Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Vanderbilt's software engineering program uniquely positions students to pursue specialized research interests while completing a professional degree, leveraging the university's research intensity and graduate program connections.
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's ISIS lab gives undergraduates access to software systems research at a depth typically reserved for graduate students—meaning exceptionally motivated software engineering majors can co-author publications on embedded systems and distributed computing while completing their bachelor's, directly strengthening their graduate school and industry candidacy.
At the bachelor's level, vanderbilt's software engineering education operates within the context of a research-intensive institution, which means students benefit from proximity to cutting-edge computer science research while pursuing a professional engineering degree. The program structure allows flexibility to pursue specialized tracks—whether that's distributed systems, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, or data-intensive computing—while maintaining strong foundations in software architecture and design. What distinguishes Vanderbilt is the ability for motivated undergraduates to engage with graduate-level coursework and faculty research projects, creating a pipeline for students interested in either industry innovation roles or graduate studies. The university's location in Nashville and strong ties to healthcare, finance, and tech industries provide internship and career placement advantages, particularly for students targeting roles at larger companies with significant presence in the Southeast. Vanderbilt engineering graduates are recruited actively by major tech employers, consulting firms, and startups, reflecting the premium placed on the combination of rigorous computer science foundations and engineering design thinking. Smaller cohort sizes compared to state flagship programs mean more direct faculty interaction and research mentorship opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems
- Artificial Intelligence and Visual Analogical Systems
- Biomedical Data Representation and Learning Lab
- Machine Automation, Perception and Learning Lab (MAPLE)
- Machine Intelligence and Neural Technologies (MINT)
- Medical-image Analysis and Statistical Interpretation Laboratory
- Mobile Application Computing, Optimization and Security Methods Research Group (MAGNUM)
- Network and Data Science
- Smart and Resilient Computing for Physical Environment (SCOPE)
- I-Privacy Lab
- Internet of Medical Things Lab
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jonathan Sprinkle — Computing and interdisciplinary research
- Dr. Graham Hemingway — Undergraduate education
- Dr. Kevin Leach — Graduate recruitment and computer science
- Dr. Ipek Oguz — Graduate studies and computer science
- Dr. Taylor Johnson — Graduate studies and computer science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Nashville healthcare tech sector (major employers like HCA)Proximity to finance and fintech companiesSoutheast tech hub with Fortune 500 presence
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: Hands-on lab experience with latest technology. Co-op and internship opportunities
Hakia Insight: UT-Knoxville's direct adjacency to Oak Ridge National Laboratory creates an unusual advantage: co-op placements at one of America's premier computational research centers aren't aspirational—they're a routine outcome for students meeting the GPA threshold, giving them national security work experience before graduation.
The BS in Computer Science at UT-Knoxville provides hands-on lab experience with cutting-edge technology and research opportunities alongside award-winning faculty. The program emphasizes computational thinking, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering through a comprehensive curriculum that balances theory, experimentation, and engineering design. Students can specialize in artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, or high-performance computing. The department offers co-op and internship opportunities to build professional networks and gain real-world experience. Students can enhance their education through complementary minors in Cybersecurity, Datacenter Technology and Management, or Machine Learning. The program includes core courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering, preparing graduates for careers in healthcare, finance, transportation, energy, and entertainment industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Accenture (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum (3.3 for international students).
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccess to major government research and national security contractsConnection to Knoxville's growing tech ecosystem
Tennessee Technological University — Cookeville, TN
Key Distinction: Undergraduate research opportunities with faculty on NSF, DOE, NIH, DHS, and DOD funded projects. Hands-on experience in Knowledge Discovery Lab
Hakia Insight: Tennessee Tech's three specialized concentrations (data science, high performance computing, cybersecurity) are each backed by NSF/DOD/DOE-funded labs where undergraduates regularly contribute to published research—rare for bachelor's programs—meaning students can graduate with both technical depth and peer-reviewed research credentials.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Tennessee Tech offers three specialized concentrations: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (being phased out for new AI degree in 2026), High Performance Computing focusing on parallel systems and GPUs, and Information Assurance Cybersecurity at an NSA/DHS-designated Center of Academic Excellence. Students gain hands-on experience through the Knowledge Discovery Lab and research projects with faculty funded by NSF, DOE, NIH, DHS, and DOD. The program emphasizes practical application through undergraduate research opportunities and industry connections. Students join a network of over 900 enrolled students and alumni in 30+ states and 10+ countries. Career outcomes are strong, with Tech graduates ranking 6th in average starting salary among Tennessee's 39 institutions. Graduates find employment at major companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, SAIC, as well as financial, healthcare, and research organizations including Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center
- Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MInDS) Research Center
- Center for Energy Systems Research
- Center for Manufacturing Research
- Knowledge Discovery Lab
Industry Partners
- SAIC (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (employer)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- NASA (sponsor)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (sponsor)
- Department of Homeland Security (sponsor)
- Ohio Department of Medicaid (sponsor)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, IBM.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Gerald Gannod — Software engineering, agile software development, data science, machine learning
- Dr. Doug Talbert — Machine learning, data mining, medical informatics
- Dr. William Eberle — Data mining, graph-based anomaly detection, fraud detection
- Dr. Maanak Gupta — Cybersecurity
- Dr. Anthony Skjellum — High-Performance Computing, MPI, cybersecurity, IoT and blockchain
- Dr. Sheikh Ghafoor — Parallel and distributed computing, high performance computing
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
Location Advantages: Access to Tennessee's manufacturing and industrial sectorsEmbedded systems and IoT industry opportunitiesRegional employer network in engineering-focused companies
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: MTSU's software engineering program uniquely emphasizes software quality, testing practices, and QA principles alongside development, preparing engineers who understand the full lifecycle of production systems.
