Tennessee Master’s Degrees Online: Comparing Schools

Inside Tennessee’s Online Master’s Programs

Charting Your Path: Tennessee’s Top Fields of Study

Healthcare and Nursing

Healthcare is one of Tennessee’s largest and fastest-growing industries. Nashville alone is home to 500+ healthcare companies, and by 2030, nearly 489,600 healthcare jobs are projected statewide — the most of any sector. This includes high demand for advanced practitioners such as nurse practitioners and healthcare managers to lead hospitals and clinics. In fact, the state faces a shortage of healthcare professionals at the managerial level; over 4,300 medical and health services manager positions were available in 2023, far exceeding the supply of applicants. Earning a master’s in fields such as nursing, healthcare administration, or public health can position you for competitive salaries and the chance to improve healthcare outcomes in Tennessee’s communities.

Business and Management

Tennessee’s economy has shown strong growth, creating demand for professionals with advanced business skills. Major employers like Ford and LG Chem are expanding and investing over $10 billion in the state. This growth drives a need for skilled business leaders, project managers, financial analysts, and entrepreneurs. An MBA or a master’s in a related field, such as management, finance, or supply chain, is highly valued in Tennessee’s job market. All of the state’s major metro areas – Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga – have seen employment growth and rising wages, meaning opportunities for MBA graduates in corporate, healthcare, logistics (FedEx’s Memphis HQ), automotive manufacturing, and Nashville’s thriving music/entertainment business. A business-related master’s equips you to stand out in this dynamic economy.

Technology and Computing

The tech sector in Tennessee is another area experiencing rapid expansion. In the Nashville area, the number of tech jobs grew 17% from 2017–2022, outpacing the national average. In 2022, businesses in the region posted nearly 38,000 new tech job openings per month. Tech roles also pay well; in Nashville, tech job salaries are roughly 85% higher than the median for all occupations. 

With Nashville and other cities aiming to become tech hubs, demand is high for professionals in software development, data science, cybersecurity, and information technology management. Earning a master’s in computer science, information systems, or business analytics prepares you for leadership roles in this booming field. 

Education and Teaching

As Tennessee works to address teacher shortages and improve student outcomes, the education field is in need of qualified professionals. In the 2022–23 school year, 1.5% of Tennessee teaching positions were vacant, with particular shortages in special education, math, and rural schools. To tackle this, Tennessee became the first state to establish Grow Your Own teacher apprenticeship programs to train and license more educators locally. 

A Tennessee master’s degree in an education field can be extremely valuable; while a master’s isn’t required to become a teacher, it’s often needed for roles such as curriculum specialist, school counselor, or principal. Earning a master of education or a specialized master’s in educational leadership or instructional design can lead to advancement and higher pay. Many Tennessee districts offer salary increases for teachers with graduate degrees; principals and administrators (who must have master’s degrees) earn significantly more. 

Engineering and Manufacturing

Tennessee is a manufacturing and engineering powerhouse, especially in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors. Manufacturing is the state’s second-largest employment sector, with about 373,000 jobs projected by 2030. Recent investments like Ford’s new electric vehicle plant and battery factory in West Tennessee are bringing billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to the state. This creates high demand for engineers and technical managers. 

Earning a master’s in an engineering field, such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, or in a related field like engineering management, can open doors to leadership positions at companies including Nissan, General Motors, Volkswagen, and their extensive supplier networks in Tennessee. These programs build advanced skills in product design, systems optimization, and project management that are prized in automotive manufacturing, aerospace (prevalent around Arnold Air Force Base and the Greater Knoxville area), and emerging industries like clean energy technology. Engineering master’s holders command strong salaries and have opportunities to advance into roles like plant manager, R&D engineer, or supply chain director.

Types of Online Master’s Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee’s online master’s programs come in various formats to suit students’ needs. Enroll full-time for a faster, immersive experience, choose convenient programs that waive entrance exams like the GRE, or seek out accelerated tracks to finish your degree sooner. Understanding these options will help you pick a program that fits your schedule, background, and goals.

Full-Time Online Programs

Full-time online master’s programs involve taking a full course load (typically three classes or nine credit hours per term) so you can finish in 18 months to two years. The schedule is intensive — expect to devote 20-30 hours a week to coursework — but the payoff is a quicker graduation. This format is ideal if you plan to focus primarily on school or can balance a heavy load along with your job. Full-time students often take courses year-round (fall, spring, and sometimes summer) to stay on track. For example, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s 100% online MS in engineering and computer science programs can be completed in 24 months even while working.

No-GRE Admissions

Dreading the GRE? Good news, many online master’s programs in Tennessee don’t require the GRE or GMAT for admission. Universities are increasingly waiving these exam requirements, especially for applicants with a solid GPA or relevant work experience. Instead of test scores, admissions committees focus on your undergraduate record, professional résumé, and recommendations. UT Knoxville’s online MBA has no GRE/GMAT requirement, and the Tennessee Tech Master’s of Professional Studies also waives the GRE. 

