Software Engineering Degrees in Tennessee

Known across the country for its thriving music scenes in major cities like Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee is rapidly gaining a sterling reputation in another industry: technology. The state has welcomed major tech companies in recent years while providing key support for startups and entrepreneurs.

As a result, software engineers from around the nation are moving in record numbers to Tennessee in search of exceptional universities, innovative businesses, and exciting career opportunities.

Software Engineering Landscape in Tennessee

By offering an affordable cost of living, reasonable commercial lease rates, a supportive tech community, and a thriving social scene, Tennessee is drawing tech startups and companies (both large and small) to the Volunteer State.

In Nashville specifically, technology and innovation is experiencing a boom. Nashville is ranked #1 in tech job growth over the past five years, with tech jobs increasing by 51% (in that same time period), outpacing the national average by 32%. The city boasts over 70K jobs, generating an economic impact of over $8 billion.

Inc. Magazine called the tech scene “the best-kept secret in Nashville,” although it can hardly be considered a secret anymore. Global tech corporations such as Amazon and Oracle have targeted the state for new headquarters, creating thousands of new jobs for software developers and engineers.

Meanwhile, Tennessee’s fourth largest city, Chattanooga, has the fastest internet in the entire United States (2018), outpacing major cities around the country. With so many companies calling the state home and innovative projects that continue to drive technology forward, Tennessee is an attractive location for software engineers both now and into the future.

Software Engineering Education in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to many impressive universities, offering undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs for software engineering.

Undergraduate Programs

Lipscomb University offers a robust BS in Software Engineering that provides students with training opportunities and professional connections with tech companies throughout Tennessee. Every student must participate in at least one internship opportunity, and capstone projects are a requirement for graduation.

Trevecca Nazarene is a leading Christian university that offers a BS in Computer Science with a concentration in software engineering. Boasting small class sizes and a supportive campus community, Trevecca Nazarene is an ideal school for students who are searching for a more personalized college experience.

Austin Peay State University’s Computer Science Department is one of the largest in Tennessee, and its BS in Computer Science with a concentration in software engineering is both rigorous and flexible, allowing students to complete their degree on campus or online. Austin Peay is also considered the “gold standard” military-friendly school, serving more military students than every other Tennessee college and university combined.

Graduate Programs

Southern Adventist University offers an MS in Computer Science that allows students to specialize in one of three exciting fields: data analytics, cybersecurity, or web development. For students without an IT background, Southern Adventist also has an MS in Applied Computer Science, a fast-track program that helps professionals transition into new tech-focused careers.

Certificate Programs

In addition to its strong graduate program, South College also provides an online Software Developer Certificate Program. This accelerated track allows already experienced IT professionals to gain further experience and knowledge in order to advance their careers, and also provides non-IT professionals the opportunity to change careers toward a more in-demand and lucrative field.

Austin Peay State University offers a number of online certificates that are designed for working professionals. With options available for undergraduate, graduate, and professional certification, Austin Peay has computer science and software engineering tracks for students of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Software Engineering Jobs in Tennessee

Students graduating from Tennessee’s top software engineering programs will find a wealth of opportunities to join impressive tech companies while earning a high-paying salary.

As one of the world’s largest global shipping leaders, FedEx is constantly evolving to meet consumer needs. As one of the leading employers in the state of Tennessee, it’s continually seeking new software developers and engineers to help drive new technology and innovation. Both entry-level and mid-career professionals will find numerous opportunities to work for FedEx in Tennessee as well as remotely from anywhere in the country.

Cybersecurity is a field that continues to change, with new threats reaching consumers and companies on a daily basis. Conquest Cyber meets those challenges with innovative software solutions. They recently moved their headquarters to Nashville, making the company an excellent fit for Tennessee natives looking to work on the cutting edge of cybersecurity.

Oracle is another major tech company that recently announced a move to Nashville, with plans to open a second hub in the Music City and hire over 8,500 new employees within the next decade. While Oracle has yet to open its Nashville location, software engineers can join the team with a number of remote-based job opportunities.

For software engineers who want to use their skills to impact the future of medicine, HCA Healthcare has many exciting opportunities to join an established corporation in Tennessee. It currently has 65 available positions in software engineering and related fields.

With world-class universities and a thriving tech community, Tennessee is a premier location for software developers and engineers.