Hakia Insight: MTSU's explicit focus on QA, testing, and software quality practices fills a gap most bachelor's programs ignore: while peers emphasize feature development, MTSU graduates enter roles understanding production lifecycle complexity, which explains why Google, Microsoft, and Meta actively recruit from a mid-tier public university.
At the bachelor's level, MTSU's software engineering program balances academic rigor with accessibility, making it an appealing choice for students seeking strong technical foundations without the elite-school barrier. The curriculum scaffolds learning from fundamental data structures and algorithms through object-oriented design, databases, and web development, with intentional connections between courses reinforcing core concepts. What sets MTSU apart is its integration of software quality and testing—topics many programs treat as afterthoughts—into the mainstream curriculum, reflecting industry's desperate need for engineers who understand QA alongside development. The program also maintains partnerships with regional employers in Nashville's growing tech sector, creating co-op and internship opportunities that help students build portfolios while still in school. Faculty are engaged teachers who prioritize student success and mentorship, a culture evident in the program's strong graduation rates and student satisfaction scores. Graduates from MTSU's program consistently report confidence in their ability to handle large codebases, work with legacy systems, and communicate technical decisions—skills that surveys show employers value as highly as raw coding ability.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- QRISE Center (Quantum Research Interdisciplinary Science and Education)
Industry Partners
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- HCA (employer)
- Schneider Electric (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Caterpillar (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (partner)
- Bridgestone (employer)
- General Motors (employer)
- Nissan (employer)
- TVA (employer)
- Intel (employer)
- Disney (employer)
- Dell (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, HCA, Schneider Electric, Deloitte, Caterpillar, Arnold Engineering Development Center, Asurion, Blackbaud, Bondware, Buzz Wireless, Dell, Disney, Ebay, Intel, Harris Corporation, Northrop Grumman.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Hanna Terletska — Quantum research and quantum materials
- Dr. Medha Shukla Sarkar — Computer science
- Dr. Zhijiang Dong — Computer science
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
- ABET Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Nashville tech ecosystem and music/media industry tech sectorRegional employer partnerships and internship access
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Key Distinction: UTC's software engineering program stands out for embedding industry-standard development workflows and collaborative practices into every core course rather than relegating hands-on experience to capstone projects.
Hakia Insight: UTC's project-centric model from semester one (rather than theory-first pedagogy) means students build collaborative workflows and deployment practices into muscle memory before capstone projects, producing graduates who skip the 6-month adjustment period most entry-level hires require to become productive in agile team environments.
At the bachelor's level, UTC's software engineering program distinguishes itself through a project-centric curriculum that prioritizes real-world application from the first semester. Rather than delaying hands-on work until capstone courses, students engage with industry-standard tools, version control systems, and collaborative development practices within core courses. The program emphasizes software architecture, design patterns, and full-stack development across multiple platforms—web, mobile, and embedded systems—reflecting the diverse skill sets employers actually seek. UTC's location in Chattanooga, an emerging tech hub with growing startups and established companies relocating to the region, creates natural internship pipelines and networking opportunities. Faculty maintain active connections with local industry, frequently bringing real project constraints and challenges into the classroom. The program's strength lies in producing graduates who can immediately contribute to development teams without extensive ramp-up time, a reputation that has attracted attention from regional tech employers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Location Advantages: Chattanooga emerging tech ecosystem with growing startup communityProximity to established regional employers
The University of the South — Sewanee, TN
Key Distinction: The University of the South offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Without accessible data on this program's partnerships or research involvement, prospective students should request specifics on internship placement rates and whether software engineering coursework includes capstone projects—differentiators that separate regional programs from those with industry integration.
The University of the South offers Software Engineering 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: Memphis integrates active faculty research into the software engineering curriculum, enabling students to contribute to published work while earning their degree.
