world application across sectors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Data Science Institute
Industry Partners
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center (corporate)
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Statistical learning and machine learning
Location Advantages: Nashville tech ecosystem growthProximity to major healthcare systems (Vanderbilt Medical Center, HCA Healthcare)Access to health data science opportunities
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: Capstone course with real-world projects to develop workforce-ready skills. Hands-on programming activities integrated throughout curriculum
Hakia Insight: UT Knoxville's fully online bachelor connects directly to Oak Ridge National Laboratory's world-class computing infrastructure and the Department of Energy's research problems; students aren't simulating scientific computing—they're working on real high-performance computing challenges from day one.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science is a fully online asynchronous program that teaches students to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages. The curriculum focuses on core data mining, statistics, and data modeling skills, with students learning to extract, prepare, visualize, model and analyze data. The program features a capstone course where students develop workforce-ready skills on real-world projects, applying their technical knowledge with sector-specific expertise. Key courses include hands-on programming activities, modern algorithms in data science, data wrangling from real-world sources, and visual analytics with project-oriented learning. Students can customize their degree path to fit personal career goals. The program is designed for flexibility, accepting transfer students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and offering three admission terms per year.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Innovative Computing Laboratory
- Advanced Imaging and Collaborative Information Processing
- Integrated Circuits and Systems Laboratory
- National Institute for Computational Sciences
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis
- Neuromorphic Computing at Tennessee
- NorDIC Lab
- Power Information Technology Laboratory
- See Laboratory
- VolSec
- AT&T 5G Lab
- Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- AT&T Business (partner)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Garrett S. Rose — memristive neuromorphic computing, emerging nanotechnology-based hardware security
- Jie Zhuang — Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science
- Mingzhou Jin — sustainability, climate change, optimization, transportation and logistics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: Summer: April 15, Fall: July 1, Spring: December 15.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (world-class high-performance computing research)Access to scientific computing and national security research partnerships
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: MTSU's data science program stands out for embedding industry partnerships directly into curriculum design, ensuring students learn tools and solve problems that match current employer needs.
Hakia Insight: MTSU's curriculum is designed backwards from Accenture, Amazon, Asurion, and BNY Mellon job requirements, not forwards from theory; this employer-first approach means the tools and problems students solve in class map directly to their first-month responsibilities as analysts.
At the bachelor's level, MTSU's data science program emphasizes practical, applied learning through its integrated curriculum that bridges statistics, machine learning, and business analytics. Students engage hands-on with real datasets from day one, working on problems that span predictive modeling, data visualization, and statistical inference. The program's strength lies in its close alignment with industry demand—faculty actively partner with regional employers to shape course content, ensuring graduates can immediately contribute to analytics teams. MTSU's location in the Nashville metropolitan area provides direct access to healthcare systems, financial services, and growing tech companies seeking data talent. The program balances theoretical foundations with immediate applicability: coursework includes Python and R programming, SQL database design, and advanced analytics techniques, all taught within business and domain contexts. Career outcomes reflect this practical focus, with graduates securing roles in healthcare analytics, financial forecasting, and business intelligence across Tennessee and beyond. The accessible tuition structure and strong alumni network in regional industries make MTSU particularly valuable for students seeking affordable, employment-ready data science preparation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Accenture (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
- Asurion (employer)
- Bank of New York Mellon (employer)
- Bridgestone (employer)
- CAT Financial (employer)
- CGI (employer)
- Change Healthcare (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Digital Reasoning (employer)
- Dollar General (employer)
- EFC Systems (employer)
- Genesco (employer)
- Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) (employer)
- HPA Cognizant Technologies (employer)
- Ingram Content Group (employer)
- Juice analytics (employer)
- LBMC (employer)
- Nissan (employer)
- State of Tennessee (employer)
- Stratasan (employer)
- The General (employer)
- Tractor Supply (employer)
- Trinisys (employer)
- Vaco (employer)
- Vanderbilt Medical (employer)
- St. Jude's Children's Hospital (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (employer)
- Nashville Technology Council (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dong Ye — Data Science program director
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science
- Dr. Misa Faezipour — Health informatics and medical systems
- Dr. Rafet Al-Tobasei — Bioinformatics and genomics
Location Advantages: Proximity to Nashville healthcare and financial services sectorsAccess to regional tech companies and analytics employers
Tennessee Technological University — Cookeville, TN
Key Distinction: Tennessee Tech's data science program is uniquely grounded in engineering applications and IoT/industrial systems, differentiating it from business or consumer-tech-focused peer programs.
