College of Graduate Studies

What is Lightning Track?

Lightning Track is an invitation-only pathway for academically talented MTSU seniors who commit to pursuing a graduate degree after earning their bachelor’s degree.

Skip the process: Bypass lengthy application procedures, essays, application fee, and waiting periods.
No entrance exams: Avoid standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, or other program-specific exams
No application fee
Guaranteed admission to MTSU Graduate School for select programs
Secure an early spot in select graduate programs before general admission opens

How It Works?

Requirements

Minimum of 90 earned credit hours
Submitted Intent to Graduate Form
Hold and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Complete the Lightning Track Commitment Form shared in an invite email

**Effective Spring 2026, students must enroll in graduate coursework in the semester immediately following their undergraduate graduation (excluding summer term) to remain eligible for Lightning Track.

Participating Graduate Programs

This list will be updated periodically as more programs join the Lightning Track.

Economics, M.A.
Economics, Ph.D.
Finance, M.S.
Professional Science, Actuarial Science Concentration, M.S.
Professional Science, Biostatistics Concentrations, M.S.

Cybersecurity Management, M.S.
Data Science, M.S. (Coming Soon)
Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology Concentration, M.S.
Geosciences, M.S.
Information Systems, M.S.
Information Systems, Business Intelligence and Analytics Concentration, M.S.
Information Systems, IT Project Management Concentration, M.S.
Professional Science, Chemistry Analytics Concentration, M.S.
Professional Science, Engineering Management Concentration, M.S.
Professional Science, Fermentation Science, M.S.
Professional Science, Health Care Informatics Concentration, M.S.
Professional Studies, Operations Research, M.P.S.

Administration and Supervision, Higher Education Concentration, M.Ed.
Curriculum and Instruction, Teaching and Innovation in PK-16, M.Ed.
Literacy, M.Ed.
Management, Organizational Leadership, M.S.
Professional Studies, Human Resource Leadership, M.P.S.
Professional Studies, Leadership in Nutrition, M.P.S.
Professional Studies, Strategic Leadership, M.P.S.
Professional Studies, Training and Development, M.P.S.

International Affairs, M.A. (available Summer 2026)
Sociology, M.A.

Aeronautical Science, Aviation Education Concentration, M.S.
Aeronautical Science, Aviation Management, M.S.
Aeronautical Science, Aviation Safety and Security Management, M.S.

Funding

Graduate school is a significant investment in your future, and MTSU offers multiple funding opportunities to make your advanced degree more affordable. Lightning Track participants have access to the same financial support as all graduate students.

Graduate Assistantships: Offer tuition waivers and monthly stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative work. Please contact your program director for opportunities.
Financial Aid & Federal Loans: Available through the FAFSA and remaining Hope Scholarship funds for qualifying graduate students.
Employer Tuition Assistance: Some employers help cover tuition costs.

Pro Tip: Apply for funding opportunities early. Many scholarships and assistantships have limited spots and early deadlines. Check with MT One Stop to verify your specific eligibility for state and federal aid programs.

For more information follow: https://www.mtsu.edu/graduate/funding/

Welcome Gifts

Lightning Track participants receive recognition items that celebrate your commitment to academic excellence and continued learning at MTSU. While supplies last.