Hakia Insight: Memphis students can co-author peer-reviewed research while pursuing their degree through three active labs (CfIA, NIH mDOT, MD2K) backed by NSF and NIH funding—a pathway to publication that most undergraduate software engineering programs don't offer until graduate school.
At the bachelor's level, memphis's software engineering program anchors itself in research-informed practice, with faculty actively pursuing funded research in areas including cybersecurity, data systems, and distributed computing that directly influence classroom curriculum and capstone project opportunities. The program maintains meaningful collaborations with the university's broader computer science ecosystem and benefits from Memphis's strategic investments in technology infrastructure and startup incubation. Students can elect research tracks alongside traditional professional tracks, enabling those interested in graduate study or research-intensive roles to engage with faculty mentors on published projects. The curriculum accommodates both accelerated completion and extended engagement, with part-time and evening options available for working professionals. Graduates report strong placement into both technology companies and research-oriented positions, with notable outcomes in systems engineering, platform development, and security engineering roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Assurance (CfIA)
- NIH mDOT Center
- MD2K Center of Excellence
- Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS)
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory (CIL)
- Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Partnership Laboratory
Industry Partners
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
- National Security Agency (sponsor)
- Department of Homeland Security (sponsor)
- National Instruments (partner)
- ABB (partner)
- Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) (collaborator)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- Smith & Nephew (employer)
- Stryker (employer)
- Medtronic (employer)
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Scott Fleming — Computer science education, software engineering, human-computer interaction
- Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta — Bio-inspired computing, cybersecurity, trustworthy AI
- Dr. Santosh Kumar — AI for wearables, mobile sensor big data, mobile health
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Artificial intelligence/intelligent systems, natural language processing
- Dr. Amy Cook — Human-computer interaction
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing Memphis tech ecosystem and startup community
Lipscomb University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship. Capstone projects in senior project class
Hakia Insight: Lipscomb's mandatory internship requirement combined with capstone projects and partnerships with aerospace (SpaceX, Boeing) and semiconductor (Intel) firms creates a rare pipeline where students graduate with both hands-on industry experience and production-grade portfolio work.
Lipscomb University's Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering provides a comprehensive 126-credit program combining computer science theory with hands-on software development practice in a Christian context. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience through mandatory internships and capstone projects completed in senior project classes. Students gain exposure to complete software development cycles from conception to implementation, with upper-level courses featuring hands-on projects. The program boasts an impressive 97% job placement rate, with most graduates finding employment within six months. Faculty provide personalized attention through small class sizes and maintain industry connections throughout Middle Tennessee. Graduates pursue diverse career paths spanning gaming, media, healthcare, and scientific applications, benefiting from strong professional relationships developed during the program.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- SpaceX (employer)
- Boeing (employer)
- Jacobs (employer)
- Intel (employer)
- Barge Design Solutions (employer)
- Nissan (employer)
- Bridgestone (employer)
- Northrop Grumman Corporation (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. John Hutson — Radiation Effects on Electronics
- Dr. Juan Rojas Suarez del Real — Intelligent Robotics
- Dr. Steve Nordstrom — Computing
- Dr. Bryan Crawley — Software Engineering
- Dr. Chris Simmons — Computing
- Dr. Susan Hammond — Computing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Nashville healthcare IT and financial services sectorAccess to mid-market and enterprise technology companies
Rhodes College — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Rhodes College offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Without differentiated program data available, Rhodes College students should investigate whether the program offers research labs, industry partnerships, or specialization tracks—factors that separate peer institutions in the Memphis region.
Rhodes College offers Software Engineering 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 program uniquely combines rigorous software engineering fundamentals with institutional commitment to cultivating engineering leaders from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Hakia Insight: As Tennessee's only public HBCU with a dedicated software engineering program, TSU's partnerships with Boeing, NASA, and the Air Force Research Laboratory provide underrepresented students direct access to aerospace and defense engineering roles typically gatekept at majority-serving institutions.
