University campus in Tennessee
Updated July 13, 2026

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Tennessee, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top software engineering colleges in Tennessee. 24 accredited software engineering schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from Middle Tennessee State University to Vanderbilt University.

#1 ProgramVanderbilt
Avg Salary$108,470
Tuition From$7,536/yr
Job Growth+22%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

38

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$108,470

Tennessee median software engineering salary

BLS OEWS 2024

99/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

17%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best software engineering degree programs: Vanderbilt, U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $7,008 to $61,618/year

Middle Tennessee State offers the most affordable option at $7,536/yr

IPEDS 2024

Software Engineering degree programs available: 2 associate's, 8 master's, 4 doctoral in Tennessee

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

5 online software engineering degree programs in Tennessee

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2024

Tennessee community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein, Lyft

Tech hubs in Nashville and Knoxville

Hakia Research 2026

Software Engineering degree programs near 63+ cities across Tennessee

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2024

Updated July 13, 2026

How we ranked Tennessee Software Engineering programs

We rank 38 accredited software engineering programs in Tennessee using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.

Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology

Are Software Engineering Degree Programs in Tennessee Worth It?

Answer
$108,470
Yes. The best software engineering degree programs in Tennessee deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $108,470 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $23,479/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Software Engineering Degree Rankings in Tennessee

Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in Tennessee by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.

Best Associate's Software Engineering Programs in Tennessee

2
Programs ranked
$24,675
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Tennessee offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in software engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include South College, Carson-Newman, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.

Costs & Value

Community colleges in Tennessee offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $24,675/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $59,659 in Tennessee.

Career Pathways

Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Tennessee's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.

Curriculum & Specializations

Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among software engineering schools in Tennessee, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in Tennessee.

🥇
South College
Knoxville, TNFor-Profit
$16,450
Tuition/yr
44.5
Hakia Score

Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in Tennessee

24
Programs ranked
$23,479
Avg tuition/yr
89%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Tennessee ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with 24 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 8 public and 15 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Vanderbilt, U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Tennessee software engineering programs earn a median salary of $92,200, 6% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $7,008 to $61,618 annually, with an average of $23,479/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 89%, with the highest reaching 100%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Tennessee's leading technology employers. For students seeking software engineering degrees in Tennessee, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

Show all 24 ranked programs
RankSchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateHakia Score
#6The University of the SouthSewanee, TNPrivate$53,418100%54.7
#7University of MemphisMemphis, TNPublic$8,520—58.0
#8Lipscomb UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$35,84890%53.2
#9Rhodes CollegeMemphis, TNPrivate$54,082—53.9
#10Tennessee State UniversityNashville, TNPublic$7,32088%51.2
#11Milligan UniversityMilligan, TNPrivate$37,70086%51.1
#12Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale, TNPrivate$24,35075%48.6
#13The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin, TNPublic$8,54694%49.7
#14Lane CollegeJackson, TNPrivate$9,270—47.1
#15South CollegeKnoxville, TNFor-Profit$16,450—40.8
#16Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TNPublic$7,008—43.1
#17Union UniversityJackson, TNPrivate$19,476—40.9
#18Tusculum UniversityGreeneville, TNPrivate$27,500—40.4
#19Lee UniversityCleveland, TNPrivate$21,960—39.5
#20Carson-Newman UniversityJefferson City, TNPrivate$32,900—37.2
#21Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis, TNPrivate$37,300—38.0
#22Trevecca Nazarene UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$28,590—36.3
#23Freed-Hardeman UniversityHenderson, TNPrivate$25,000—32.1
#24Le Moyne-Owen CollegeMemphis, TNPrivate$10,776—30.9

Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in Tennessee

8
Programs ranked
$17,209
Avg tuition/yr
87%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Tennessee offers 8 master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Vanderbilt, U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.

Career Outcomes

Master's graduates in Tennessee earn a median salary of $108,470, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein actively recruiting from these programs.

Costs & Value

Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $17,209/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.

