Tennessee has quietly become one of the nation’s hottest hubs for applied machine learning. The Volunteer State’s industries are racing to harness data for smarter decisions.
Some examples include:
- FedEx’s routing and logistics engines in Memphis
- AI-driven research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- The UT AI Collaborative in Knoxville is a multidisciplinary hub uniting researchers and industry partners
- The Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute drives innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and data science Nashville
With average ML engineer salaries north of $110K and demand growing in Memphis, and beyond, machine learning skills pay dividends.
Whether you join a Fortune 500 hub or a fast-growing analytics startup, in-state ML degrees will help you land the kinds of roles that once meant relocating to Silicon Valley.
2026 Best Schools for Machine Learning Masters in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Computer Science
Concentration: Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science with concentrations in Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering. This program is tailored for STEM professionals, featuring a curriculum that includes deep learning, network security, and software engineering. It can be completed in 18-24 months with 100% online coursework and no GRE requirement. Tuition is approximately $25,830 for in-state students, with flexible scheduling and multiple start dates to support working adults.
- 100% Online
- No GRE Required
- Three Concentration Options
- 18-24 Months to Complete
- $25,830 In-State Tuition
- 10 Courses Total
- Flexible Scheduling
- Live Online Classes
- Asynchronous Coursework
- Cybersecurity Concentration
Tennessee Tech
Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Computer Science
Concentration: Machine Learning - Campus Based - Visit Website
Tennessee Technological University's Master of Science in Computer Science with a Machine Learning concentration integrates core computer science principles with advanced ML techniques, offering thesis, project, or coursework-only options for tailored education. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, including collaborations with national laboratories and Centers of Excellence, fostering practical skills and close faculty mentorship. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, and an entrance exam is not explicitly mentioned as required or waived in the provided data.
- Concentration in Machine Learning.
- Thesis, project, or courses-only options.
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities.
- Close faculty-student interactions.
- Collaborations with national laboratories.
- Prepares for careers in tech and research.
- Admission requires related bachelor's degree.
- Tailored education paths available.
- Fosters practical and theoretical skills.
- Engagement with Centers of Excellence.
East Tennessee State
Master of Science in Computer Science (MML)
Johnson City, TN | $22,732 | 24 Months
East Tennessee State University’s M.S. in Computer Science with a Machine Learning concentration is a 33-credit program completed over 24 months. It offers evening classes, some of which are online, catering to recent graduates and working professionals. Students build expertise in software project management, research methods, and advanced topics like AI and machine learning, preparing them for roles in data science, software engineering, and research... read more.
2026 Lowest Cost Programs
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville |
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| Tennessee Tech |
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How to Choose the Right School for You
This analysis compares three distinct approaches: East Tennessee State’s comprehensive curriculum, UT-Knoxville’s online flexibility, and Tennessee Tech’s research-focused training.
Program Overview & Philosophy
East Tennessee State University (Comprehensive Foundation)
- Program Type: MS in Computer Science with AI/ML concentration
- Format: Primarily campus-based with evening and online options
- Duration: 24 months (33 credit hours)
- Focus: Comprehensive computer science foundation with ML specialization
- Unique Features: Multiple capstone options (thesis, project, or independent study)
University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Online Flexibility)
- Program Type: MS in Computer Science with Data Mining/Intelligent Systems
- Format: 100% online with live and asynchronous components
- Duration: 18-24 months (10 courses)
- Focus: Data mining, intelligent systems, cybersecurity applications
- Unique Features: No GRE requirement, multiple concentration options
Tennessee Tech (Research Excellence)
- Program Type: MS in Computer Science with Machine Learning concentration
- Format: Campus-based with intensive research focus
- Duration: Variable based on thesis/project requirements
- Focus: Theoretical foundations with practical research applications
- Unique Features: National laboratory collaborations, interdisciplinary research
Cost Analysis & Value Proposition
East Tennessee State University (Budget Leader)
- In-State: $11,366 annually ($22,732 total)
- Out-of-State: $26,486 annually ($52,972 total)
- Value: Comprehensive curriculum with multiple specialization options
University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Online Value)
- In-State: $25,830 total program cost
- Online Format: No additional fees for distance learning
- Value: Prestigious UT system education with maximum flexibility
Tennessee Tech (Research Focus)
- Public Tuition: Competitive state university rates