At the bachelor's level, as Tennessee's only public historically black university with a dedicated software engineering program, TSU situates technical education within a broader institutional mission to develop engineering leaders from underrepresented communities. The curriculum balances theoretical computer science foundations with applied software development practices, with particular strength in embedded systems and systems programming. The program operates within a supportive environment that actively connects students to mentorship networks, professional development opportunities, and recruitment pipelines from major technology companies actively investing in diverse talent pipelines. Faculty maintain expertise spanning software architecture, distributed systems, and cybersecurity, and regularly integrate current industry challenges into course projects. Graduates report strong outcomes in mid-to-senior technical roles, with many advancing into leadership positions within technology organizations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Excellence in Battlefield Sensor Fusion
- Tiger Institute
- Intelligent Tactical Mobility Laboratory
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- Computer Information Systems Laboratory
- Digital Signal/Image Processing Laboratory
- Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory
- Design Methodologies Laboratory
- Intelligent Manufacturing Laboratory
- Intelligent Health Monitoring Laboratory
- Automatic Target Recognition Test-Bed
- Cyber-Security Lab
Industry Partners
- Boeing Aerospace Corporation (collaborator)
- Army Research Office (sponsor)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (sponsor)
- NASA (sponsor)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- Hewlett Packard (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
- Office of Naval Research (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Tennessee Department of Transportation (sponsor)
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Tamara Rogers — Human-Robot Interaction, Social Robotics, Signal Processing Hardware
- Dr. Saleh Zein-Sabatto — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Physical Systems Cybersecurity
- Dr. Kamrul Hasan — Cyber-Physical and Computer Network Systems Security, Machine Learning
- Dr. Ali Sekmen — Machine Learning, Approximation Theory, High-Dimensional Data Analysis
- Dr. Amir Shirkhodaie — Multi-modality Sensing/Imaging, Machine Learning/AI, Autonomous Robotic Systems
- Dr. Manar Samad — Machine Learning, Deep Neural Networks, Computer Vision
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum. Application Deadline: Fall: July 1st, Spring: November 1st, Summer: April 1st.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Nashville tech and healthcare IT ecosystem
Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Thesis and non-thesis track options available. Online MS program available (managed separately)
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's ISIS Institute allows master's students to engage in interdisciplinary computing research alongside faculty like Jonathan Sprinkle, whose work bridges software systems and real-world applications—depth rarely available in coursework-only programs.
Vanderbilt's Master of Science in Computer Science offers both thesis and non-thesis track options for working professionals. The program is structured around four primary research areas: Computing Foundations, Computer and Network Systems, Information and Intelligent Systems, and Medical Image Computing. An online MS option is available separately from the on-campus program, though students cannot combine formats. The program encourages interdisciplinary research in healthcare, security, energy, and entertainment sectors. Currently, no funding or graduate assistantships are available for Master's students, though PhD students receive competitive fellowships with tuition waivers and stipends. GRE scores have been indefinitely waived for admission consideration. The program provides strong career advancement opportunities in research and industry roles, with state-of-the-art computational facilities and laboratories supporting student research activities.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems
- Artificial Intelligence and Visual Analogical Systems
- Biomedical Data Representation and Learning Lab
- Machine Automation, Perception and Learning Lab (MAPLE)
- Machine Intelligence and Neural Technologies (MINT)
- Medical-image Analysis and Statistical Interpretation Laboratory
- Mobile Application Computing, Optimization and Security Methods Research Group (MAGNUM)
- Network and Data Science
- Smart and Resilient Computing for Physical Environment (SCOPE)
- I-Privacy Lab
- Internet of Medical Things Lab
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jonathan Sprinkle — Computing and interdisciplinary research
- Dr. Graham Hemingway — Undergraduate education
- Dr. Kevin Leach — Graduate recruitment and computer science
- Dr. Ipek Oguz — Graduate studies and computer science
- Dr. Taylor Johnson — Graduate studies and computer science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Nashville healthcare tech sector (major employers like HCA)Proximity to finance and fintech companiesSoutheast tech hub with Fortune 500 presence
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: Coursework-only track (no thesis required). Mixed format with asynchronous and synchronous components
Hakia Insight: UT-Knoxville's proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory means master's students can access clearance-eligible projects and government research contracts while completing coursework asynchronously, a combination that accelerates entry into the $120K+ national security software engineering roles.
UT-Knoxville's online Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for working professionals with flexible mixed format delivery combining asynchronous and synchronous components. The 30-credit program can be completed in 18-24 months with year-round course offerings including summer terms for acceleration. Three specialized concentrations are available: Cybersecurity, Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, and Software Engineering. The program follows a coursework-only track with no thesis requirement, making it ideal for career advancement. Faculty includes White House Office of Science and Technology Policy leaders and NSF researchers. Computer science master's degree holders typically see significant salary increases over bachelor's level, with top CS roles requiring the specialized skills this program provides. The fully online format accommodates working schedules while maintaining the reputation of a top-ranked public engineering school.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Accenture (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum (3.3 for international students).
Requirements: Complete 30 credit hours, Maintain academic standing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccess to major government research and national security contractsConnection to Knoxville's growing tech ecosystem
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: MTSU's software engineering program uniquely emphasizes software quality, testing practices, and QA principles alongside development, preparing engineers who understand the full lifecycle of production systems.
Hakia Insight: MTSU's explicit emphasis on software quality, testing, and QA principles across the curriculum distinguishes graduates as full-lifecycle engineers rather than developers—a specialization that commands premiums in regulated industries like healthcare (major employer HCA) and finance.