Hakia Insight: Tennessee Tech's engineering heritage and focus on IoT and industrial systems create a data science program optimized for manufacturing and energy sectors, where demand for technical depth in sensor data and system optimization vastly outpaces supply from consumer-tech-focused programs.
At the bachelor's level, tennessee Tech's data science program grows organically from its engineering heritage, rooted in departments that have long emphasized computational problem-solving and systems thinking. Students progress through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds from foundational mathematics and programming into machine learning, big data technologies, and domain-specific applications in manufacturing, energy systems, and infrastructure. Faculty researchers actively work on IoT applications, predictive maintenance, and smart systems—areas where data science directly translates to engineering impact. Internship and co-op opportunities with regional automotive manufacturers, power utilities, and engineering firms provide early-career experience on real infrastructure challenges. For students drawn to how data science drives physical systems and industrial applications, rather than pure analytics or consumer tech, Tech's engineering-rooted approach and strong regional manufacturing connections create a distinctive pipeline.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to regional automotive and manufacturing industries in Middle TennesseeAccess to energy and utilities sector partnerships
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Key Distinction: UTC's program uniquely emphasizes industrial analytics and systems optimization, positioning graduates for data science roles in manufacturing, supply chain, and operations—sectors where technical depth matters as much as statistical skill.
Hakia Insight: UTC's explicit focus on industrial analytics and supply chain optimization positions graduates for operations and manufacturing roles where data science is still emergent—sectors offering stronger job security and less wage compression than the saturated consumer tech and finance markets.
At the bachelor's level, UTC's data science program leverages the region's deep manufacturing and engineering heritage to build a curriculum centered on industrial analytics, IoT sensor data, and systems optimization. Rather than adopting a generic data science track, the program explicitly teaches machine learning and statistical methods in the context of supply chain analytics, predictive maintenance, and operational intelligence—areas where Tennessee's industrial base creates both employment and research opportunities. Faculty research spans optimization algorithms, industrial process monitoring, and real-time analytics systems, with students gaining exposure to these applied domains through capstone projects and labs. The Chattanooga region's position as a growing technology hub, combined with UTC's engineering-focused identity, creates a distinct profile: graduates emerge as data scientists who understand manufacturing systems, industrial processes, and systems engineering. Coursework integrates domain knowledge alongside computational skills, preparing students to work at the intersection of engineering and analytics. This orientation particularly benefits students interested in manufacturing, logistics, energy, or systems-level problem-solving rather than consumer tech or finance.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to manufacturing and industrial operations in Southeast TennesseeAccess to Chattanooga's growing technology sector and advanced logistics companies
The University of the South — Sewanee, TN
Key Distinction: The University of the South offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: The University of the South offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
The University of the South offers Data Science 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: UMemphis's data science program pairs FedEx proximity with embedded industry project work, creating an unusually direct pathway from classroom to Fortune 500 roles.
Hakia Insight: UMemphis's combination of FedEx proximity and embedded industry projects creates an unusual apprenticeship model: students don't intern at FedEx after graduation—they solve FedEx supply chain problems while still enrolled, a pathway that often converts directly into full-time roles before commencement.