Curriculum & Specializations

Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Tennessee's software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

Show all 8 ranked programs
RankSchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateHakia Score
#6The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga, TNPublic$8,23291%61.2
#7Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale, TNPrivate$24,35075%45.2
#8University of MemphisMemphis, TNPublic$8,520—50.0

Best Doctoral Software Engineering Programs in Tennessee

4
Programs ranked
$22,198
Avg tuition/yr
87%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Tennessee is home to 4 doctoral programs in software engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Vanderbilt, U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.

Career Outcomes

Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Tennessee PhD holders earning a median of $135,588, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.

Costs & Value

PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.

Curriculum & Specializations

Research strengths across Tennessee programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing software engineering degrees in Tennessee, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

Software Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Tennessee

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$23,479/year
Average out-of-state tuition$58,698/year
Community college tuition$5,870/year
4-year savings for residents$140,876
2+2 transfer pathway savings$35,218

Source: IPEDS 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Software Engineering Students in Tennessee

State Aid Programs

Tennessee offers exceptional financial aid opportunities for software engineering students through both state and federal programs. The Tennessee Promise program covers full tuition and fees at community colleges, making it an affordable entry point for students pursuing associate degrees in software engineering. For four-year institutions, the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship provides up to $4,500 per year in grant aid, significantly reducing the cost burden for eligible students. These programs, administered through Tennessee College Pays, represent a major advantage for in-state students seeking affordable pathways into the field.

Key Programs & Amounts

All students, regardless of state residency, can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Resources available at StudentAid.gov include federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Individual institutions like Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville also offer strong institutional scholarship programs tailored to software engineering majors. Additionally, Tennessee's lack of state income tax provides a unique financial advantage for graduates, meaning more of your salary stays in your pocket after graduation. Students should explore all three aid channels: federal support through FAFSA, state grants through Tennessee Promise/HOPE, and institutional scholarships from their chosen program.

Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Tennessee

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree in Tennessee. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+907%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,677,254

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$133,333

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown

How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.9%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Software Engineering Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Tennessee metro areas

Nashville$119K
Knoxville$114K
Memphis$108K
View data table
CategoryValue
Nashville$119K
Knoxville$114K
Memphis$108K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Software Engineering Graduates in Tennessee

Find software engineering jobs in Tennessee. These major employers across Tennessee metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Software Engineering Jobs in Nashville

TN
Amazon
tech
Oracle Health (Cerner)
healthtech
Asurion
tech
AllianceBernstein
finance
HCA Healthcare
healthcare

Software Engineering Jobs in Knoxville

TN
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
government
Pilot Flying J
retail

Software Engineering Jobs in Memphis

TN
FedEx
logistics
International Paper
manufacturing
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
healthcare

Transfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in Tennessee

State Transfer System

Tennessee's structured transfer system makes it seamless for students to begin at community colleges and transition to four-year institutions. The state's 49 two-year institutions offer 3 associate's degree programs in software engineering, providing affordable entry points with an average tuition significantly lower than four-year schools. Tennessee Transfer Pathways is the official statewide articulation system, offering guaranteed transfer routes that ensure credits earned at community colleges transfer directly to bachelor's degree programs with no loss of credits. This system allows students to complete foundational coursework, such as mathematics, computer science prerequisites, and general education requirements, at lower cost before pursuing upper-level software engineering coursework at universities.

How Transfers Work

The Tennessee Transfer Pathways system specifically defines program maps for software engineering, detailing exactly which courses transfer and how they apply toward bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions like The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Technological University. Students can also leverage Tennessee Promise, which covers community college tuition, reducing financial barriers to starting their education. For those seeking affordable online pathways, East Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University provide options. The College Scorecard includes transfer rate data for Tennessee institutions, helping students evaluate completion success. Visit Tennessee Transfer Pathways to view specific program maps and articulation agreements tailored to software engineering.

Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in Tennessee?

Industry & Workforce

Tennessee offers a strong software engineering education landscape with 41 institutions delivering programs across all degree levels, from associate's through doctoral studies (IPEDS). In 2023, the state produced 818 bachelor's degree completions, 188 master's completions, and 25 doctoral graduates in software engineering. This diverse educational ecosystem ensures students can find programs aligned with their goals and circumstances, whether pursuing a quick entry into the workforce or advanced research credentials.