At the master's level, MTSU's software engineering program balances academic rigor with accessibility, making it an appealing choice for students seeking strong technical foundations without the elite-school barrier. The curriculum scaffolds learning from fundamental data structures and algorithms through object-oriented design, databases, and web development, with intentional connections between courses reinforcing core concepts. What sets MTSU apart is its integration of software quality and testing—topics many programs treat as afterthoughts—into the mainstream curriculum, reflecting industry's desperate need for engineers who understand QA alongside development. The program also maintains partnerships with regional employers in Nashville's growing tech sector, creating co-op and internship opportunities that help students build portfolios while still in school. Faculty are engaged teachers who prioritize student success and mentorship, a culture evident in the program's strong graduation rates and student satisfaction scores. Graduates from MTSU's program consistently report confidence in their ability to handle large codebases, work with legacy systems, and communicate technical decisions—skills that surveys show employers value as highly as raw coding ability.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- QRISE Center (Quantum Research Interdisciplinary Science and Education)
Industry Partners
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- HCA (employer)
- Schneider Electric (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Caterpillar (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (partner)
- Bridgestone (employer)
- General Motors (employer)
- Nissan (employer)
- TVA (employer)
- Intel (employer)
- Disney (employer)
- Dell (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, HCA, Schneider Electric, Deloitte, Caterpillar, Arnold Engineering Development Center, Asurion, Blackbaud, Bondware, Buzz Wireless, Dell, Disney, Ebay, Intel, Harris Corporation, Northrop Grumman.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Hanna Terletska — Quantum research and quantum materials
- Dr. Medha Shukla Sarkar — Computer science
- Dr. Zhijiang Dong — Computer science
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
- ABET Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Nashville tech ecosystem and music/media industry tech sectorRegional employer partnerships and internship access
Tennessee Technological University — Cookeville, TN
Key Distinction: Tennessee Tech's software engineering program stands out for embedding real engineering practices, cybersecurity, and embedded systems specializations while offering cooperative education that combines paid experience with degree completion.
Hakia Insight: Tennessee Tech embeds cooperative education into its master's program, allowing students to earn industry salary while completing their degree through paid co-op rotations with companies like Google and Microsoft—a model that nearly eliminates student debt while building deep company relationships.
At the master's level, tennessee Tech's software engineering program reflects the university's engineering heritage while building a curriculum explicitly designed around industry certification and competency-based outcomes. The program's strength lies in its emphasis on practical engineering practices: students engage with software development methodologies, project management frameworks, and systems thinking from the start, positioning them not just as coders but as engineers capable of designing large-scale systems. The curriculum integrates cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IoT applications—specializations driven by regional workforce demands and employer feedback—allowing students to build depth in high-demand areas before graduation. Tennessee Tech's location in Cookeville and connections to Tennessee's manufacturing and industrial sectors create unique internship and career pathways in embedded systems and industrial software that many peer programs don't emphasize. Faculty maintain strong industry advisory relationships, ensuring coursework stays aligned with actual job market needs. The program produces graduates who are well-prepared for the engineering-to-management pathway, a distinction attractive to students who see themselves leading technical teams rather than remaining purely individual contributors. Cooperative education is a notable component, allowing students to earn and gain experience while reducing time-to-degree.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center
- Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MInDS) Research Center
- Center for Energy Systems Research
- Center for Manufacturing Research
- Knowledge Discovery Lab
Industry Partners
- SAIC (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (employer)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- NASA (sponsor)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (sponsor)
- Department of Homeland Security (sponsor)
- Ohio Department of Medicaid (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Gerald Gannod — Software engineering, agile software development, data science, machine learning
- Dr. Doug Talbert — Machine learning, data mining, medical informatics
- Dr. William Eberle — Data mining, graph-based anomaly detection, fraud detection
- Dr. Maanak Gupta — Cybersecurity
- Dr. Anthony Skjellum — High-Performance Computing, MPI, cybersecurity, IoT and blockchain
- Dr. Sheikh Ghafoor — Parallel and distributed computing, high performance computing
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
Location Advantages: Access to Tennessee's manufacturing and industrial sectorsEmbedded systems and IoT industry opportunitiesRegional employer network in engineering-focused companies
Tennessee State University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis track options. Thesis option: 27 coursework + 6 thesis credits with committee supervision
Hakia Insight: TSU's cyber-security concentration paired with partnerships to Boeing, NASA, and the Army Research Office creates a direct pathway for graduate students into cleared defense contractor roles, where demand outpaces supply and salaries reflect critical national need.