At the bachelor's level, the data science program at University of Memphis distinguishes itself through a curriculum heavily weighted toward applied machine learning and predictive analytics, with particular strength in working with real-world datasets from healthcare and logistics domains. Students engage directly with FedEx case studies and Memphis-based healthcare systems, transforming classroom theory into portfolio pieces that resonate with employers in these high-demand sectors. The program emphasizes both statistical rigor and software engineering practices, ensuring graduates can not only build models but deploy them at scale. Faculty bring substantial industry experience alongside academic credentials, creating a bridge between cutting-edge research and practical implementation. Internship placements are integrated into the degree pathway, with many students securing full-time offers before graduation. The location provides natural advantages—FedEx's global operations headquarters sits in the same city, creating pipeline opportunities that few programs can match. Capstone projects often involve real client problems, which means your final project might directly influence a Fortune 500 company's operations. For students prioritizing career velocity and concrete problem-solving over pure theoretical depth, this program delivers an accelerated path into data roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science Research Cluster
- Electric Power and Energy Systems Research Laboratory
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory
- Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory
- Center for Biodiversity Research
- Center for Applied Psychological Research
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: FedEx, Fedex Supply Chain Services.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dayou Yu — Data Science
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Computer Science
- Dr. Deepak Venugopal — Computer Science
Location Advantages: FedEx global headquarters in MemphisProximity to healthcare research institutions
Rhodes College — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Rhodes College offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Rhodes College offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Rhodes College offers Data Science 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 data science education uniquely centers on ethical data science and social impact, preparing students to use analytics as a tool for equity and community benefit alongside technical mastery.
Hakia Insight: TSU's dual BA/BS structure and embedded partnerships with HCA Healthcare—headquartered in Nashville—mean undergraduates can build portfolios around healthcare equity analytics from day one, a specificity most regional universities don't offer until grad school.
At the bachelor's level, as a historically Black university, TSU's data science initiatives are embedded within a computing program that emphasizes diversity in tech and social responsibility. The curriculum incorporates ethics in AI and machine learning, recognizing that data science decisions carry real societal implications—a perspective strengthened by the university's community-engaged mission. Students gain hands-on experience through projects focused on addressing equity gaps, workforce development, and economic opportunity in underserved communities. The program encourages participation in hackathons and data competitions, building competitive skills while networking with peers across the region. Nashville's growing tech ecosystem, anchored by companies like HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt Research, provides internship and recruitment pathways. Faculty mentorship emphasizes career development and professional networking, helping students navigate pathways into both corporate and mission-driven organizations. Graduates have found roles in healthcare analytics, financial services, and public sector data analysis, with emphasis on positions that value analytical rigor and social awareness.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- CIDA LAB
- Tiger Institute
- Intelligent Tactical Mobility Laboratory
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- Computer Information Systems Laboratory
- Center for Battlefield Sensor Fusion
- Digital Signal/Image Processing Laboratory
- Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory
- Nano-Materials Laboratory
- Cyber-Security Lab
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
- Tennessee Department of Education (government)
- IBM (sponsor)
- Lockheed Martin (sponsor)
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (sponsor)
- PennState (collaborator)
- North Carolina Central University Foundation Inc. (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: HCA Healthcare, Ascension Health.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ali Sekmen — Computer vision, robotics, subspace segmentation
- Dr. Wei Chen — Cybersecurity, networking, wireless communications
- Dr. Yao — Robotics, autonomous systems
- Dr. Rogers — Cyber security, information assurance
- Dr. Miao — Bioinformatics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: Nashville headquarters for HCA HealthcareAccess to Vanderbilt Research and Medical Center data science initiatives
Milligan University — Milligan, TN
Key Distinction: Milligan University offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Milligan's regional positioning in Tennessee allows students to access internship networks across healthcare and manufacturing without relocating, a practical advantage for working-age students that rarely appears in program marketing.