Salary Outlook

Tennessee's major tech hubs, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, host employers like Amazon, FedEx, Nissan, and HCA Healthcare, creating abundant career opportunities for graduates. A unique advantage for students is Tennessee's no state income tax policy, which directly increases take-home earnings after graduation. Public four-year institutions average just $8,520 in annual in-state tuition, and the state's Tennessee Promise and HOPE programs provide significant financial aid. Top-ranked institutions like Vanderbilt University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville lead the nation while remaining accessible to Tennessee residents. Explore related fields like computer science and web development to expand your career pathway options.

Tennessee Take-Home Pay Advantage

$0 State Income Tax
Tennessee has no state income tax. At the median software engineering salary of $108,470, that keeps roughly $5,424 more in your pocket annually compared to states with a 5% income tax rate.

Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue

Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Tennessee

Employment Outlook

Tennessee's software engineering job market is experiencing strong growth, supported by a diverse employer base and strategic geographic advantages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee offers competitive opportunities across multiple metropolitan areas, with Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga serving as primary tech hubs. The state's major employers, including Vanderbilt University, HCA Healthcare, Amazon, FedEx, and Nissan, actively recruit software engineering talent across backend development, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise solutions. Tennessee's lack of state income tax provides an additional financial incentive for professionals relocating to the state, effectively increasing take-home compensation compared to neighboring states with higher tax burdens.

Salaries by Metro

Educational pipelines feeding the job market are well-developed. IPEDS data shows Tennessee institutions awarded 818 bachelor's degrees and 188 master's degrees in software engineering during 2023, with 41 institutions offering programs across associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The top producers. Vanderbilt University (244 completions), University of Tennessee-Knoxville (164 completions), and Tennessee Technological University (164 completions), graduate talent directly into regional labor markets. Many programs maintain ABET accreditation, ensuring curriculum quality and employer recognition. For detailed salary benchmarks and occupational projections, the College Scorecard provides institution-specific earnings data for graduates.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Tennessee$70,506$157,282
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in Tennessee

Online Programs

5 available in Tennessee

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$21,131/yr$23,479/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Compare Software Engineering Programs in Other States

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Kentucky
Total Programs
11
Median Tuition
$12,600
Top Program
University of Louisville
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Virginia
Total Programs
34
Median Tuition
$12,700
Top Program
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in North Carolina
Total Programs
37
Median Tuition
$6,500
Top Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Georgia
Total Programs
42
Median Tuition
$7,200
Top Program
University of Georgia
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Alabama
Total Programs
16
Median Tuition
$10,700
Top Program
Auburn University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Mississippi
Total Programs
22
Median Tuition
$6,100
Top Program
Mississippi State University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Arkansas
Total Programs
16
Median Tuition
$7,400
Top Program
University of Arkansas
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Missouri
Total Programs
35
Median Tuition
$13,000
Top Program
Washington University in St Louis

Software Engineering Degree Programs in Tennessee: FAQ

What are the best software engineering degree programs in Tennessee?
The best software engineering degree programs in Tennessee based on our methodology are: 1) Vanderbilt University (99% graduation rate), 2) The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and 3) Tennessee Technological University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Tennessee offers 24 total accredited programs across 8 public and 15 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 24 bachelor's programs.
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in Tennessee?
Software Engineering degree program costs in Tennessee vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $23,479/year, while private institutions average $51,654/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,870/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $93,916 at public schools to $206,615 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can software engineering degree graduates earn in Tennessee?
Software Engineering professionals in Tennessee earn a median salary of $108,470, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $70,506, while senior roles exceed $157,282. Salaries vary by metro area: Nashville ($119,317), Knoxville ($113,894) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online software engineering degree programs in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee offers 5 accredited online Software Engineering programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Christian Brothers University and Lee University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire software engineering degree graduates in Tennessee?
Major Software Engineering employers in Tennessee include HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein, Lyft, Amazon. The Nashville and Knoxville metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Tennessee universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Tennessee's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a software engineering degree program worth it in Tennessee?
A software engineering degree program in Tennessee offers strong ROI with a $108,470 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $23,479/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($122,571), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do software engineering degree programs take in Tennessee?
Standard completion times for software engineering degree programs in Tennessee are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Tennessee community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Tennessee university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for software engineering degree students in Tennessee?
Tennessee software engineering degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Tennessee state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Tennessee's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.

