Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Tennessee
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: Hands-on learning approach to cybersecurity and data analytics. Internship opportunities available through Handshake platform
Hakia Insight: MTSU's cybersecurity-plus-analytics degree differentiates graduates in a job market where data security is becoming non-negotiable; the concentration bridges two high-demand fields rather than forcing students to choose between them, valuable in Nashville's growing fintech and healthcare IT sectors.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management with a Data Analytics Concentration prepares students to work at the intersection of cybersecurity and data analytics. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in statistical methods, anomaly detection, pattern recognition, and data visualization applied to real-world cybersecurity challenges. Students develop skills to turn raw data into actionable insights for threat detection, vulnerability identification, and risk mitigation. The curriculum focuses on understanding how data strengthens threat intelligence, supports compliance efforts, and drives proactive cybersecurity strategies across industries. Graduates gain technical knowledge combined with analytical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for the cybersecurity field. MTSU's Career Development Center supports students through the full student experience, and internship opportunities are available through the Handshake platform and faculty connections.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management, Data Analytics Concentration — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Accenture (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
- Asurion (employer)
- Bank of New York Mellon (employer)
- Bridgestone (employer)
- CAT Financial (employer)
- CGI (employer)
- Change Healthcare (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Digital Reasoning (employer)
- Dollar General (employer)
- EFC Systems (employer)
- Genesco (employer)
- Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) (employer)
- HPA Cognizant Technologies (employer)
- Ingram Content Group (employer)
- Juice Analytics (employer)
- LBMC (employer)
- Nissan (employer)
- State of Tennessee (employer)
- Stratasan (employer)
- The General (employer)
- Tractor Supply (employer)
- Trinisys (employer)
- Vaco (employer)
- Vanderbilt Medical (employer)
- St. Jude's Children's Hospital (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (employer)
- Nashville Technology Council (partner)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science
- Dr. Dong Ye — Data Science
- Dr. Misa Faezipour — Health informatics and cancer care applications
- Dr. Rafet Al-Tobasei — Bioinformatics and genomics
Location Advantages: Nashville healthcare IT and fintech sectorMusic and entertainment industry analytics opportunities
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: Fully online asynchronous and synchronous course options. Award-winning and internationally recognized faculty from School of Information Sciences
Hakia Insight: UT Knoxville's proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory means undergraduates can access research infrastructure typically reserved for PhD programs—students studying applied data analytics work directly with one of the nation's premier scientific computing facilities, a rare advantage that transforms coursework into publishable research.
The online Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences with a specialization in Applied Data Analytics and User Experience is a 120-credit program designed for working professionals and transfer students. Taught by award-winning faculty from the School of Information Sciences, the curriculum covers data analytics, UX/UI design, database design, usability testing, and information visualization. Students develop technical skills in SQL, data mining, and web development while examining critical issues like data ethics, privacy, security, and accessibility. The program prepares graduates for roles in data analytics, UX/UI design and research, and data mining across all industry types. The curriculum integrates computational, scientific, social, and humanities perspectives to address societal challenges including misinformation and privacy concerns. Strong occupational demand exists for information technology professionals according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences: Applied Data Analytics and User Experience — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Advanced Imaging and Collaborative Information Processing
- Innovative Computing Laboratory
- AT&T 5G Lab
- VolSec
- Maroulas Research Group
- National Institute for Computational Sciences
- Neuromorphic Computing at Tennessee
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- IBM (partner)
- Cisco (partner)
- Volkswagen (partner)
- AT&T Business (partner)
- KPMG Consulting (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- US Army Research Lab (collaborator)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Vasileios Maroulas — AI, computational statistics, machine learning, quantum computing
- Dr. Michael Galbreth — business analytics, operations management, circular economy
- Dr. Tingliang Huang — business analytics
- Dr. Gil Souza — business analytics
- Dr. Sean Willems — supply chain analytics
- Dr. Anahita Khojandi — operations research, machine learning, healthcare applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: Summer: April 15, Fall: July 1, Spring: December 15.