Milligan University offers Data Science programs in Milligan, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Data Science Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Intensive 4-module system (August-May). Required capstone project integrated into course schedule
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's compressed 9-month, 4-module structure forces students to ship a capstone before May graduation rather than defer it—a constraint that paradoxically produces faster career readiness than programs that stretch across two years.
Vanderbilt's M.S. in Data Science is a 9-month, 30-credit intensive program delivered fully on-campus through four modules from August to May. The program blends computer science, statistics, and business practices, requiring a capstone project integrated into the course schedule. An optional internship or experiential project may fulfill elective credit with approval. Students graduate ready to build end-to-end computational pipelines, work with machine learning models, and communicate results to diverse audiences. Located in Nashville, one of the nation's fastest-growing tech and healthcare hubs, the program positions graduates in a market where data science jobs are growing faster than the qualified talent supply. The Washington Post ranked Nashville top 2 nationally for hottest job market in 2024, creating strong career advancement opportunities for graduates.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Data Science Institute
Industry Partners
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center (corporate)
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Statistical learning and machine learning
Location Advantages: Nashville tech ecosystem growthProximity to major healthcare systems (Vanderbilt Medical Center, HCA Healthcare)Access to health data science opportunities
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: UT Knoxville's distinctive advantage is deep integration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, enabling rare opportunities in high-performance computing, scientific data analysis, and national-scale research partnerships.
Hakia Insight: UT Knoxville's direct pipeline to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (via the Innovative Computing Lab) means students train on the same high-performance computing infrastructure used for Department of Energy research, not classroom simulations.
At the master's level, UT Knoxville's data science program leverages its position as a major research institution by weaving active faculty research directly into student training. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, alongside interdisciplinary initiatives, operates laboratories where students engage with real research questions in machine learning, computational science, and data-driven discovery. Graduate students frequently contribute to published research while completing coursework—a model that accelerates skill development and builds academic credibility. The university's proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the world's leading computational science centers, creates internship pathways and collaborative research opportunities in high-performance computing, scientific data analysis, and national security applications. Undergraduate and graduate tracks both emphasize moving beyond coursework into hands-on research contexts. Graduates emerge with both theoretical foundations and genuine research contributions, positioning them competitively for doctoral programs, national labs, and research-oriented industry roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Innovative Computing Laboratory
- Advanced Imaging and Collaborative Information Processing
- Integrated Circuits and Systems Laboratory
- National Institute for Computational Sciences
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis
- Neuromorphic Computing at Tennessee
- NorDIC Lab
- Power Information Technology Laboratory
- See Laboratory
- VolSec
- AT&T 5G Lab
- Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- AT&T Business (partner)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Garrett S. Rose — memristive neuromorphic computing, emerging nanotechnology-based hardware security
- Jie Zhuang — Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science
- Mingzhou Jin — sustainability, climate change, optimization, transportation and logistics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: Summer: April 15, Fall: July 1, Spring: December 15.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (world-class high-performance computing research)Access to scientific computing and national security research partnerships
Austin Peay State University — Clarksville, TN
Key Distinction: Austin Peay differentiates through embedded industry partnerships with Tennessee manufacturers and regional logistics companies, making applied problem-solving and real capstone work central to the curriculum rather than supplementary.
Hakia Insight: Austin Peay embeds students in Tennessee manufacturing capstones—not case studies—solving real supply chain problems for regional logistics companies, a hands-on model that explains why employment outcomes track closely with local industry needs.
At the master's level, austin Peay's data science program emphasizes applied problem-solving through industry-aligned projects and experiential learning. Rather than pure theory, the curriculum prioritizes real-world datasets and case studies from regional businesses, giving students portfolio pieces before graduation. The program benefits from partnerships with Tennessee manufacturers and logistics companies, providing internship pipelines and capstone projects rooted in actual business intelligence challenges. Faculty bring practical experience from industry roles, teaching courses that blend statistical foundations with Python, R, and cloud platforms. Students graduate equipped not just with technical skills but with demonstrated experience solving enterprise problems—a significant advantage in job markets where employers increasingly value practical portfolios over degrees alone.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Tennessee manufacturing and logistics industries in the Clarksville region
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Thesis option available (6 credits, reduces electives to 12 credits). Capstone Project course option (3 credits) for comprehensive exam requirement
Hakia Insight: UMemphis's thesis option (6 credits, only 12 electives required) is rare among master's programs and appeals specifically to researchers, while the capstone-only track serves working professionals—two genuinely different student archetypes in one program.