Tennessee State University's M.S. in Computer Science with Cyber-Security & Networking Concentration offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks for working professionals. The 33-credit program includes thesis option (27 coursework + 6 thesis credits) or non-thesis option (33 coursework credits with design-based projects). Students typically complete the program in 4 semesters, with flexibility for part-time completion over additional semesters. The program features three concentrations: Cyber-Security and Networking, Data Science, and High-Performance Computing and Bioinformatics. An accelerated pathway allows TSU undergraduates to complete the master's in two semesters. Application deadlines are flexible with Fall (July 1), Spring (November 1), and Summer (April 1) options. Transfer students can apply up to 12 credit hours from previous graduate work. The program prepares graduates for advanced roles in the computer science industry, with some continuing to doctoral programs for further career advancement.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science, Cyber-Security & Networking Concentration — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Excellence in Battlefield Sensor Fusion
- Tiger Institute
- Intelligent Tactical Mobility Laboratory
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- Computer Information Systems Laboratory
- Digital Signal/Image Processing Laboratory
- Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory
- Design Methodologies Laboratory
- Intelligent Manufacturing Laboratory
- Intelligent Health Monitoring Laboratory
- Automatic Target Recognition Test-Bed
- Cyber-Security Lab
Industry Partners
- Boeing Aerospace Corporation (collaborator)
- Army Research Office (sponsor)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (sponsor)
- NASA (sponsor)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- Hewlett Packard (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
- Office of Naval Research (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Tennessee Department of Transportation (sponsor)
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Tamara Rogers — Human-Robot Interaction, Social Robotics, Signal Processing Hardware
- Dr. Saleh Zein-Sabatto — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Physical Systems Cybersecurity
- Dr. Kamrul Hasan — Cyber-Physical and Computer Network Systems Security, Machine Learning
- Dr. Ali Sekmen — Machine Learning, Approximation Theory, High-Dimensional Data Analysis
- Dr. Amir Shirkhodaie — Multi-modality Sensing/Imaging, Machine Learning/AI, Autonomous Robotic Systems
- Dr. Manar Samad — Machine Learning, Deep Neural Networks, Computer Vision
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum. Application Deadline: Fall: July 1st, Spring: November 1st, Summer: April 1st.
Requirements: Maintain 3.00 GPA, Grade of B or better in all core courses, No more than two C grades in other courses, Complete within 6 calendar years, Admission to candidacy after 9 graduate credit hours
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Nashville tech and healthcare IT ecosystem
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Key Distinction: UTC's software engineering program stands out for embedding industry-standard development workflows and collaborative practices into every core course rather than relegating hands-on experience to capstone projects.
Hakia Insight: UTC's project-centric curriculum begins in semester one rather than waiting for capstone, meaning students spend two years practicing Agile workflows and cross-functional collaboration on real deliverables—the exact practices hiring managers screen for.
At the master's level, UTC's software engineering program distinguishes itself through a project-centric curriculum that prioritizes real-world application from the first semester. Rather than delaying hands-on work until capstone courses, students engage with industry-standard tools, version control systems, and collaborative development practices within core courses. The program emphasizes software architecture, design patterns, and full-stack development across multiple platforms—web, mobile, and embedded systems—reflecting the diverse skill sets employers actually seek. UTC's location in Chattanooga, an emerging tech hub with growing startups and established companies relocating to the region, creates natural internship pipelines and networking opportunities. Faculty maintain active connections with local industry, frequently bringing real project constraints and challenges into the classroom. The program's strength lies in producing graduates who can immediately contribute to development teams without extensive ramp-up time, a reputation that has attracted attention from regional tech employers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Location Advantages: Chattanooga emerging tech ecosystem with growing startup communityProximity to established regional employers
Southern Adventist University — Collegedale, TN
Key Distinction: Southern Adventist uniquely weaves values-centered decision-making and ethical computing into its software engineering curriculum, differentiating it from secular technical programs.
Hakia Insight: Southern Adventist's integration of ethical reasoning and values-centered decision-making into core coursework distinguishes its graduates in roles where responsible AI, data governance, and trustworthy systems have become hiring criteria at companies like Google and Microsoft.
At the master's level, southern Adventist's computer science and software development curriculum takes a distinctive approach by integrating ethical reasoning and values-centered decision-making into technical training. The program combines solid foundations in computer science theory with specializations in software design patterns, full-stack web development, and systems architecture. Faculty expertise spans both traditional software engineering practices and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on sustainable, maintainable code development. Students participate in capstone projects that often involve real community partners or nonprofit organizations, giving them experience translating client needs into software solutions while building a portfolio grounded in practical impact. The university's location in Chattanooga provides proximity to a growing tech corridor, with access to internship opportunities at regional tech companies and startups. Graduates typically enter roles in web development, backend systems, and application engineering, with many pursuing positions at companies valuing both technical excellence and ethical business practices.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Chattanooga's growing tech sector and startup ecosystemRegional proximity to Nashville and Atlanta tech hubs
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Memphis integrates active faculty research into the software engineering curriculum, enabling students to contribute to published work while earning their degree.
