Graduate Schools in Nashville

Graduate schools in Nashville, TN could be a chance to prepare for new goals in a laid-back city with a diverse economy and music in the air.

Known for its friendliness and livability, the city manages to be both a serious center for higher education and a fun place to kick back and enjoy life.

We’ve put together some sponsored listings for grad schools in or near Nashville, along with a guide to the student’s life in Music City!

written by Shannon Fandler

Why You May Love Graduate Programs in Nashville

It’s no secret that Nashville’s the country music capital of the world. But did you know the city has another nickname – the Athens of the South? Nashville earned this nickname due to its focus on knowledge and higher education. It is home to many notable colleges and universities, plus lots of other awesome features for students and visitors, like:

  • The Parthenon – Nashville lives up to its reputation as a southern Athens with this full-scale replica of a Greek architectural wonder. The Parthenon is gorgeous inside and out, since it’s an art museum as well as a monument. You can’t miss the 42-foot tall statue of Athena, plated in gold leaf!
  • A Fascinating History – Whether you’re pursuing a graduate degree in history or you just enjoy digging into the past, Nashville has much to offer. Visit the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, check out historic Belle Meade Plantation, or learn more about the city’s role in the Civil War. If you’re interested in more recent history, Nashville’s music industry also has a storied past.
  • Free Live Music – Cash-strapped grad students take note: it’s possible to have a good time in Nashville for next to nothing. The city offers a Free Live Music Guide App to help you find local venues where you can hang out and enjoy tunes with no cover charge. Or, simply stroll down Broadway and walk into any honkytonk that sounds good.
  • A Tasty Food Scene – Nashville puts a unique spin on traditional southern fare. Don’t miss Nashville-style hot chicken, a spicy local favorite. Hungry students may also appreciate “meat and three” restaurants, where you can enjoy your choice of barbecue entrée, plus three side dishes. Of course, you’ll also find popular chains and more upscale venues around town.
  • Enjoyable Weather All Year – Though Nashville has a pretty mild climate, it shows off the four seasons at their finest. Winter weather is rarely extreme, and though summers can be humid, they are packed with fun outdoor and cultural events. In spring and fall, enjoy temperate days and changing foliage.

Studying up on Nashville’s History

Nashville is the state capital and second-largest city in Tennessee. It’s located in Davidson County, and the greater metro area is sometimes referred to as Nashville-Davidson. But long before the city got its name in 1784, the area was inhabited by peoples of the Mississippian culture, and later the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee.

Situated on the Cumberland River, the city was an important trade center for Middle Tennessee. It remains a port of entry and an industrial and commercial center in the upper South. Of course, the music industry was soon to take Nashville by a storm, leading to its identity as the Music City!

Amazing Facts About Music in Nashville

As Nashville’s population and economy flourished in the beginning of the 20th century, its reputation began to grow as a center for entertainment and country music. Radio broadcasts of the famous country music show The Grand Ole Opry began in 1925 and continue today.

Nashville is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you can learn more about the history of this musical genre and view artifacts from your favorite stars. However, this city isn’t just about country music.

Greats including Bob Dylan, the White Stripes, Sheryl Crow, and Ed Sheeran, to name just a few, have recorded songs or albums in Nashville. And Elvis Presley recorded more than 250 songs at RCA’s Studio B on Music Row, which visitors can tour.

Fun Fact

The Hermitage, the home and burial place of President Andrew Jackson, features a driveway in the shape of a guitar.

Brush Up on Business in Nashville

Business students may be interested to know that there’s more to Music City than meets the eye. Yes, music and entertainment are very important to Nashville’s economy, but so are the automobile, insurance, and banking industries. And, the surrounding region grows tobacco, corn, soybeans, and more.

A few Fortune 500 companies call Nashville their home, including Dell, HCA, and Dollar General. Some major employers include the Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, the State of Tennessee, and Nissan North America.

Neighborhoods in Nashville Graduate Students May Love

Students pursuing graduate programs in Nashville should get to know this city’s diverse and fascinating neighborhoods. Each offers unique features and experiences, and some may be more conducive to the student life than others. Here are just a few areas to explore:

Downtown Nashville – The heart of the city, this area features many arts and cultural institutions, like the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and the Honkytonk Highway, a road filled with free music venues. Those visiting Nashville for a good time tend to congregate downtown, so you may see lots of tourists.

Midtown/Vanderbilt – Home to Vanderbilt University, it’s no surprise this neighborhood is student-friendly. Enjoy live music venues with a younger crowd, and if you can stand the heat, don’t forget to grab a piece of Hattie B’s famous hot chicken.

West End/ Elliston Place – Located near Vanderbilt University, this neighborhood tends to be trendy and youthful. Elliston Place Rock Block is a street that has some of the loudest music clubs around. If you’re looking for a more meditative activity, visit the reproduction Greek Parthenon and surrounding park.