The Master of Science in Data Science requires 33 credit hours with flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks. Students can choose a Master's Thesis option (6 credits requiring only 12 elective credits) or opt for a Capstone Project course (3 credits) to meet comprehensive exam requirements. The program offers six specialized clusters including Core Data Science, Biomedical, Economics, Business IT, Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, allowing students to focus their 15 elective credits with 9 credits from the same cluster. Bridge courses are available for those lacking programming or statistics background. The program requires 27 hours at the 7000+ level and maintains graduate-level rigor with a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. Students can utilize up to 6 hours of internship, project, thesis, or independent study work toward their degree.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science Research Cluster
- Electric Power and Energy Systems Research Laboratory
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory
- Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory
- Center for Biodiversity Research
- Center for Applied Psychological Research
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: FedEx, Fedex Supply Chain Services.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dayou Yu — Data Science
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Computer Science
- Dr. Deepak Venugopal — Computer Science
Location Advantages: FedEx global headquarters in MemphisProximity to healthcare research institutions
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: Hybrid format with both online and on-campus courses. Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Hakia Insight: MTSU's hybrid format with online and on-campus flexibility, paired with Amazon and Intel partnerships, targets the working professional who can't relocate but needs Fortune 500 credibility—a niche that most full-time programs ignore.
MTSU's Master of Science in Data Science prepares working professionals for competitive advantage in the rapidly growing data science field. The program offers flexible scheduling with both online and on-campus courses, making it accessible for full-time students and working professionals. Students develop advanced skills in computer programming, data visualization, predictive modeling, business analytics, and communication. The hybrid format allows customization of online versus in-person coursework based on individual needs. Students gain hands-on experience through the Data Science Institute, working on real data projects with companies (some compensated), nonprofit organizations, and faculty research. The program also offers Data Dives (hackathons) for practical experience. Nashville's $7.5 billion technology industry provides strong career opportunities, with MTSU graduates recognized by the Nashville Technology Council. The field ranks as one of the best and most in-demand careers, with graduates prepared for roles ranging from data analyst to machine learning engineer at top companies including Amazon, Deloitte, HCA, and Nissan.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Accenture (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
- Asurion (employer)
- Bank of New York Mellon (employer)
- Bridgestone (employer)
- CAT Financial (employer)
- CGI (employer)
- Change Healthcare (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Digital Reasoning (employer)
- Dollar General (employer)
- EFC Systems (employer)
- Genesco (employer)
- Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) (employer)
- HPA Cognizant Technologies (employer)
- Ingram Content Group (employer)
- Juice analytics (employer)
- LBMC (employer)
- Nissan (employer)
- State of Tennessee (employer)
- Stratasan (employer)
- The General (employer)
- Tractor Supply (employer)
- Trinisys (employer)
- Vaco (employer)
- Vanderbilt Medical (employer)
- St. Jude's Children's Hospital (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (employer)
- Nashville Technology Council (partner)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dong Ye — Data Science program director
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science
- Dr. Misa Faezipour — Health informatics and medical systems
- Dr. Rafet Al-Tobasei — Bioinformatics and genomics
Location Advantages: Proximity to Nashville healthcare and financial services sectorsAccess to regional tech companies and analytics employers
Tennessee Technological University — Cookeville, TN
Key Distinction: Tennessee Tech's data science program is uniquely grounded in engineering applications and IoT/industrial systems, differentiating it from business or consumer-tech-focused peer programs.