Requirements: Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, Minimum 1 transfer credit hour from a previous institution, 120 total credit hours (completed transfer credits may be counted toward this requirement)
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryRegional energy and advanced manufacturing sector presence
Belmont University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Belmont distinguishes itself through emphasis on data communication and storytelling, combined with curriculum designed for business professionals entering analytics from non-technical backgrounds.
Hakia Insight: Belmont's dual BS/BA structure in data analytics reflects an underappreciated truth: the program explicitly recruits non-technical business professionals, pairing data storytelling and communication skills alongside technical training—a positioning that mirrors what companies actually hire for in roles labeled 'analyst.'
At the bachelor's level, belmont's data analytics offerings leverage the university's strengths in business and applied technology, positioning graduates for roles in music and entertainment analytics, financial services, and healthcare—three sectors with significant Nashville-area presence. The program structure emphasizes statistical reasoning and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) alongside programming, making it accessible to students from business and non-technical backgrounds while still delivering technical depth. What sets Belmont apart is its integration of ethics and storytelling in data communication: students learn not just to build models but to present findings to non-technical stakeholders—a skill that directly mirrors real consulting and business intelligence workflows. Faculty backgrounds span academic research and industry experience, with several maintaining consulting practices. The curriculum includes capstone projects sourced from Nashville-based organizations, giving students portfolio pieces that impress local employers. Internship placements cluster heavily in Nashville's growing healthcare IT sector and music industry analytics roles, a distinctive advantage for students interested in those verticals.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Belmont Data & AI Collaborative
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: HCA Healthcare, Nashville-based financial services firms.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Christina Davis — Data Science and Mathematics
- Dr. Jeff Donahoo — Computer Science, Mathematics, and Data Science
- Dr. Rudolph Bedeley — Business Systems, Analytics & Data Science
- Dr. William Best — Statistics
- Dr. Esteban Parra Rodriguez — Computer Science and Data Science
Location Advantages: Nashville hub for healthcare IT, music industry analytics, and financial services
Southern Adventist University — Collegedale, TN
Key Distinction: Southern Adventist University offers comprehensive Data Analytics programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Southern Adventist University's regional focus and private institution tuition model positions it as a lower-cost entry point for Tennessee students seeking analytics credentials without the sticker shock of flagship universities.
Southern Adventist University offers Data Analytics programs in Collegedale, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Cumberland University — Lebanon, TN
Key Distinction: Cumberland University offers comprehensive Data Analytics programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Cumberland University's Lebanon location places it within commuting distance of Nashville's HCA Healthcare ecosystem, creating internship and employment pathways most regional private colleges cannot offer.
Cumberland University offers Data Analytics programs in Lebanon, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Lee University — Cleveland, TN
Key Distinction: Lee University offers comprehensive Data Analytics programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Lee University's Cleveland, TN setting serves a geographically underserved region while maintaining connections to regional manufacturing and energy sectors that increasingly demand data-driven decision-making.
Lee University offers Data Analytics programs in Cleveland, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: UT Knoxville's unmatched proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory creates rare opportunities in scientific computing and high-performance data analytics unavailable elsewhere.
Hakia Insight: UT Knoxville's master's program doesn't just claim Oak Ridge proximity—students can co-author published research in high-performance computing and quantum data science, outcomes that appear on CVs before graduation and directly elevate candidates for national lab and tech industry roles.
