University of Tennessee at Chattanooga MS Data Analytics: Tuition & ML

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics through the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. The 36-credit program combines programming, statistics, databases, data visualization, big data, machine learning, and applied analytics. Students can choose a 100% online version or a flexible format that mixes evening campus courses with online classes.

SchoolUniversity of Tennessee at Chattanooga
LocationChattanooga, Tennessee
DegreeMaster of Science in Data Analytics
Credits36
Format100% Online or Flexible (evening campus + online)
LengthAbout 18 months full time
Estimated Online TuitionAbout $24,260 in-state or $26,060 out-of-state for 36 credits, based on four 9-credit terms and current 2026-27 fees
ML / AI FocusMachine learning, deep learning, NLP, neural networks, predictive modeling, big data, and generative AI applications

Curriculum

UTC requires 21 credits of core data analytics courses. The sequence covers programming and data preparation, descriptive analytics, databases and data warehouses, data visualization, introductory machine learning, advanced machine learning, and big data management and analysis.

The machine learning sequence is especially relevant for this directory. DATA 5230 Introduction to Machine Learning covers predictive and classification performance, overfitting, k-nearest neighbors, Naive Bayes, decision trees, regression, and neural networks. DATA 5240 Advanced Machine Learning adds support vector machines, deep learning, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, text classification, and hyperparameter tuning.

Students also complete a project or internship for 3 to 6 credits and choose 9 to 12 credits of electives. Options include Cloud Computing, Prescriptive Analytics, Advanced Information Security Management, Health Informatics Research Methods, and business courses in finance, marketing, leadership, economics, and healthcare.

Credits and Program Length

The MS in Data Analytics requires 36 graduate credits. UTC states that the MSDA typically takes about 18 months for full-time students. Part-time students can take longer depending on course load and term availability.

Tuition and Cost

UTC’s 2026-27 online graduate fee schedule lists a 9-credit in-state total of $5,471 before the Rollins College of Business differential fee. The college differential is $66 per credit, adding $594 to a 9-credit term. That produces an estimated cost of $6,065 per 9-credit term for an in-state online MSDA student.

Across four 9-credit terms, the estimated online program cost is about $24,260 for Tennessee residents. The online schedule adds $50 per credit in out-of-state tuition, producing an estimated total of about $26,060 for an out-of-state online student. These are planning estimates based on current published tuition, mandatory online fees, and the Rollins College differential. Books, course-specific charges, and future tuition increases are not included.

Students in the flexible campus format may pay a different total because UTC assesses a broader set of campus fees. For example, the current in-state graduate schedule totals $5,896 for 9 credits before the $66-per-credit Rollins College differential.

Admissions

Applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent foreign institution. For regular admission, UTC lists several GPA paths, including a minimum 2.70 cumulative undergraduate GPA or a 3.00 GPA in the final two years of undergraduate study.

The application requires the graduate application, a resume or CV, a short statement of purpose, official transcripts, and an application fee. UTC’s current MSDA application requirements do not list GRE scores. The program accepts fall, spring, and summer applicants, with recommended deadlines that vary by term.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

UTC’s MSDA has a strong machine learning connection. Machine learning appears in two required courses rather than as a single elective. Students move from core predictive and classification methods into deep learning, SVMs, NLP, model tuning, and real-world projects.

The broader program also supports AI work through programming, data preparation, databases, visualization, big data systems, predictive analytics, and generative AI applications. This combination makes the degree relevant for students targeting data scientist, machine learning, analytics, and applied AI roles.

Online and Flexible Formats

UTC offers a 100% online MSDA. Students in that version receive registration priority for online classes. The university also offers a Flexible MSDA that combines evening face-to-face courses with online course options.

The two-format structure makes the program useful for students who want a fully remote degree as well as Chattanooga-area professionals who prefer some campus instruction without committing to an entirely in-person schedule.

Project or Internship

Students complete either an internship or a capstone-style project. The internship can carry 3 or 6 credits and must represent substantial analytics work approved by faculty. The 3-credit capstone project integrates data collection, cleaning, analysis, model development, and evaluation.

Who Is This Program Best For?

  • Working professionals who want a 100% online data analytics master’s without leaving their current job.
  • Students interested in machine learning who want required coursework in both introductory and advanced machine learning.
  • Analytics professionals who want stronger skills in Python, databases, data visualization, predictive modeling, and big data.
  • Students who want an applied degree focused on using analytics and machine learning to solve business problems.
  • Full-time students who want to complete a 36-credit master’s in about 18 months.

Bottom Line

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a strong fit for MastersInMachineLearning.org. The MS in Data Analytics includes two required machine learning courses, practical work in deep learning and NLP, big data training, and a required project or internship. The 36-credit degree also stands out because students can complete it fully online or use a flexible mix of evening campus and online classes.