Hakia Insight: Memphis's three NSF/NIH-funded research labs (CfIA, mDOT, MD2K) enable master's students to contribute to published work in cybersecurity and health systems—a research portfolio that differentiates candidates for senior engineer and research roles.
At the master's level, memphis's software engineering program anchors itself in research-informed practice, with faculty actively pursuing funded research in areas including cybersecurity, data systems, and distributed computing that directly influence classroom curriculum and capstone project opportunities. The program maintains meaningful collaborations with the university's broader computer science ecosystem and benefits from Memphis's strategic investments in technology infrastructure and startup incubation. Students can elect research tracks alongside traditional professional tracks, enabling those interested in graduate study or research-intensive roles to engage with faculty mentors on published projects. The curriculum accommodates both accelerated completion and extended engagement, with part-time and evening options available for working professionals. Graduates report strong placement into both technology companies and research-oriented positions, with notable outcomes in systems engineering, platform development, and security engineering roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Assurance (CfIA)
- NIH mDOT Center
- MD2K Center of Excellence
- Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS)
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory (CIL)
- Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Partnership Laboratory
Industry Partners
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
- National Security Agency (sponsor)
- Department of Homeland Security (sponsor)
- National Instruments (partner)
- ABB (partner)
- Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) (collaborator)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- Smith & Nephew (employer)
- Stryker (employer)
- Medtronic (employer)
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Scott Fleming — Computer science education, software engineering, human-computer interaction
- Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta — Bio-inspired computing, cybersecurity, trustworthy AI
- Dr. Santosh Kumar — AI for wearables, mobile sensor big data, mobile health
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Artificial intelligence/intelligent systems, natural language processing
- Dr. Amy Cook — Human-computer interaction
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing Memphis tech ecosystem and startup community
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Five-year guaranteed funding package. $36,500 annual stipend
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's five-year guaranteed funding package ($36,500 stipend plus tuition waiver) removes financial barriers to doctoral study, a structural advantage that allows PhD candidates to pursue high-risk, high-impact research through ISIS rather than chasing industry contracts for survival.
Vanderbilt's Ph.D. in Physics offers comprehensive five-year funding packages with full tuition waiver, health insurance, and $36,500 annual stipend. The program covers diverse research areas including cosmology, high-energy particle physics, nuclear physics, biological physics, and quantum systems through theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches. Students receive professional development opportunities and work with world-class faculty teams. The program maintains a collegial environment where students are treated as colleagues. Most graduates initially pursue postdoctoral positions, with career paths spanning academia, industry, national labs, and tech startups. Recent graduates have found positions in investment banking, software engineering, and consulting. Applications require a statement of purpose, three reference letters, and academic transcripts, with GRE scores not required. The program seeks motivated students passionate about original research.
Programs Offered
- Ph.D. in Physics — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems
- Artificial Intelligence and Visual Analogical Systems
- Biomedical Data Representation and Learning Lab
- Machine Automation, Perception and Learning Lab (MAPLE)
- Machine Intelligence and Neural Technologies (MINT)
- Medical-image Analysis and Statistical Interpretation Laboratory
- Mobile Application Computing, Optimization and Security Methods Research Group (MAGNUM)
- Network and Data Science
- Smart and Resilient Computing for Physical Environment (SCOPE)
- I-Privacy Lab
- Internet of Medical Things Lab
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jonathan Sprinkle — Computing and interdisciplinary research
- Dr. Graham Hemingway — Undergraduate education
- Dr. Kevin Leach — Graduate recruitment and computer science
- Dr. Ipek Oguz — Graduate studies and computer science
- Dr. Taylor Johnson — Graduate studies and computer science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Nashville healthcare tech sector (major employers like HCA)Proximity to finance and fintech companiesSoutheast tech hub with Fortune 500 presence
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: Research experience under internationally renowned faculty. Optional concentrations available
Hakia Insight: UT-Knoxville's Oak Ridge National Laboratory adjacency means doctoral students can secure clearances and access classified computing problems before graduation—a competitive advantage that translates to post-PhD roles at premium compensation and unrestricted research scope.
The Computer Science PhD program at UT-Knoxville offers research experience under internationally renowned faculty with optional concentrations in Data Analytics and Intelligent Systems/Machine Learning. Students gain hands-on research experience and access to an established network of industry employers. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in technology, business, or academia. Career outcomes include positions at major tech companies like Microsoft and Google, national laboratories, or academic positions. Common roles include computer systems engineer, computer and information scientist, database administrator, university professor, and machine learning engineer. However, specific details about funding packages, stipend amounts, faculty-to-student ratios, average time to degree, publication requirements, and post-graduation placement statistics are not provided on this page.