- Research Support: Potential assistantships and research funding
- Value: Intensive research experience with national laboratory access
Program Structure & Requirements
East Tennessee State University
- Credits: 33 credit hours
- Core Requirements: Software Project Management, Research Methods
- Specialization: Natural Language Processing, AI, Machine Learning courses
- Prerequisites: Bachelor’s in computing field, 3.0 GPA minimum
- Capstone Options: Independent project, software development, or thesis
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Structure: 10 courses total
- Delivery: Live online classes plus asynchronous coursework
- Prerequisites: STEM background, no GRE required
- Concentrations: Data Mining, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering
- Flexibility: Part-time and full-time options available
Tennessee Tech
- Options: Thesis, project, or coursework-only tracks
- Research Focus: Interdisciplinary collaborations required
- Prerequisites: CS or related bachelor’s degree
- Admission: No GRE required, competitive selection
- Experience: Close faculty mentorship and research participation
Specialized Focus Areas
East Tennessee State: Comprehensive ML Foundation
- Natural Language Processing: Text analysis and computational linguistics
- Artificial Intelligence: Comprehensive AI methodologies and applications
- Machine Learning: Supervised and unsupervised learning techniques
- Algorithm Analysis: Rigorous computational complexity and optimization
- Software Engineering: Professional development project management
UT-Knoxville: Applied Data Sciences
- Data Mining: Large-scale data extraction and pattern recognition
- Intelligent Systems: AI applications in business and industry
- Cybersecurity: ML applications for threat detection and response
- Deep Learning: Neural networks and advanced architectures
- Network Security: Security applications of ML technologies
Tennessee Tech: Research-Intensive Applications
- Laboratory Collaborations: Direct work with national research facilities
- Interdisciplinary Research: Cross-departmental and multi-institutional projects
- Theoretical Foundations: Strong mathematical and algorithmic foundations
- Centers of Excellence: Access to specialized research centers
- Industry Partnerships: Real-world problem solving with corporate partners
Decision Framework
Choose East Tennessee State University if:
You Want Comprehensive Academic Training
- Seeking thorough computer science foundation with ML specialization
- Prefer structured curriculum with clear progression
- Want multiple capstone options to match career goals
- Value affordable tuition with quality education
- Can attend primarily campus-based classes
You’re a Recent Graduate or Career Changer
- Need comprehensive foundation in both CS and ML concepts
- Want exposure to multiple areas (NLP, AI, algorithms, software engineering)
- Prefer guided learning with structured coursework
- Seeking well-rounded preparation for diverse ML roles
Choose University of Tennessee-Knoxville if:
You Need Maximum Flexibility
- Currently working full-time and need online format
- Want prestigious UT system credentials
- Need accelerated 18-month completion option
- Prefer no GRE requirement for easier admission
- Interested in cybersecurity applications of ML
You’re a Working Professional
- Cannot relocate or attend campus classes
- Want to maintain career while advancing education
- Need evening and weekend class options
- Prefer live online interaction with faculty and peers
Choose Tennessee Tech if:
You Want Research Excellence
- Interested in pursuing research career or PhD preparation
- Want hands-on experience with national laboratory projects
- Prefer intensive faculty mentorship and collaboration
- Seeking interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Value small class sizes and personalized attention
You’re Research-Oriented
- Planning academic or research industry career
- Want to contribute to cutting-edge ML research
- Interested in publishing research papers
- Seeking strong theoretical foundations with practical applications
Career Outcomes & Industry Connections
East Tennessee State Advantages
- Comprehensive Preparation: Graduates ready for diverse ML roles
- Regional Opportunities: Growing tech sector in East Tennessee
- Healthcare Applications: Strong healthcare industry in region
- Cost-Effective: Lowest tuition option with quality education
UT-Knoxville Advantages
- UT System Prestige: Strong alumni network and employer recognition
- Online Accessibility: Serves students across Tennessee and beyond
- Quick Completion: 18-month option for rapid career advancement
- Cybersecurity Focus: Growing field with strong job prospects
Tennessee Tech Advantages
- Research Experience: Strong preparation for advanced careers
- National Laboratory Access: Unique research opportunities
- Faculty Mentorship: Close working relationships with professors
- Interdisciplinary Training: Broad skill set for diverse applications
Technology Focus & Curriculum Depth
Current Industry Applications
- Healthcare AI: Tennessee’s strong healthcare sector applications
- Manufacturing: Industrial IoT and predictive maintenance
- Logistics: Supply chain optimization and transportation
- Financial Services: Fraud detection and risk analysis
Research Opportunities
- Oak Ridge Collaborations: Advanced computing and data science
- Federal Partnerships: Defense and energy research applications
- Regional Industry: Manufacturing and healthcare technology projects
Final Recommendation
For Comprehensive Foundation: East Tennessee State provides thorough CS education with ML specialization at exceptional value.
