Interested in building a career in cybersecurity? Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to elevate your skills, this guide highlights leading cybersecurity programs in Tennessee and everything you need to know before applying.
Tennessee hosts several well-regarded programs at different levels that prepare students for the growing cybersecurity workforce. Accredited by bodies such as ABET and the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE), these programs ensure students gain relevant, industry-approved training to succeed.
Fast Facts:
- Strong Economy: Tennessee’s $330 billion economy supports growing cybersecurity needs in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism.
- Educational Programs: More than nine Tennessee colleges and universities offer cybersecurity programs; over half are CAE-designated.
- In-Demand Career: Information security analysts earn $80,000–$90,000 annually; 50% of jobs pay over $90,000, and 20% exceed six figures.
- Top Employment Hubs: Nashville leads cybersecurity job opportunities, followed by Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
- Major Employers: FedEx, Marriott International, Deloitte, AT&T, and Kroll Information Assurance are key industry employers.
State Overview and Landscape
Tennessee is steadily growing as a leading hub for cybersecurity education. With at least nine universities offering a range of programs, the state is preparing skilled professionals to meet the increasing demand in the field. Institutions such as Tennessee Tech University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the University of Memphis have received special recognition from the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security for their high-quality cybersecurity programs.
These institutions offer a mix of on-campus, hybrid, and online formats, catering to diverse student needs and schedules.
All programs meet the educational standards set by relevant state boards, ensuring compliance with state licensure requirements for cybersecurity professionals.
Affordable Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs List
The following Master’s in Cybersecurity programs are carefully selected based on their strong academic reputation, recognized accreditation, and alignment with industry needs. These programs offer a mix of on-campus and hybrid learning formats to accommodate different student preferences and career goals. With affordable tuition rates and flexible options, they provide excellent pathways for advancing your cybersecurity expertise.
The University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- 36 credits
- Campus
Program:
M.S. Computer Science – Cyber Security Concentration
Modality: On-Campus
Length: 36 credit hours
In-State: $509 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $958 per credit hour
Accreditation: ABET, CAE-CD
Why We Picked This Program:
This program offers a practical, research-backed curriculum designed for today’s cybersecurity challenges. With industry partnerships, strong placement outcomes, and a pathway to accelerate graduation, this program stands out for its value and impact.
- STEM-designated
- Hands-on courses in network security, forensics, biometrics, and cryptography
- Affordable tuition with high ROI and strong local industry demand
- Option to complete via thesis (33 credits) or project (36 credits) pathway
Things to Consider:
- On-campus only — not suited for students seeking an online program
- CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (Fully Funded with stipend and service commitment)
East Tennessee State University
- Johnson, Tennessee
- 33 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
M.S. Information Systems – Cybersecurity Management Concentration
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 33 credit hours
In-State: $514 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $1,359 per credit hour
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Why We Picked This Program:
Ranked #5 in the state, East Tennessee State University’s M.S. in Computer Science offers a flexible, high-quality graduate education tailored for both working professionals and recent graduates. The program blends foundational theory with hands-on application.
- Concentrations in Applied CS, AI & ML, and Software Engineering
- Capstone options: Independent Project, Software Development Project, or Thesis
- Ideal for working professionals seeking career advancement or academic growth
Things to Consider:
- Primarily on-campus, with evening and synchronous online courses available
ABET + CAE Accredited Master’s in Cybersecurity Program List
These master’s programs in cybersecurity stand out for their strong academics, respected accreditations, and positive career outcomes. Each program is accredited by organizations like ABET, CAE, and SACSCOC, which guarantees quality and industry relevance. Offering a combination of on-campus and online options, these degrees provide flexible paths to build expertise and advance in the cybersecurity field. These listings are based on verified, unbiased data and are not sponsored.
Tennessee Tech University
- Cookeville, Tennessee
- 31-34 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Concentration
Modality: On-Campus
Length: 31-34 credit hours
In-State: $666 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $806 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-CD, ABET
Why We Picked This Program:
If you want to elevate your career in cybersecurity backed by national recognition, Tennessee Tech’s M.S. in Computer Science is designed to meet the growing demand for advanced training in technology, research, and public service. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in computer science combined with applied skills, preparing students for careers in industry, research, and academia.
- Offers flexible options for thesis, project, and coursework-only pathways
- Focus areas include cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, and more
Things to Consider:
- On-campus only — not suited for students seeking an online program
- CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (Fully Funded with stipend and service commitment)
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- 72 credits
- Online
Program:
MS in Computer Science Cybersecurity
Modality: Online
Length: 72 credit hours
In-State: $744 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $819 per credit hour
Accreditation: SACSCOC, ABET
Why We Picked This Program:
If you aspire to become a leader in cybersecurity, the University of Tennessee, ranked #1 in Knoxville, offers an online Masters in Computer Science. The Curriculum includes advanced topics such as deep learning, network security, artificial intelligence, and computer vision.
- Led by faculty including White House Office of Science and Technology Policy leaders, National Science Foundation researchers, and award-winning scientists.
- Designed for working professionals, allowing flexibility to balance studies with career commitments
- Three Concentration Options (Cybersecurity, Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, or Software Engineering)
Things to Consider:
- Can be completed in 18-24 months
- 100 percent online with asynchronous coursework and live online classes
- In-state tuition is $25,830, and out-of-state tuition is $28,080
PhD in Cybersecurity Programs List
This program was selected for its strong research focus, NSA recognition as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research, and access to expert faculty and advanced labs, making it an excellent choice for those pursuing a Ph.D. in cybersecurity.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- 72 credits
- Campus
Program:
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Modality: On-Campus
Length: 72 credit hours
In-State: $738 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $1,011 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-R
Why We Picked This Program:
If you’re looking to advance your career in cybersecurity, the University of Tennessee, ranked #1 in Knoxville, offers a Ph.D. in Computer Science. This research-focused program allows students to specialize in areas like software, hardware, and AI security.
- Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research by the NSA.
- Students benefit from access to top faculty, advanced research labs, and federal funding opportunities.
- Two Concentration Options (Data Analytics, and Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning)
Things to Consider:
- On-campus only — not suited for students seeking an online program
- Financial aid options (Fellowships, Assistantships, and Loans)
Bachelors in Cybersecurity Programs List
We selected these bachelor’s programs based on their academic strength, national recognition, and practical relevance in the cybersecurity field. Each program is accredited by respected agencies such as ABET and the NSA/DHS Centers of Academic Excellence, ensuring high educational standards. All universities offer comprehensive cybersecurity training through on-campus instruction, with some also providing flexible online options. These listings are based on verified, unbiased data and are not sponsored.
University of Memphis
- Memphis, Tennessee
- 120 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
B.S. Computer Science Cybersecurity Concentration
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Length: 120 credit hours
In-State: $477 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $477 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, ABET
Why We Picked This Program:
If you’re looking to advance your career in cybersecurity, the University of Memphis, ranked #1 in Memphis, offers a Bachelors in Computer Science with cybersecurity concentration. It has an acceptance rate of 93% and the graduates will have the ability to analyze a complex computing problem and to design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Three Concentration Options (Cybersecurity, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence)
- Student will earn the designation “with Honors in Computer Science” upon graduation
Things to Consider:
- Fully Online Format Available
- On-campus employment
The University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- 120 credits
- Campus
Program:
Bachelors of Science in Computer Science, Cyber Security
Modality: On-Campus
Length: 120 credit hours
In-State: $550 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $672 per credit hour
Accreditation: ABET
Why We Picked This Program:
If you want early admission to graduate school while saving time and money, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, ranked #7 in Tennessee, offers a combined undergraduate to graduate program.
- Joint Undergraduate to Masters Program (JUMP)
- Eligible students with a GPA of 3.4 or higher can take up to 9 graduate credit hours during their senior year
- 77% Acceptance Rate and ranked #1 is Chattanooga
Things to Consider:
- Can graduate early in less time and at less cost
- On-campus only — not suited for students seeking an online program
- Financial aid and part-time employment available
- CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (Fully Funded with Stipend and Service Commitment)
Tennessee Tech University
- Cookeville, Tennessee
- 120 credits
- Campus
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security
Modality: On-Campus
Length: 120 credit hours
In-State: $451 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $626 per credit hour
Accreditation: CAE-CD
Why We Picked This Program:
If you’re looking for a top-tier cybersecurity education backed by national recognition, Tennessee Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity concentration stands out. Tech is the first and largest CyberCorps SFS program in Tennessee and is ranked 3rd in engineering schools by College Gazette.
- Students’ experiences ensure they are prepared to work in the industry at a high level.
- Tennessee 3-Star Industrial Assessment Center provides cyber risk assessment services for power assessment clients.
- Tennessee Tech’s Fast Track Program allows undergraduates to earn up to 6 graduate credits and transition smoothly into the Computer Science master’s program for faster completion.
Things to Consider:
- On-campus only — not suited for students seeking an online program
- FAST Track Program
- CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (Fully Funded with Stipend and Service Commitment)
Salary & Career Outlook in Tennessee
The BLS table below highlights the key occupations:
| Title | Employment | Employment RSE | Employment per 1,000 jobs | Location quotient | Median hourly wage | Mean hourly wage | Annual mean wage | Mean wage RSE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analysts | 8,460 | 7.7% | 2.629 | 0.80 | $45.43 | $47.42 | $98,630 | 7.5% |
| Information Security Analysts | 2,770 | 6.4% | 0.860 | 0.74 | $47.34 | $52.95 | $110,140 | 4.0% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 70 | 38.2% | 0.022 | 0.10 | $57.74 | $69.86 | $145,310 | 7.1% |
| Computer Network Architects | 3,940 | 8.9% | 1.223 | 1.07 | $53.08 | $53.95 | $112,220 | 2.2% |
| Database Architects | 560 | 11.2% | 0.174 | 0.44 | $57.69 | $57.47 | $119,530 | 3.2% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 4,900 | 6.7% | 1.522 | 0.72 | $39.17 | $42.95 | $89,340 | 4.3% |
Tennessee is facing a major talent gap in cybersecurity, with over 8,860 unfilled positions across the state. Nashville leads with 3,850 openings, followed by Memphis (2,271), Knoxville (1,080), and Chattanooga (448). The demand continues to rise, with Memphis alone expecting 28% job growth. The state’s supply-to-demand ratio is just 85%, signaling a strong opportunity for new professionals.
Major employers fueling this demand include:
- FedEx (Memphis, TN): Actively hiring cybersecurity professionals in areas like cloud security and incident response.
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, TN): Seeks skilled talent to protect sensitive healthcare and research data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the average salary for cybersecurity professionals in Tennessee?
Cybersecurity professionals in Tennessee earn an average salary of $102,030, which is notably higher than the national average of $82,400.
2. Are there scholarships available for cybersecurity students in Tennessee?
Yes, several university-based scholarships are available, including the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) and the James K. Goldston Cybersecurity Scholarship.
3. What national cybersecurity scholarships can Tennessee students apply for?
Tennessee students can also apply for national scholarships like the DoD Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP) and the CyberCorps SFS program.
4. What networking opportunities are available for cybersecurity professionals in Tennessee?
Professionals can connect through events like SecureWorld Nashville, the Tennessee Digital Government Summit, and the Middle Tennessee Cybersecurity Conference.
5. What types of cybersecurity degree programs are available in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers a variety of degree programs in cybersecurity, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
