Middle Tennessee State University MS in Data Science: Tuition & Machine Learning

Middle Tennessee State University offers a Master of Science in Data Science that combines programming, statistics, data exploration, predictive modeling, machine learning, business analytics, and communication. The 36-credit program offers thesis and non-thesis paths and supports both campus and hybrid study, making it a strong fit for this directory.

SchoolMiddle Tennessee State University
LocationMurfreesboro, Tennessee
DegreeMaster of Science in Data Science
Credits36 non-thesis; 36–39 thesis
FormatOn Ground / Hybrid
Estimated LengthAbout 2 years full time
Estimated TuitionAbout $25,992 in-state based on four 9-credit terms
ML / AI FocusSupervised learning, unsupervised learning, NLP, predictive modeling, model optimization, deployment, and large-scale data analysis

Curriculum

The curriculum develops practical data science skills through a sequence of DATA courses. DATA 6300 Data Understanding covers data collection, cleansing, visualization, statistical analysis, and Python. DATA 6310 Data Exploration moves into unsupervised learning and natural language processing, while DATA 6320 Predictive Modeling focuses on supervised learning, regression, and classification.

Students can also study Model Optimization and Deployment, which addresses machine learning model tuning and production deployment. Cases in Data Science integrates methods from real problems and may include supervised and unsupervised learning, NLP, databases, cloud computing, and data ethics. Elective work can extend into statistics, business analytics, large-scale data analysis, and related technical areas.

Credits and Program Length

The non-thesis option requires 36 credit hours. The thesis option requires 36 to 39 credit hours, including 3 to 6 credits of thesis research. MTSU does not publish one fixed completion time on the current program page, so about two years of full-time study is a reasonable planning estimate for a 36-credit master’s degree.

Tuition and Cost

For 2026–27, MTSU lists graduate in-state tuition of $623 per credit for the first 10 credits in a semester, plus a $99-per-credit Program Services Fee. The fee chart lists a total of $6,498 for a 9-credit in-state semester. A 36-credit non-thesis plan completed across four 9-credit semesters would therefore cost an estimated $25,992 in tuition and mandatory Program Services Fees at current rates.

This is a planning estimate rather than an official total program price. The actual total changes with the number of credits taken each term because MTSU reduces the tuition rate after the first 10 semester credits and caps the Program Services Fee after 12 credits. Out-of-state students pay a higher standard rate. MTSU also offers an eRate to eligible non-Tennessee residents who enroll exclusively in qualifying online courses, but the MS is currently classified as On Ground / Hybrid rather than fully online.

Admissions

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum 2.75 GPA in prior college work. MTSU’s published program information lists application deadlines of July 31 for fall entry and December 31 for spring entry. Applicants submit the graduate application and official transcripts through the College of Graduate Studies.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

MTSU’s Data Science MS has a meaningful machine learning connection even though the degree title is not specifically AI or machine learning. The required data science sequence includes both supervised and unsupervised learning. Students work with regression, classification, model optimization, deployment, and NLP. Related coursework also covers scalable machine learning and data mining for large data sets.

The program also has faculty with direct machine learning research interests. This combination of predictive modeling, machine learning methods, statistics, Python, and applied data projects makes the degree relevant for students targeting data scientist, machine learning engineer, data analyst, and related roles.

Hybrid and Campus Format

MTSU currently classifies the MS in Data Science as On Ground and Hybrid. The program states that its curriculum includes both online and on-campus courses and that students can work with the program director on a course plan that increases or decreases the number of online classes. Because the university does not list the MS among its fully online graduate programs, it should not be classified as a fully online degree.

Thesis, Research, and Applied Projects

Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis path. The thesis option includes 3 to 6 credits of thesis research and is useful for students who want deeper research experience or may continue into doctoral study. Through MTSU’s Data Science Institute, students may also work on faculty research, nonprofit data projects, company projects, and Data Dive hackathon-style events.

Who Is This Program Best For?

  • Students who want a data science degree with substantial machine learning coursework.
  • Students who prefer a hybrid program with a mix of campus and online courses.
  • Learners who want a choice between thesis and non-thesis paths.
  • Students interested in predictive modeling, natural language processing, model optimization, and deployment.
  • Tennessee residents looking for a public-university data science master’s with an estimated in-state cost around ,992.

Bottom Line

Middle Tennessee State University is a good fit for MastersInMachineLearning.org. Its MS in Data Science is broader than a dedicated AI degree, but machine learning is built into the core through supervised learning, unsupervised learning, predictive modeling, NLP, optimization, and deployment. The 36-credit structure, thesis option, applied project opportunities, and flexible mix of campus and online courses give students several ways to shape the degree around data science and machine learning goals.

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