Data Sources

IPEDS 2024

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

BLS OEWS May 2024

Tennessee salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.

The research behind the rankings

In-depth Software Engineering program profiles in Tennessee

Hand-researched detail on the top-ranked programs: degree pathways, research labs, industry partners, career outcomes, and admissions. Tap any school to expand.

Best Associate's Software Engineering programs

#1South CollegeKnoxville, TN

Hakia insight. South College's Knoxville location positions graduates at the intersection of healthcare IT demand and regional tech growth, where employers actively recruit two-year graduates because the program's employer-informed curriculum teaches the specific stack combinations (not generalist CS theory) that healthcare systems immediately deploy.

At the associate's level, employers in the Knoxville area actively recruit South College's software engineering graduates because the program builds exactly the technical depth companies need—not survey courses, but real coding competency in Java, Python, and web development frameworks. You graduate job-ready with a portfolio of completed projects and practical experience that community employers recognize immediately. While transfer is possible to universities like UTC or ETSU, many students move directly into development roles with local tech firms, healthcare systems, and financial services companies. The smaller class sizes mean instructors know you personally and actively help with job placement and internship connections.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Software Engineering · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Knoxville-area tech companies, East Tennessee healthcare IT, Regional software firms, Financial services technology departments

#2Carson-Newman UniversityJefferson City, TN

Why it stands out. Carson-Newman University offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.

Hakia insight. Carson-Newman's associate programs in Jefferson City offer a rare regional option for students who need affordability and community-college accessibility without sacrificing four-year degree pathway articulation, making it a strategic entry point for students planning to transfer.

Carson-Newman University offers Software Engineering programs in Jefferson City, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

Best Bachelor's Software Engineering programs

#1Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) — Distributed systems, middleware, cyber-physical systems
  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems — Cyber-physical systems and advanced transportation systems
  • Artificial Intelligence and Visual Analogical Systems — AI and visual systems
  • Biomedical Data Representation and Learning Lab — Medical data analysis and machine learning
  • Machine Automation, Perception and Learning Lab (MAPLE) — Machine intelligence and automation
  • Machine Intelligence and Neural Technologies (MINT) — Neural technologies and AI
  • Medical-image Analysis and Statistical Interpretation Laboratory — Medical imaging and statistical analysis
  • Mobile Application Computing, Optimization and Security Methods Research Group (MAGNUM) — Mobile computing and security
  • Network and Data Science — Data science and network analysis
  • Smart and Resilient Computing for Physical Environment (SCOPE) — Resilient computing systems
  • I-Privacy Lab — Privacy and security research
  • Internet of Medical Things Lab — Medical IoT systems

Industry partners

HCA Healthcare

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)

Admissions

Deadline March 15 (Fall), October 15 (Spring).

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Nashville healthcare tech sector (major employers like HCA) Proximity to finance and fintech companies Southeast tech hub with Fortune 500 presence

#2The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Research labs & institutes

  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) — Software systems, modeling, and distributed computing

Industry partners

Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccentureBooz Allen Hamilton

Admissions

GPA 3.0 minimum (3.3 for international students).

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Direct proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory Access to major government research and national security contracts Connection to Knoxville's growing tech ecosystem

#3Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Research labs & institutes

  • Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center — Cybersecurity
  • Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MInDS) Research Center — Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Center for Energy Systems Research — Energy Systems
  • Center for Manufacturing Research — Manufacturing
  • Knowledge Discovery Lab — Data Science Lifecycle

Industry partners

SAICGoogleMicrosoftIBMOak Ridge National LaboratoryNational Science FoundationNASAAir Force Research LaboratoryDepartment of Homeland SecurityOhio Department of Medicaid

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)

Accreditation & certifications

NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

Location advantage: Access to Tennessee's manufacturing and industrial sectors Embedded systems and IoT industry opportunities Regional employer network in engineering-focused companies

#4Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • QRISE Center (Quantum Research Interdisciplinary Science and Education) — Quantum materials and devices, AI-accelerated quantum simulation, quantum photonics

