In late 2025, MTSU launched the Quantum Research, Interdisciplinary Science, and Education (QRISE) Center, a world-class hub for advancing quantum discovery, innovation, education, workforce development, and economic growth.
QRISE prepares students to become leaders in the rapidly evolving quantum world and equips them for the careers of the future. The center serves as a catalyst for innovation by connecting academia, industry, and government to strengthen Tennessee’s role in the national quantum ecosystem, expand economic opportunity, and position MTSU as the driving force of scientific and technological progress.
MTSU is classified by Carnegie as an R2 research university (the largest public R2 university in Tennessee), characterized by “high research spending and doctorate production”—a recognition earned by only 3% of colleges and universities nationwide. Such research endeavors are buoyed by graduate students’ working hand in hand with top faculty. MTSU has aggressively transitioned from a primarily undergraduate institution to a doctoral research university with significant research activity. MTSU’s College of Graduate Studies offers 100-plus diverse graduate programs at the certificate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.
Here are some recent updates on our Graduate Studies efforts:
Graduate Enrollment Snapshot
As of Jan. 22, graduate enrollment stands at 2,406 students. This figure represents an increase compared to the same time last year, signaling continued momentum in our recruitment and retention efforts as we begin the spring semester.
Lightning Track: Accelerated Pipeline Growth
The Lightning Track accelerated admission pathway continues to scale, expanding from 11 students in Spring 2025 to 67 in Fall 2025. Now active in 42 graduate programs, the initiative is successfully strengthening early recruitment and streamlining access for qualified undergraduates.
Grad-AI: Supporting Graduate Curricular Innovation Grad-AI is an initiative supporting graduate faculty in developing discipline-specific, ethical AI applications within their curriculum. The initiative will formally launch in Spring 2026. Graduate Studies extends thanks to the representatives from all colleges whose leadership made this cross-disciplinary framework possible. Faculty may pursue one of three pathways—Enhance, Create, or Certify—to fund curriculum updates or new certificate development.
MTSU Graduate Fair: Pathways to Success On March 17, the College of Graduate Studies— in partnership with the Career Development Center and The Next Chapter Student Association—will host the 2026 Graduate Fair. This event is designed to connect undergraduate students with graduate program pathways, career outcomes, and support services.
Launching in 2026: M.S. in Legal Studies
MTSU is proud to introduce the Master of Science in Legal Studies, launching Summer 2026 in partnership with the Nashville School of Law. This 30-credit program offers specialized tracks in business, entertainment, and compliance for professionals seeking legal literacy without a J.D. The degree directly addresses middle Tennessee’s workforce demands by equipping leaders with essential regulatory expertise. Learn more at mtsu.edu/program/legal-studies-ms-business-law.