For Maximum Flexibility: UT-Knoxville offers prestigious online education perfect for working professionals.
For Research Excellence: Tennessee Tech delivers intensive research experience with national laboratory access.
For Budget Optimization: East Tennessee State offers the lowest cost comprehensive ML education.
Tennessee’s machine learning programs serve different career paths while leveraging the state’s growing tech sector and research infrastructure. Choose based on your learning preferences, career timeline, and whether you prioritize comprehensive academics (ETSU), online flexibility (UT-Knoxville), or research intensity (Tennessee Tech).
Top Cities in Tennessee for Machine Learning Professionals
Nashville: The most active hub with 337+ machine learning job openings, home to HCA Healthcare’s massive health analytics operations, Vanderbilt’s ADVANCE AI Center, and over 50 healthcare technology companies. The region benefits from the nation’s largest healthcare concentration and world-class AI research infrastructure.
Memphis: Features FedEx’s global logistics AI operations and 134+ machine learning job openings, specializing in supply chain optimization, autonomous logistics systems, and recently becoming home to xAI’s supercomputer facility requiring extensive ML expertise.
Oak Ridge/Knoxville: Benefits from Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s AI Initiative and the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator, offering opportunities in national security AI, scientific computing, and energy-efficient AI research applications.
Chattanooga: Tennessee’s “Gig City” with first-in-nation gigabit internet infrastructure, focusing on AI applications in smart city technologies, manufacturing automation, and telecommunications optimization.
However, Tennessee faces significant talent challenges with healthcare AI initiatives expanding rapidly and 51% tech job growth from 2015-2020 outpacing available workforce. A master’s in machine learning offers the specialized training needed to fill these roles, equipping graduates with expertise essential for Tennessee’s expanding healthcare AI, logistics automation, and national security research demands.
Machine Learning Engineer Opportunities in Tennessee
Tennessee’s machine learning job market spans diverse industries from healthcare research to logistics automation, offering exceptional opportunities for graduates with ML expertise. Based on current job listings from sites like Indeed.com, here’s what employers are seeking, organized by skillset and compensation levels.
Core Technical Skills in High Demand
Programming and Framework Mastery
Yahoo Holdings in Nashville offers $88,500-$184,375 for Machine Learning Engineer I positions, requiring expertise in Java and Python with experience in TensorFlow/PyTorch. They focus on processing petabytes of Yahoo mail data for information extraction using machine learning and natural language processing techniques.
Brooksource in Franklin seeks Senior Data Scientists/ML Engineers specializing in time series analysis, offering competitive salaries with comprehensive benefits. They require proficiency in Python with libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and specialized time series tools (statsmodels, Prophet), plus experience with regression models like XGBoost, CatBoost, and LightGBM.
Ingram Content Group in La Vergne provides $95,295-$120,834 for AI Engineers with 2+ years experience developing AI/ML systems. They emphasize Python expertise, TensorFlow/PyTorch proficiency, and RESTful API development for content distribution applications.
Advanced ML and GenAI Expertise
Brooksource specifically requires expertise in GenAI using foundational LLMs and Langchain for vectorDB, representing the cutting edge of AI development. They seek candidates capable of developing ML/RL models for HR analytics, focusing on personnel engagement pattern identification.
Stride Inc. offers $66,379-$120,000 for AI Engineers working on educational technology, requiring hands-on experience with modern ML libraries and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) for building scalable AI-powered data products that improve student retention and academic outcomes.
Research and National Security Applications
Government and Defense Sector
Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks Senior AI/ML Research Scientists requiring PhD in computer science or related field plus 6 years experience. While salary isn’t disclosed, ORNL offers world-class benefits and focuses on AI applications for cybersecurity, signal processing, biometrics, and national security. This role requires Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
The position involves leading teams, interacting with sponsors and funding agencies, and mentoring early career staff while performing R&D from proof-of-concept to system architecture levels.