Industry partners

GoogleMicrosoftMetaHCASchneider ElectricDeloitteCaterpillarOak Ridge National LaboratoryBridgestoneGeneral MotorsNissanTVAIntelDisneyDell

Career outcomes

$109,020 median salary

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)

Accreditation & certifications

ABET Computing Accreditation CommissionABET Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission

Location advantage: Nashville tech ecosystem and music/media industry tech sector Regional employer partnerships and internship access

#5The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Accreditation & certifications

Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

Location advantage: Chattanooga emerging tech ecosystem with growing startup community Proximity to established regional employers

#6The University of the SouthSewanee, TN

Why it stands out. 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.

#7University of MemphisMemphis, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • Center for Information Assurance (CfIA) — Cybersecurity, negative authentication, smart-grid security, game theory and cyber security
  • NIH mDOT Center — Mobile health, wearables, sensor-guided behavioral interventions
  • MD2K Center of Excellence — Mobile sensor big data, behavioral privacy, AI for wearables
  • Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS) — Learning, language and artificial intelligence across disciplines
  • Computational Intelligence Laboratory (CIL) — Perception, action, cognition, spatiotemporal data processing
  • Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Partnership Laboratory — Defense human resources, distributed learning for DoD

Industry partners

National Science FoundationNational Institutes of HealthNational Security AgencyDepartment of Homeland SecurityNational InstrumentsABBDefense Human Resources Activity (DHRA)Department of DefenseSmith & NephewStrykerMedtronicMethodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Career outcomes

$76,949 median salary

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)

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Growing Memphis tech ecosystem and startup community

#8Lipscomb UniversityNashville, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Industry partners

SpaceXBoeingJacobsIntelBarge Design SolutionsNissanBridgestoneNorthrop Grumman Corporation

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)

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Nashville healthcare IT and financial services sector Access to mid-market and enterprise technology companies

#9Rhodes CollegeMemphis, TN

Why it stands out. 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.

#10Tennessee State UniversityNashville, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • Center for Excellence in Battlefield Sensor Fusion — Interdisciplinary sensor fusion research
  • Tiger Institute — Advanced research initiatives
  • Intelligent Tactical Mobility Laboratory — Tactical mobility systems
  • Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory — Robotics and AI systems
  • Computer Information Systems Laboratory — Computer and information systems
  • Digital Signal/Image Processing Laboratory — Signal and image processing
  • Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory — Control systems and automation
  • Design Methodologies Laboratory — Engineering design optimization
  • Intelligent Manufacturing Laboratory — Smart manufacturing systems
  • Intelligent Health Monitoring Laboratory — Health monitoring systems
  • Automatic Target Recognition Test-Bed — Target recognition systems
  • Cyber-Security Lab — Cybersecurity research

Industry partners

Boeing Aerospace CorporationArmy Research OfficeAir Force Research LaboratoryNASADepartment of DefenseHewlett PackardDepartment of EnergyOffice of Naval ResearchNational Science FoundationTennessee Department of TransportationSociety of Manufacturing Engineers

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 2.75 minimum. Deadline Fall: July 1st, Spring: November 1st, Summer: April 1st.

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Access to Nashville tech and healthcare IT ecosystem

Best Master's Software Engineering programs

#1Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Research labs & institutes

  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) — Distributed systems, middleware, cyber-physical systems
  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems — Cyber-physical systems and advanced transportation systems
  • Artificial Intelligence and Visual Analogical Systems — AI and visual systems
  • Biomedical Data Representation and Learning Lab — Medical data analysis and machine learning
  • Machine Automation, Perception and Learning Lab (MAPLE) — Machine intelligence and automation
  • Machine Intelligence and Neural Technologies (MINT) — Neural technologies and AI
  • Medical-image Analysis and Statistical Interpretation Laboratory — Medical imaging and statistical analysis
  • Mobile Application Computing, Optimization and Security Methods Research Group (MAGNUM) — Mobile computing and security
  • Network and Data Science — Data science and network analysis
  • Smart and Resilient Computing for Physical Environment (SCOPE) — Resilient computing systems
  • I-Privacy Lab — Privacy and security research
  • Internet of Medical Things Lab — Medical IoT systems

Industry partners

HCA Healthcare

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)

Admissions

Deadline March 15 (Fall), October 15 (Spring).

