Tennessee now has several strong graduate options for students interested in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science. The programs range from dedicated AI and data science degrees to computer science master’s programs with formal machine learning concentrations.
The seven programs below differ in cost, format, length, and technical focus. Tennessee residents can find public-university options near the low-to-mid $20,000 range, while Vanderbilt offers a much faster but more expensive 9-month data science program.
Tennessee Machine Learning and AI Master’s Programs
| School | Degree / Focus | Format | Tuition | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee State University | MS in Data Science – AI Concentration, 30 credits | Online | Est. $18,492 in-state | 1 year |
| East Tennessee State University | MS in Computer Science – AI & Machine Learning Concentration, 33 credits | Campus | Est. $24,340 in-state | About 2 years |
| Middle Tennessee State University | MS in Data Science, 36 credits | Hybrid / Campus | Est. $25,992 in-state | About 2 years |
| Tennessee Tech University | MS in Computer Science with AI/ML electives and research, 30 credits | Campus | Est. $22,260 in-state | About 2–2.5 years |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | MS in Data Analytics, 36 credits | Online / Flexible | Est. $24,260 online in-state | About 18 months |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | MS in Computer Science – Intelligent Systems & Machine Learning, 30 credits | Campus or Online | Est. $28,500 campus in-state | 3 semesters full time |
| Vanderbilt University | MS in Data Science, 30 credits | Campus | $72,570 published 2025–26 tuition | 9 months |
Tuition figures are based on the latest university pricing reviewed for each school profile. Estimated totals can change with residency, course load, fees, and future tuition increases.
Which Tennessee Program May Fit You Best?
For a dedicated online AI concentration: Tennessee State University stands out. Its 30-credit MS in Data Science includes machine learning, generative AI, deep learning, NLP, responsible AI, and a capstone, with a one-year full-time path.
For a formal machine learning concentration within computer science: compare East Tennessee State University and UT Knoxville. ETSU offers a 33-credit AI and Machine Learning concentration, while UT Knoxville offers an Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning concentration within its 30-credit MS in Computer Science.
For fully online data analytics with required machine learning courses: UT Chattanooga is a strong option. Its 36-credit MS in Data Analytics includes introductory and advanced machine learning, deep learning, NLP, predictive modeling, big data, and a project or internship.
For hybrid data science: Middle Tennessee State University offers a 36-credit MS in Data Science with supervised and unsupervised learning, NLP, predictive modeling, model optimization, and deployment. Students can choose thesis or non-thesis study.
For a research-oriented computer science degree: Tennessee Tech offers thesis, project, and coursework-only paths. Students can build an AI/ML focus through machine learning, artificial intelligence, data mining, data science, and related graduate research.
For the fastest campus program: Vanderbilt University compresses a 30-credit MS in Data Science into 9 months. Required coursework includes machine learning, generative AI, deep learning, algorithms, big data, and data systems, but tuition is much higher than the public-university options.
Online, Hybrid, and Campus Options
Students who need a fully online program can compare Tennessee State University’s MS in Data Science with UT Chattanooga’s online MS in Data Analytics and UT Knoxville’s online MS in Computer Science. MTSU offers a hybrid mix of campus and online courses. ETSU, Tennessee Tech, and Vanderbilt are best treated as campus programs, although ETSU may offer selected online courses.
Tuition Comparison
Among the current profiles, Tennessee State has the lowest estimated in-state cost at about $18,492, although students should confirm which online rate applies to them. Tennessee Tech is next at about $22,260 in-state, followed by ETSU at about $24,340, UTC online at about $24,260, MTSU at about $25,992, and UT Knoxville’s campus program at about $28,500.
Vanderbilt is in a different price tier. Its published 2025–26 tuition is $72,570 before some fees and living costs. Scholarships can reduce that amount for selected students.
How Strong Is the Machine Learning and AI Focus?
Tennessee State, ETSU, and UT Knoxville offer the clearest formal AI or machine learning concentrations. UTC and Vanderbilt also have strong required machine learning coursework even though their degrees are titled Data Analytics and Data Science. MTSU builds machine learning into its data science core, while Tennessee Tech gives students more freedom to shape a broader computer science degree around AI, machine learning, data mining, and research.
Bottom Line
Tennessee offers a useful mix of dedicated AI study, machine learning concentrations, data science, and applied analytics. The best choice depends on whether you value low tuition, online access, research, a formal AI/ML concentration, or the fastest possible completion time. Review each school profile for current curriculum, admissions requirements, tuition details, and delivery format.