Healthcare and Biomedical Research
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis offers positions for Computational Researchers (Deep Learning Engineers) specializing in geometric deep learning for molecular modeling and drug discovery. They require 3+ years hands-on deep learning experience with expertise in Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) for molecular graphs and 3D point cloud processing.
This role can be either staff scientist or postdoc level, offering world-class benefits and focusing on developing AI systems for pediatric cancer research.
Cloud Infrastructure and MLOps
Production-Scale Deployment
Egen Solutions in Nashville seeks Senior Machine Learning Engineers for hybrid roles requiring 10+ years technology experience. They focus on MLOps platform development using GCP Vertex AI and Kubeflow, emphasizing responsible AI solutions including explainability, data drift detection, and fairness metrics.
Google in Clarksville offers $87,000-$125,000 for Data Center Technicians supporting machine learning infrastructure, requiring experience with server hardware, networking protocols, and Linux systems. This represents the physical infrastructure supporting ML operations.
Consulting and Client Services
Enterprise Consulting
AECOM in Chattanooga provides AI & Machine Learning Engineer consulting positions requiring advanced degrees and experience delivering AI solutions to diverse clients. They emphasize client interaction, scalable AI system implementation, and cross-functional collaboration.
The role involves researching and implementing AI systems that meet specific business requirements while enhancing data pipelines for optimal accuracy and performance.
Education Requirements and Advanced Degrees
PhD Preferred Positions
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory: PhD required in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: PhD preferred in Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering
- Brooksource: Bachelor’s or Master’s required, PhD preferred
Master’s Degree Emphasis
- Yahoo Holdings: MS in Computer Science or equivalent experience required
- Stride Inc.: Master’s/Doctorate preferred for AI Engineer roles
- Egen Solutions: Master’s degree preferred in Computer Science, Data Science, or AI
Cross-Disciplinary Integration
Healthcare Technology
St. Jude represents the intersection of AI and biomedical research, requiring knowledge of molecular modeling software (RDKit, OpenBabel) and structural biology concepts alongside traditional ML skills.
Educational Technology
Stride Inc. focuses on applying AI to improve educational outcomes, requiring understanding of learning analytics and student engagement metrics beyond traditional ML applications.
Logistics and Content Distribution
Ingram Content Group combines ML with content distribution technology, requiring understanding of publishing industry workflows and content management systems.
Cybersecurity Applications
Oak Ridge National Laboratory emphasizes AI applications in cybersecurity, requiring understanding of threat detection, digital forensics, and computer vision for national security applications.
Compensation Analysis by Role Type
Entry to Mid-Level Positions:
- Stride Inc.: $66,379-$120,000 (AI Engineer)
- Google: $87,000-$125,000 (Data Center Technician, ML)
- Yahoo Holdings: $88,500-$184,375 (ML Engineer I)
Senior Level Roles:
- Ingram Content Group: $95,295-$120,834 (AI Engineer)
- Brooksource: Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits (Senior Data Scientist/ML Engineer)
Research and Specialized Positions:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Competitive government compensation with extensive benefits
- St. Jude: Competitive research institution salary with world-class benefits
Key Industry Trends
Production-First Mentality: Tennessee employers consistently emphasize production deployment experience. Ingram Content Group specifically seeks candidates who can “deliver AI solutions with high customer impact,” while Stride focuses on “production AI products directly linked to actionable business decisions.”
Security Clearance Opportunities: Oak Ridge National Laboratory offers unique opportunities for ML engineers to work on classified national security projects, requiring security clearances but providing access to cutting-edge government research.
Healthcare Innovation Hub: With St. Jude leading pediatric cancer research and Vanderbilt’s ADVANCE AI Center, Tennessee offers exceptional opportunities in healthcare AI applications.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Most positions emphasize communication skills and ability to work with non-technical stakeholders, reflecting Tennessee’s business-focused approach to ML implementation.
The Tennessee ML market offers diverse opportunities for graduates with machine learning master’s degrees, from government research to healthcare innovation to enterprise consulting. The state’s combination of research institutions, major corporations, and growing tech sector creates a rich ecosystem for ML professionals seeking both technical challenges and meaningful impact.