Hakia Insight: Tennessee Tech's data science program inherits 140+ years of engineering culture rather than pivoting from business schools, meaning coursework emphasizes IoT/industrial systems optimization over consumer analytics—a meaningful technical distinction for manufacturing-track students.
At the master's level, tennessee Tech's data science program grows organically from its engineering heritage, rooted in departments that have long emphasized computational problem-solving and systems thinking. Students progress through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds from foundational mathematics and programming into machine learning, big data technologies, and domain-specific applications in manufacturing, energy systems, and infrastructure. Faculty researchers actively work on IoT applications, predictive maintenance, and smart systems—areas where data science directly translates to engineering impact. Internship and co-op opportunities with regional automotive manufacturers, power utilities, and engineering firms provide early-career experience on real infrastructure challenges. For students drawn to how data science drives physical systems and industrial applications, rather than pure analytics or consumer tech, Tech's engineering-rooted approach and strong regional manufacturing connections create a distinctive pipeline.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to regional automotive and manufacturing industries in Middle TennesseeAccess to energy and utilities sector partnerships
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Key Distinction: UTC's program uniquely emphasizes industrial analytics and systems optimization, positioning graduates for data science roles in manufacturing, supply chain, and operations—sectors where technical depth matters as much as statistical skill.
Hakia Insight: UTC deliberately positions industrial analytics and systems optimization as its core, not as electives, making it the rare program where manufacturing and supply chain students aren't afterthoughts to a business-analytics-first curriculum.
At the master's level, UTC's data science program leverages the region's deep manufacturing and engineering heritage to build a curriculum centered on industrial analytics, IoT sensor data, and systems optimization. Rather than adopting a generic data science track, the program explicitly teaches machine learning and statistical methods in the context of supply chain analytics, predictive maintenance, and operational intelligence—areas where Tennessee's industrial base creates both employment and research opportunities. Faculty research spans optimization algorithms, industrial process monitoring, and real-time analytics systems, with students gaining exposure to these applied domains through capstone projects and labs. The Chattanooga region's position as a growing technology hub, combined with UTC's engineering-focused identity, creates a distinct profile: graduates emerge as data scientists who understand manufacturing systems, industrial processes, and systems engineering. Coursework integrates domain knowledge alongside computational skills, preparing students to work at the intersection of engineering and analytics. This orientation particularly benefits students interested in manufacturing, logistics, energy, or systems-level problem-solving rather than consumer tech or finance.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to manufacturing and industrial operations in Southeast TennesseeAccess to Chattanooga's growing technology sector and advanced logistics companies
Tennessee State University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Thesis and non-thesis track options. Limited graduate assistantships available (research and teaching)
Hakia Insight: TSU's M.S. in Computer Science with Data Science concentration channels students directly to HCA Healthcare and Ascension Health roles through Dr. Sekmen's computer vision lab and Dr. Chen's cybersecurity focus—a tightly coupled industry pipeline rather than loose career services.
