Tennessee State University MS in Data Science: AI, Tuition & Courses

Tennessee State University offers a fully online Master of Science in Data Science with a dedicated artificial intelligence concentration. The 30-credit program can be completed in one year of full-time study and includes machine learning, generative AI, deep learning, natural language processing, responsible AI, and an applied capstone.

SchoolTennessee State University
LocationNashville, Tennessee
DegreeMaster of Science in Data Science – AI Concentration
Credits30
FormatFully online
Estimated Length1 year full time
Estimated TuitionAbout $18,492 in-state; an online E-Rate may bring the estimate to about $26,592
AI FocusMachine learning, generative AI, deep learning, NLP, responsible AI, and applied AI

Curriculum

The AI concentration curriculum combines 9 credits of program core courses, 6 credits of AI concentration core courses, 12 credits of electives, and a 3-credit capstone. The core builds skills in mathematics, Python programming, and the data science workflow.

AI-focused course options include Machine Learning, Generative AI, Applied Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Responsible and Ethical AI. Students may also study domain applications through courses such as AI in Healthcare and AI in Agriculture.

The 3-credit Data Science Capstone is taken in the final semester. Students work with a faculty or industry mentor to solve a data-driven problem and apply methods from the program.

Credits and Program Length

The degree requires 30 graduate credits, equal to 10 three-credit courses. TSU states that full-time students can finish in one year. Students may take longer based on course load and course availability, and the university allows up to six calendar years to complete the degree.

Tuition and Cost

TSU’s 2026–27 graduate fee schedule lists maintenance tuition of $539 per credit plus a program service fee of $97 per credit, capped at $774 per term. At 10 credits per term, the listed in-state charge is $6,164. A 30-credit plan spread across three 10-credit terms produces an estimated base cost of $18,492.

The same fee schedule lists a graduate E-Rate for online study. At 10 credits, that rate totals $8,864 per term, which would produce an estimated $26,592 across three equal terms. The degree page does not state which rate applies to every student, so applicants should confirm their residency classification, course section codes, and assigned online rate with TSU. These estimates exclude books, course-specific fees, and other costs.

Admissions

The program admission requirements are open to applicants from all undergraduate majors. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA, and two letters of recommendation. TSU lists no prerequisite courses.

The admissions committee reviews each applicant’s academic background, experience, and preparation. After enrollment, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and earn a B or better in all core courses.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

This program has a strong and direct AI focus. Machine Learning covers supervised and unsupervised learning, feature engineering, ensemble methods, model selection, and evaluation. Applied Deep Learning addresses convolutional neural networks for computer vision, speech, text, medical imaging, and data mining.

Generative AI covers large language models, prompt engineering, fine-tuning, generative vision models, and evaluation. Natural Language Processing adds text classification, embeddings, sentiment analysis, summarization, deep learning for sequences, and machine translation. The curriculum also covers fairness, accountability, transparency, privacy, and bias through Responsible and Ethical AI.

Online Format

TSU classifies the MS in Data Science as fully online. The university states that students can study from anywhere. This format may suit working professionals and students who cannot relocate to Nashville. Applicants should still confirm term schedules and any synchronous class requirements with the department.

Who Is This Program Best For?

  • Students who want a dedicated AI concentration within a data science master’s degree.
  • Working professionals who need a fully online format.
  • Applicants from nontechnical majors who meet the GPA requirement and want a program with no formal prerequisites.
  • Students interested in applied AI, including healthcare, agriculture, language, or computer vision applications.
  • Learners who want to finish a 30-credit degree in about one year of full-time study.

Bottom Line

Tennessee State University is a strong fit for this directory because its online MS in Data Science includes a formal AI concentration and several advanced AI and machine learning courses. The 30-credit, one-year structure is compact, while the capstone gives students a chance to apply their skills. The main item to verify before enrolling is the exact tuition rate assigned to the student’s residency and online course sections.