At the master's level, UT Knoxville's data analytics strength flows from its deep computational research infrastructure and partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the nation's premier scientific computing centers. The program benefits enormously from proximity to ORNL's data-intensive projects in materials science, climate modeling, and high-performance computing, creating internship and research opportunities that are simply unavailable at most competing universities. Students in the analytics track gain exposure to large-scale data engineering, scientific data management, and advanced statistical methods within a rigorous engineering and science context. Faculty members collaborate with ORNL researchers, bringing cutting-edge problems directly into the classroom. This positioning attracts students interested in physics-informed analytics, scientific computing, or energy-sector applications. While the program maintains strong traditional business analytics pathways as well, the standout differentiator is access to world-class computational science resources and the ability to apply analytics to grand-challenge problems in national security and sustainability.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Advanced Imaging and Collaborative Information Processing
- Innovative Computing Laboratory
- AT&T 5G Lab
- VolSec
- Maroulas Research Group
- National Institute for Computational Sciences
- Neuromorphic Computing at Tennessee
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- IBM (partner)
- Cisco (partner)
- Volkswagen (partner)
- AT&T Business (partner)
- KPMG Consulting (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- US Army Research Lab (collaborator)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Department of Energy (sponsor)
- Department of Defense (sponsor)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Vasileios Maroulas — AI, computational statistics, machine learning, quantum computing
- Dr. Michael Galbreth — business analytics, operations management, circular economy
- Dr. Tingliang Huang — business analytics
- Dr. Gil Souza — business analytics
- Dr. Sean Willems — supply chain analytics
- Dr. Anahita Khojandi — operations research, machine learning, healthcare applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: Summer: April 15, Fall: July 1, Spring: December 15.
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryRegional energy and advanced manufacturing sector presence
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Flexible part-time option: students can enroll in one course per semester. Coursework-based degree (no thesis required)
Hakia Insight: Vanderbilt's one-course-per-semester option is genuinely rare among top-tier programs; a working professional can complete a Quantitative Methods MS in 5-6 years while maintaining full employment, a timeline that makes the degree economically feasible for mid-career switchers.
The Master of Science in Quantitative Methods & Data Analytics for Human Behavior prepares working professionals to become leaders in data analytics and statistical modeling. The flexible full-time or part-time program (33 credit hours, completable in 17-22 months) combines theoretical expertise with practical application through a required internship in applied research settings. Students master regression, predictive modeling, psychometrics, multilevel modeling, and AI-augmented analytics while learning to think critically about methods before using AI tools. The program emphasizes coursework over thesis; graduates develop skills across healthcare analytics, business analytics, research design, and measurement. Career outcomes are strong: 94% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within four months. Recent placements include roles at Cleveland Clinic, Capital One, HCA Healthcare, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Mid-career professionals benefit from salary advancement into biostatistician, data science manager, and research analyst roles. Internship partnerships with Vanderbilt Medical Center, Owen Graduate School, and external organizations provide practical, job-relevant experience.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Quantitative Methods & Data Analytics for Human Behavior — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS)
- Data Science Institute
Industry Partners
- HCA Healthcare (corporate)
- Deloitte (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Paul Certain — Analytics and business intelligence
- Blair Staley — Data-driven decision making
Location Advantages: Proximity to HCA Healthcare headquarters (Nashville's largest employer)Strong financial services sector presenceGrowing tech ecosystem in Nashville
Austin Peay State University — Clarksville, TN
Key Distinction: APSU uniquely serves working professionals with flexible delivery and practitioner-focused curriculum, making advanced analytics education accessible to career-changers and part-time learners.
Hakia Insight: Austin Peay deliberately designed its master's program for career-changers and part-time learners rather than retrofitting a traditional full-time curriculum—the distinction matters because cohort composition, scheduling, and case studies reflect working-professional realities.
At the master's level, austin Peay State University structures its data analytics pathway to serve working professionals and career-changers alongside traditional students, with flexible delivery and curriculum designed around real workforce needs in Tennessee and the broader Southeast. The program's accessibility—combining on-campus and online options with evening course scheduling—makes it feasible for employed professionals to upskill without abandoning their jobs. While smaller and less research-intensive than flagship programs, APSU compensates through industry-aligned instruction and faculty who maintain active practitioner connections. The curriculum balances technical fundamentals with business context, preparing graduates for analyst roles in state government, regional corporate operations, and public agencies—sectors that represent significant employment for APSU graduates. For students prioritizing affordability, schedule flexibility, and a supportive environment over research prestige, Austin Peay offers a practical on-ramp into analytics careers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Tennessee state government agenciesRegional public and private sector employers
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Chattanooga, TN
Key Distinction: Choice of Business Track or Computer Science Track. 100% online or hybrid format for working professionals
Hakia Insight: UTC's dual-track structure (Business vs. Computer Science) lets students choose their technical depth at admission rather than discovering 18 months in that they picked the wrong specialization—a flexibility that directly addresses the most common regret in analytics master's programs.
The Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) at UTC's Rollins College of Business prepares working professionals for high-demand careers in data-driven organizations across healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and beyond. The program offers flexibility with 100% online or hybrid (in-person and online) formats, accommodating busy schedules. Students choose between a Business Track or Computer Science Track based on career goals. According to Robert Half's 2024 Salary Guide, data analysts earn $93,000–$134,000 depending on experience and skills—representing significant advancement from bachelor's-level positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 35% field growth through 2032, well above average. The program is AACSB-accredited, the only such credential in the region, and provides career development resources, financial aid, and multiple admission terms for convenience. Graduate assistantships are available to support affordability.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: Chattanooga manufacturing and logistics sector growthHealthcare and regional technology employer base
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: UMemphis combines research-active faculty with practical industry partnerships (especially in logistics and supply chain analytics) to deliver a program that balances academic rigor with immediate career relevance.
Hakia Insight: UMemphis's FedEx and Saint Jude partnerships create a rare two-sector advantage: students can specialize in supply chain analytics (FedEx's core problem) or healthcare analytics (Saint Jude's mission) with active industry mentors embedded in the program, not brought in as guest lecturers.
At the master's level, the University of Memphis data analytics and business intelligence programs tap into one of the strongest computer science research ecosystems in the Mid-South, with faculty actively publishing in machine learning, distributed systems, and information retrieval—research that informs course content and creates research opportunities for students. The curriculum offers flexibility through specialization tracks in predictive analytics, business intelligence, and data engineering, allowing students to align studies with career targets. Memphis's location makes it a natural hub for logistics and supply chain analytics (FedEx headquarters is based here), and the university has cultivated partnerships that bring real datasets and problem sets into the classroom. Graduate students often present research at regional and national conferences, building visibility in the analytics community while still enrolled. The program attracts both domestic and international students, creating diverse cohorts that reflect the multicultural landscape of modern data teams. Facilities include computing labs equipped for large-scale data processing, and the faculty's active grant portfolio means strong students can find funded research assistantships that offset tuition while building publication records.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: FedEx, Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, Healthcare analytics firms, Fortune 500 companies.
Location Advantages: FedEx headquarters proximity for supply chain and logistics analyticsSaint Jude partnerships in healthcare analyticsMemphis tech and logistics industry cluster
Meharry Medical College — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Meharry Medical College offers comprehensive Data Analytics programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Meharry Medical College's data analytics program operates within a historically Black medical institution, positioning graduates for healthcare analytics roles where representation remains critically low and networks specifically value diverse talent pipelines.
Meharry Medical College offers Data Analytics programs in Nashville, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Christian Brothers University — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: CBU's program stands out for embedding real client consulting projects directly into the curriculum, transforming coursework into immediate portfolio experience for regional industries.
Hakia Insight: Christian Brothers University embeds real client consulting projects directly into degree requirements—students graduate with a portfolio of completed business problems, not just case studies, a credential that bypasses the typical 'zero experience' bottleneck entry-level analysts face.
At the master's level, christian Brothers University's data analytics curriculum emphasizes applied problem-solving through a blend of statistical rigor and business acumen, making it particularly effective for students aiming to move quickly into decision-support roles. The program structures its coursework around core competencies in data mining, predictive modeling, and visualization, but distinguishes itself by embedding real-world case studies from regional healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics sectors into nearly every major course. Faculty actively engage students in consulting projects with local enterprises, turning coursework into portfolio-building experience. The relatively intimate class sizes—typical of CBU's Jesuit educational model—mean personalized mentorship from instructors who know your analytical strengths and can recommend targeted internships. Graduates frequently land analyst or junior scientist positions within 3–4 months of graduation, with strong placement in the Memphis business community and growing recognition among firms across the mid-South. The program also cultivates partnerships with data-driven companies in healthcare technology, which is a significant regional economic driver.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Memphis healthcare and logistics sector employers