The M.S. in Computer Science with Data Science concentration at Tennessee State University offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks for working professionals. The program requires 33 credit hours including 9 hours of major core, 12 hours of concentration core, and 6 hours of electives, plus either 6 hours of design-based courses (non-thesis) or thesis research. The non-thesis option suits professionals seeking immediate career advancement through project-based learning, while the thesis track prepares students for doctoral studies. Limited graduate assistantships are available competitively each semester, providing research or teaching opportunities. The program accepts students with conditional admission to accommodate working professionals who may need prerequisite courses. With a minimum 2.75 GPA requirement and flexible admission for those with exceptional industry experience, the program serves both recent graduates and mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in cutting-edge computer science areas.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science with Data Science Concentration — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- CIDA LAB
- Tiger Institute
- Intelligent Tactical Mobility Laboratory
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- Computer Information Systems Laboratory
- Center for Battlefield Sensor Fusion
- Digital Signal/Image Processing Laboratory
- Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory
- Nano-Materials Laboratory
- Cyber-Security Lab
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
- Tennessee Department of Education (government)
- IBM (sponsor)
- Lockheed Martin (sponsor)
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (sponsor)
- PennState (collaborator)
- North Carolina Central University Foundation Inc. (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: HCA Healthcare, Ascension Health.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ali Sekmen — Computer vision, robotics, subspace segmentation
- Dr. Wei Chen — Cybersecurity, networking, wireless communications
- Dr. Yao — Robotics, autonomous systems
- Dr. Rogers — Cyber security, information assurance
- Dr. Miao — Bioinformatics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements: Maintain 3.0 GPA, Grade of B or better in all core courses, No more than two C grades in other courses, Admission to candidacy after 9 credit hours
Location Advantages: Nashville headquarters for HCA HealthcareAccess to Vanderbilt Research and Medical Center data science initiatives
Southern Adventist University — Collegedale, TN
Key Distinction: Southern Adventist uniquely positions data science within an ethical framework emphasizing responsible innovation and impact-driven applications, particularly in healthcare and nonprofit sectors.
Hakia Insight: Southern Adventist's ethical-impact framework isn't window dressing: it channels students toward healthcare nonprofits and mission-driven organizations in Chattanooga, creating career outcomes fundamentally different from secular peer programs focused on finance and tech.
At the master's level, southern Adventist's data science offerings emerge from a strong quantitative tradition in its STEM programs, now crystallizing into dedicated pathways for students seeking analytics and computational skills. The program integrates statistical rigor with practical tools—SQL, Python, machine learning libraries—while maintaining the institution's emphasis on ethical application of technology and responsible innovation. Class sizes remain small, enabling individualized mentorship and research opportunities that larger programs cannot accommodate. Faculty actively guide students toward internships in healthcare analytics, nonprofit data work, and education technology—sectors where Southern Adventist's values-driven approach to education naturally aligns. Graduates frequently enter roles where data literacy improves decision-making in missions-focused organizations or healthcare systems, reflecting a program culture that views analytics as a tool for broader impact.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Located in Chattanooga, proximity to growing healthcare and tech innovation sectors in East Tennessee
Meharry Medical College — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Meharry Medical College offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Meharry's position as a historically Black medical college (and Nashville institution) creates direct clinical data access most universities only dream about, positioning data science graduates for healthcare leadership roles where diversity and clinical insight compound.
Meharry Medical College offers Data Science programs in Nashville, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Doctoral Data Science Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Vanderbilt's advantage is its genuinely interdisciplinary data science ecosystem spanning engineering, business, and healthcare, amplified by proximity to one of the nation's largest healthcare systems and Nashville's growing tech scene.
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's three-school doctoral ecosystem (Engineering, Owen Business, Peabody) lets students design interdisciplinary tracks—a PhD student could build healthcare AI with engineering rigor, business deployment strategy, and education policy expertise simultaneously.
Vanderbilt's data science ecosystem spans multiple schools—Engineering, Owen Graduate Business School, and Peabody College—allowing students to customize interdisciplinary tracks rarely available elsewhere. The Graduate Data Science program anchors a broader initiative that integrates machine learning, causal inference, and domain applications across departments. Faculty include recognized researchers in statistical learning and AI, many publishing in top venues while teaching; students access cutting-edge methods through seminars and research collaborations. The university's location in Nashville and proximity to major healthcare systems (Vanderbilt Medical Center, HCA Healthcare) creates unparalleled opportunities for biomedical data science and health analytics work. Internships and postgraduate positions frequently flow into tech companies, healthcare enterprises, and research labs, with many graduates pursuing doctoral work or leadership roles in AI-forward organizations. The program's strength lies in combining rigorous theory with immediate real-world application across sectors.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Data Science Institute
Industry Partners
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center (corporate)
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Statistical learning and machine learning
Location Advantages: Nashville tech ecosystem growthProximity to major healthcare systems (Vanderbilt Medical Center, HCA Healthcare)Access to health data science opportunities
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: Small class sizes for advanced courses with one-on-one faculty instruction. Two required internships in organizational settings
Hakia Insight: UT Knoxville's ESM PhD requires two mandatory internships in organizational settings plus Oak Ridge proximity, creating a 90-credit program explicitly structured for applied statisticians in government and defense, not academic researchers.