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Nashville healthcare tech sector (major employers like HCA) Proximity to finance and fintech companies Southeast tech hub with Fortune 500 presence

#2The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Research labs & institutes

  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) — Software systems, modeling, and distributed computing

Industry partners

Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccentureBooz Allen Hamilton

Admissions

GPA 3.0 minimum (3.3 for international students).

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Direct proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory Access to major government research and national security contracts Connection to Knoxville's growing tech ecosystem

#3Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • QRISE Center (Quantum Research Interdisciplinary Science and Education) — Quantum materials and devices, AI-accelerated quantum simulation, quantum photonics

Industry partners

GoogleMicrosoftMetaHCASchneider ElectricDeloitteCaterpillarOak Ridge National LaboratoryBridgestoneGeneral MotorsNissanTVAIntelDisneyDell

Career outcomes

$109,020 median salary

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)

Accreditation & certifications

ABET Computing Accreditation CommissionABET Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission

Location advantage: Nashville tech ecosystem and music/media industry tech sector Regional employer partnerships and internship access

#4Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center — Cybersecurity
  • Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MInDS) Research Center — Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Center for Energy Systems Research — Energy Systems
  • Center for Manufacturing Research — Manufacturing
  • Knowledge Discovery Lab — Data Science Lifecycle

Industry partners

SAICGoogleMicrosoftIBMOak Ridge National LaboratoryNational Science FoundationNASAAir Force Research LaboratoryDepartment of Homeland SecurityOhio Department of Medicaid

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)

Accreditation & certifications

NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

Location advantage: Access to Tennessee's manufacturing and industrial sectors Embedded systems and IoT industry opportunities Regional employer network in engineering-focused companies

#5Tennessee State UniversityNashville, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Research labs & institutes

  • Center for Excellence in Battlefield Sensor Fusion — Interdisciplinary sensor fusion research
  • Tiger Institute — Advanced research initiatives
  • Intelligent Tactical Mobility Laboratory — Tactical mobility systems
  • Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory — Robotics and AI systems
  • Computer Information Systems Laboratory — Computer and information systems
  • Digital Signal/Image Processing Laboratory — Signal and image processing
  • Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory — Control systems and automation
  • Design Methodologies Laboratory — Engineering design optimization
  • Intelligent Manufacturing Laboratory — Smart manufacturing systems
  • Intelligent Health Monitoring Laboratory — Health monitoring systems
  • Automatic Target Recognition Test-Bed — Target recognition systems
  • Cyber-Security Lab — Cybersecurity research

Industry partners

Boeing Aerospace CorporationArmy Research OfficeAir Force Research LaboratoryNASADepartment of DefenseHewlett PackardDepartment of EnergyOffice of Naval ResearchNational Science FoundationTennessee Department of TransportationSociety of Manufacturing Engineers

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 2.75 minimum. Deadline Fall: July 1st, Spring: November 1st, Summer: April 1st.

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Access to Nashville tech and healthcare IT ecosystem

#6The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Accreditation & certifications

Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

Location advantage: Chattanooga emerging tech ecosystem with growing startup community Proximity to established regional employers

#7Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale, TN

Why it stands out. 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 advantage: Chattanooga's growing tech sector and startup ecosystem Regional proximity to Nashville and Atlanta tech hubs

#8University of MemphisMemphis, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • Center for Information Assurance (CfIA) — Cybersecurity, negative authentication, smart-grid security, game theory and cyber security
  • NIH mDOT Center — Mobile health, wearables, sensor-guided behavioral interventions
  • MD2K Center of Excellence — Mobile sensor big data, behavioral privacy, AI for wearables
  • Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS) — Learning, language and artificial intelligence across disciplines
  • Computational Intelligence Laboratory (CIL) — Perception, action, cognition, spatiotemporal data processing
  • Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Partnership Laboratory — Defense human resources, distributed learning for DoD