Programs Offered
- Computer Science, PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Accenture (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Google.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum (3.3 for international students).
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccess to major government research and national security contractsConnection to Knoxville's growing tech ecosystem
Tennessee State University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: TSU's program uniquely combines rigorous software engineering fundamentals with institutional commitment to cultivating engineering leaders from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Hakia Insight: TSU's partnerships with Boeing, Army Research Office, and Air Force Research Laboratory aren't just credential-building—they create direct pipeline opportunities into defense and aerospace R&D roles where doctoral graduates from HBCUs remain significantly underrepresented, giving TSU PhDs measurable competitive advantage in those sectors.
At the doctoral level, as Tennessee's only public historically black university with a dedicated software engineering program, TSU situates technical education within a broader institutional mission to develop engineering leaders from underrepresented communities. The curriculum balances theoretical computer science foundations with applied software development practices, with particular strength in embedded systems and systems programming. The program operates within a supportive environment that actively connects students to mentorship networks, professional development opportunities, and recruitment pipelines from major technology companies actively investing in diverse talent pipelines. Faculty maintain expertise spanning software architecture, distributed systems, and cybersecurity, and regularly integrate current industry challenges into course projects. Graduates report strong outcomes in mid-to-senior technical roles, with many advancing into leadership positions within technology organizations.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Excellence in Battlefield Sensor Fusion
- Tiger Institute
- Intelligent Tactical Mobility Laboratory
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- Computer Information Systems Laboratory
- Digital Signal/Image Processing Laboratory
- Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory
- Design Methodologies Laboratory
- Intelligent Manufacturing Laboratory
- Intelligent Health Monitoring Laboratory
- Automatic Target Recognition Test-Bed
- Cyber-Security Lab
Industry Partners
- Boeing Aerospace Corporation (collaborator)
- Army Research Office (sponsor)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (sponsor)
- NASA (sponsor)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- Hewlett Packard (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
- Office of Naval Research (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Tennessee Department of Transportation (sponsor)
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Tamara Rogers — Human-Robot Interaction, Social Robotics, Signal Processing Hardware
- Dr. Saleh Zein-Sabatto — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Physical Systems Cybersecurity
- Dr. Kamrul Hasan — Cyber-Physical and Computer Network Systems Security, Machine Learning
- Dr. Ali Sekmen — Machine Learning, Approximation Theory, High-Dimensional Data Analysis
- Dr. Amir Shirkhodaie — Multi-modality Sensing/Imaging, Machine Learning/AI, Autonomous Robotic Systems
- Dr. Manar Samad — Machine Learning, Deep Neural Networks, Computer Vision
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum. Application Deadline: Fall: July 1st, Spring: November 1st, Summer: April 1st.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Nashville tech and healthcare IT ecosystem
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Memphis integrates active faculty research into the software engineering curriculum, enabling students to contribute to published work while earning their degree.
Hakia Insight: Memphis doctoral students don't wait until post-graduation to publish: the program's integration of active NSF, NIH, and NSA-funded research means you're contributing to peer-reviewed work before defending your dissertation, compressing the typical 5-7 year timeline between degree and first major research output.
At the doctoral level, memphis's software engineering program anchors itself in research-informed practice, with faculty actively pursuing funded research in areas including cybersecurity, data systems, and distributed computing that directly influence classroom curriculum and capstone project opportunities. The program maintains meaningful collaborations with the university's broader computer science ecosystem and benefits from Memphis's strategic investments in technology infrastructure and startup incubation. Students can elect research tracks alongside traditional professional tracks, enabling those interested in graduate study or research-intensive roles to engage with faculty mentors on published projects. The curriculum accommodates both accelerated completion and extended engagement, with part-time and evening options available for working professionals. Graduates report strong placement into both technology companies and research-oriented positions, with notable outcomes in systems engineering, platform development, and security engineering roles.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Assurance (CfIA)
- NIH mDOT Center
- MD2K Center of Excellence
- Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS)
- Computational Intelligence Laboratory (CIL)
- Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Partnership Laboratory
Industry Partners
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- National Institutes of Health (sponsor)
- National Security Agency (sponsor)
- Department of Homeland Security (sponsor)
- National Instruments (partner)
- ABB (partner)
- Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) (collaborator)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
- Smith & Nephew (employer)
- Stryker (employer)
- Medtronic (employer)
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Scott Fleming — Computer science education, software engineering, human-computer interaction
- Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta — Bio-inspired computing, cybersecurity, trustworthy AI
- Dr. Santosh Kumar — AI for wearables, mobile sensor big data, mobile health
- Dr. Vasile Rus — Artificial intelligence/intelligent systems, natural language processing
- Dr. Amy Cook — Human-computer interaction
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing Memphis tech ecosystem and startup community