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online master’s programs let you graduate faster. These programs condense coursework or offer year-round scheduling so you can finish in as little as 12 to 18 months. Often, they use shortened course terms (five- to eight-week courses) or heavier course loads each semester. You’ll be moving at a quick pace, perhaps completing two classes every eight weeks instead of over a full semester, which means an intense workload and fewer breaks. You’ll save time — and possibly tuition — as you fast-track your education. Balancing a full-time job may be tough, unless you have excellent time management skills. The University of Memphis’s online MS in Accounting consists of 10 courses that can be completed in just 12 months of full-time study.

Paying for Your Online Master’s Program in Tennessee

The cost of an online master’s program in Tennessee will depend on the institution and your residency status, but overall online degrees tend to be comparable to traditional graduate tuition. For example, the U of M Global online graduate rate is $646 per credit hour, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state online students. At the higher end, UTK’s online MBA program is $1,200 per credit hour. Most programs require between 30 and 45 credits to graduate, so total tuition ranges from $20,000 to $50,000. Many Tennessee schools participate in the eRate system, offering discounted tuition to out-of-state online students. 

Studying online can also save money on relocation, campus fees, and commuting costs. Keep in mind that you may be charged modest online technology fees or course fees. Financial aid is available for online students just as it is for on-campus students; you can use student loans, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance to cover your tuition. Always check each program’s tuition page for the latest rates and any online student discounts. Below is a cost comparison of three programs in Tennessee: 

Note: Costs above are based on in-state tuition for public universities (except U of M Global, which charges one rate for all online students). Tuition figures are subject to change and may not include additional fees. Always consult the university’s official tuition page for detailed and up-to-date cost information.

Tennessee Online Master’s Student FAQs

Are online master’s degrees in Tennessee accredited and respected by employers?

Yes, as long as you attend a properly accredited institution, your online master’s will be just as credible as any other degree. Tennessee’s public and private universities are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award graduate degrees. That means an online master’s from UTK or MTSU meets the same quality standards as the on-campus programs. Your diploma will simply list the university name and the master’s degree earned; it won’t specify if you took classes on campus or online.

Many individual programs also hold prestigious field-specific accreditations. For example, business schools like the UTK Haslam College of Business are accredited by the AACSB and nursing programs like the online MSN at East Tennessee State are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These accreditations provide another layer of assurance that your program will be respected.

Can I enroll in a Tennessee online master’s program if I live out of state?

Absolutely. Tennessee is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which allows its universities to enroll online students from almost all U.S. states. Practically speaking, this means out-of-state students can attend Tennessee online programs without any special hurdles. Just be sure to verify any program-specific requirements. For instance, a few programs (like certain clinical nursing degrees or licensure tracks) might require you to be in a state where the university is authorized to supervise practicums. Also note, many schools offer an eRate or special online tuition for nonresidents, so your cost may be similar to in-state rates.

How long does it take to finish an online master’s, and can I work while studying?

The timeframe is flexible, and most online master’s programs in Tennessee are designed to accommodate working professionals. A typical master’s program (around 30-36 credits) takes about two years of full-time study. Many online students, however, opt to study part-time, taking one or two courses per semester, and so their degrees might take around three years to finish.

If you’re interested in finishing quickly, some programs allow accelerated timelines. An online master’s that normally takes 24 months can sometimes be completed in as little as 12–18 months by taking a heavier load or continuous terms. 

The key advantage of online programs is flexibility. Many courses are asynchronous, meaning you can watch lectures and complete assignments during evenings or weekends. Universities often share recommended schedules, but you will have the freedom to choose a workload that balances with your job and family.

Will I need to visit campus during an online master’s program?

In most cases, Tennessee’s online master’s programs are structured so that you don’t have to come to campus. All coursework, discussions, and projects can be completed through online platforms, including Canvas or D2L. However, a few online programs include a short on-campus component or other in-person requirements. For instance, UTK’s online MBA requires a one-time, three-day orientation on campus at the beginning of the program so that students can meet faculty and network. Likewise, online nursing programs might require a clinical rotation, which you can usually arrange near your home, or an online education master’s might require in-person student teaching. These are more like field work than campus-based visits, though.

What are the admission requirements for online master’s programs?

Admission requirements for Tennessee’s online master’s programs are similar to those for on-campus programs. Generally, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet a minimum undergraduate GPA – often around 2.75 or 3.0.

Programs also typically ask for a few other supplemental materials, including letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and a resume or CV detailing your work experience. Specific requirements vary by school and program, so take a look at every school’s application details page and confirm their specific requirements.