Industry partners

National Science FoundationNational Institutes of HealthNational Security AgencyDepartment of Homeland SecurityNational InstrumentsABBDefense Human Resources Activity (DHRA)Department of DefenseSmith & NephewStrykerMedtronicMethodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Career outcomes

$76,949 median salary

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)

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Growing Memphis tech ecosystem and startup community

Best Doctoral Software Engineering programs

#1Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Research labs & institutes

  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) — Distributed systems, middleware, cyber-physical systems
  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems — Cyber-physical systems and advanced transportation systems
  • Artificial Intelligence and Visual Analogical Systems — AI and visual systems
  • Biomedical Data Representation and Learning Lab — Medical data analysis and machine learning
  • Machine Automation, Perception and Learning Lab (MAPLE) — Machine intelligence and automation
  • Machine Intelligence and Neural Technologies (MINT) — Neural technologies and AI
  • Medical-image Analysis and Statistical Interpretation Laboratory — Medical imaging and statistical analysis
  • Mobile Application Computing, Optimization and Security Methods Research Group (MAGNUM) — Mobile computing and security
  • Network and Data Science — Data science and network analysis
  • Smart and Resilient Computing for Physical Environment (SCOPE) — Resilient computing systems
  • I-Privacy Lab — Privacy and security research
  • Internet of Medical Things Lab — Medical IoT systems

Industry partners

HCA Healthcare

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)

Admissions

Deadline March 15 (Fall), October 15 (Spring).

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Nashville healthcare tech sector (major employers like HCA) Proximity to finance and fintech companies Southeast tech hub with Fortune 500 presence

#2The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN

Why it stands out. 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

Research labs & institutes

  • Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) — Software systems, modeling, and distributed computing

Industry partners

Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccentureBooz Allen Hamilton

Career outcomes

Top employers: Microsoft, Google

Admissions

GPA 3.0 minimum (3.3 for international students).

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Direct proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory Access to major government research and national security contracts Connection to Knoxville's growing tech ecosystem

#3Tennessee State UniversityNashville, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • Center for Excellence in Battlefield Sensor Fusion — Interdisciplinary sensor fusion research
  • Tiger Institute — Advanced research initiatives
  • Intelligent Tactical Mobility Laboratory — Tactical mobility systems
  • Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory — Robotics and AI systems
  • Computer Information Systems Laboratory — Computer and information systems
  • Digital Signal/Image Processing Laboratory — Signal and image processing
  • Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory — Control systems and automation
  • Design Methodologies Laboratory — Engineering design optimization
  • Intelligent Manufacturing Laboratory — Smart manufacturing systems
  • Intelligent Health Monitoring Laboratory — Health monitoring systems
  • Automatic Target Recognition Test-Bed — Target recognition systems
  • Cyber-Security Lab — Cybersecurity research

Industry partners

Boeing Aerospace CorporationArmy Research OfficeAir Force Research LaboratoryNASADepartment of DefenseHewlett PackardDepartment of EnergyOffice of Naval ResearchNational Science FoundationTennessee Department of TransportationSociety of Manufacturing Engineers

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 2.75 minimum. Deadline Fall: July 1st, Spring: November 1st, Summer: April 1st.

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Access to Nashville tech and healthcare IT ecosystem

#4University of MemphisMemphis, TN

Why it stands out. 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 & institutes

  • Center for Information Assurance (CfIA) — Cybersecurity, negative authentication, smart-grid security, game theory and cyber security
  • NIH mDOT Center — Mobile health, wearables, sensor-guided behavioral interventions
  • MD2K Center of Excellence — Mobile sensor big data, behavioral privacy, AI for wearables
  • Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS) — Learning, language and artificial intelligence across disciplines
  • Computational Intelligence Laboratory (CIL) — Perception, action, cognition, spatiotemporal data processing
  • Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Partnership Laboratory — Defense human resources, distributed learning for DoD

Industry partners

National Science FoundationNational Institutes of HealthNational Security AgencyDepartment of Homeland SecurityNational InstrumentsABBDefense Human Resources Activity (DHRA)Department of DefenseSmith & NephewStrykerMedtronicMethodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Career outcomes

$76,949 median salary

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)

Accreditation & certifications

ABET accredited

Location advantage: Growing Memphis tech ecosystem and startup community