The PhD in Evaluation, Statistics and Methodology (ESM) is a 90-credit-hour program designed for careers in evaluation, applied statistics, and assessment. The program requires 15 credit hours of ESM core courses, 12 hours of advanced ESM core, 15 hours of research methodology, 9 hours of electives, 15 hours of applied professional experience including internships, and 24 hours of dissertation research. Students complete multiple field experiences and two required internships in organizational settings. The program features small advanced classes for individualized instruction and is taught by three experienced faculty members active in professional associations. Application priority deadline is December 1 with funding more likely for early applicants. Recent graduates have found positions as higher education faculty, senior administrators, program evaluators, and some have pursued postdoctoral opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Evaluation, Statistics & Methodology PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Innovative Computing Laboratory
- Advanced Imaging and Collaborative Information Processing
- Integrated Circuits and Systems Laboratory
- National Institute for Computational Sciences
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis
- Neuromorphic Computing at Tennessee
- NorDIC Lab
- Power Information Technology Laboratory
- See Laboratory
- VolSec
- AT&T 5G Lab
- Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- AT&T Business (partner)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Garrett S. Rose — memristive neuromorphic computing, emerging nanotechnology-based hardware security
- Jie Zhuang — Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science
- Mingzhou Jin — sustainability, climate change, optimization, transportation and logistics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: Summer: April 15, Fall: July 1, Spring: December 15.
Requirements: Complete dissertation proposal approved by committee, Oral dissertation defense, 24 credit hours dissertation research, Two required internships, Multiple field experiences
Location Advantages: Proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (world-class high-performance computing research)Access to scientific computing and national security research partnerships
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: UMemphis's data science program pairs FedEx proximity with embedded industry project work, creating an unusually direct pathway from classroom to Fortune 500 roles.
Hakia Insight: UMemphis pairs its PhD students directly with FedEx's global supply chain challenges through embedded projects, collapsing the typical academic-to-industry gap and producing dissertations that function as actionable optimization research for a Fortune 500 employer.
At the doctoral level, the data science program at University of Memphis distinguishes itself through a curriculum heavily weighted toward applied machine learning and predictive analytics, with particular strength in working with real-world datasets from healthcare and logistics domains. Students engage directly with FedEx case studies and Memphis-based healthcare systems, transforming classroom theory into portfolio pieces that resonate with employers in these high-demand sectors. The program emphasizes both statistical rigor and software engineering practices, ensuring graduates can not only build models but deploy them at scale. Faculty bring substantial industry experience alongside academic credentials, creating a bridge between cutting-edge research and practical implementation. Internship placements are integrated into the degree pathway, with many students securing full-time offers before graduation. The location provides natural advantages—FedEx's global operations headquarters sits in the same city, creating pipeline opportunities that few programs can match. Capstone projects often involve real client problems, which means your final project might directly influence a Fortune 500 company's operations. For students prioritizing career velocity and concrete problem-solving over pure theoretical depth, this program delivers an accelerated path into data roles.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science Research Cluster
- Electric Power and Energy Systems Research Laboratory
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory
- Advanced Distributed Learning Partnership Laboratory
- Center for Biodiversity Research
- Center for Applied Psychological Research
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: FedEx, Fedex Supply Chain Services.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dayou Yu — Data Science
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Computer Science
- Dr. Deepak Venugopal — Computer Science
Location Advantages: FedEx global headquarters in MemphisProximity to healthcare research institutions