Germantown – In the mid-19th century, German immigrants settled here in one of Music City’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s packed with trees and historic homes, not to mention the Nashville Farmers’ Market. And, baseball fans can catch a game at First Tennessee Park, where the Nashville Sounds play.

Sylvan Park – A restful neighborhood southwest of downtown, Sylvan Park is home to businesses as well as residential homes. Fans of the finer things in life may wish to check out the Nashville Ballet and Nashville Opera in this neck of the woods.

Music Row – The center of Nashville’s music industry, this neighborhood is packed with working recording studios. However, music lovers can tour RCA Studio B, enjoy live music, and find plenty of casual food options around here.

Opryland/ Music Valley – Across the Cumberland River and away from downtown’s hustle and bustle, this neighborhood offers plenty of dining and fun. Catch a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, or shop ‘til you drop at Opry Mills, Nashville’s largest mall.

Berry Hill – While it’s actually a city unto itself, Berry Hill is often thought of as a Nashville neighborhood. It’s an important center for business and music, home to roughly 400 businesses and 40 recording studios and music publishers.

If you’re considering graduate schools near Nashville, check out neighboring towns like Lebanon, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and Madison, as well. You may find other colleges and universities in middle Tennessee that could still allow you to enjoy Nashville’s awesome vibes.

Higher Education and Graduate Schools in Nashville TN

Besides music, much of Nashville’s culture has been centered around its university community. Schools based in the city range from colleges and universities affiliated with churches, like Trevecca Nazarene University and Fisk University, to the large public land-grant school, Tennessee State University.

You may also discover online graduate programs based out of Tennessee, which may be perfect for those seeking some flexibility. And, don’t overlook colleges and universities in Middle Tennessee that may be within driving distance of Nashville.

Here are sponsored listings for just a few of the grad schools in Nashville (or nearby) that are worth exploring:

  1. Fisk University
  2. Argosy University
  3. Tennessee State University
  4. Belmont University
  5. Middle Tennessee State University

Pursuing Business Graduate Programs in Nashville

Whether you’re interested in pursuing an MBA, an organizational leadership program, or another avenue for business education, Nashville might be the place to do it! As one of the largest music production centers in the U.S. (after New York City), Nashville is well-known for its thriving entertainment business. Find Business Graduate Programs in Nashville.

However, other professional and business service roles are also important to the city. And, Nashville’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., as of 2017.

Here are a few of the kinds of programs you might find here:

  • Argosy University Organizational Leadership M.S. Program
  • Vanderbilt University Master of Science in Finance
  • Cumberland University MBA Program
  • Austin Peay State University Master of Arts in Corporate Communication

Fun Fact

Standard Candy Company is the creator of the Goo Goo Cluster, considered the oldest combination candy bar in the U.S. It’s a mouthwatering mix of peanuts, caramel, marshmallow, and, of course, chocolate.

Health and Medicine Graduate Program

You may be surprised to hear that Music City’s largest industry is health care. In fact, the city contains over 300 healthcare companies, including the Hospital Corporation of America. Whether you’re interested in studying public health, pursuing a master of science in nursing program, or aiming to earn an MD degree, maybe Nashville is the place to study Health and Medicine Graduate Programs

From the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine right in the heart of Nashville to online programs that may allow you to prepare for new goals flexibly, there could be many paths for you to explore. For example, programs like these:

  • Vanderbilt University Pharmacology PhD Program
  • Tennessee State University Physical Therapy Graduate Program
  • Belmont University MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner Program
  • Meharry Medical College DDS Program

Education Graduate Programs in Nashville

If you’re preparing to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams, why not choose a city that has long valued education? Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, which serves students in the city and in Davidson County, dates back to 1855. There are also many private schools in the area, and of course, the greater Nashville area is packed with colleges and universities. Find Education Graduate Programs in Nashville.

Check out programs like:

  • Argosy University Counselor Education and Supervision EdD Program
  • Trevecca Nazarene University Master of Art in Teaching Program
  • Middle Tennessee State University Special Education Graduate Program
  • Belmont University Teacher Education Graduate Program

Social Sciences Graduate Programs Near Nashville

From economics to psychology, the social sciences are critical to understanding a community and the people who live there. Why not embark on your social sciences education in Nashville? You could potentially pursue programs such as Tennessee State University’s School Psychology graduate program, or Argosy University’s Master of Science (MS) in Human Services program. Vanderbilt University offers many social sciences programs, in areas like economics, child studies, and sociology. And those are just a few examples!

Did You Know?

Urbanist Richard Florida determined that Nashville has the world’s highest concentration of people working in the music industry per capita.

Find Graduate Schools in Nashville

Whether you’re looking for PhD programs in Nashville TN, master’s programs, graduate certificate programs, or something else entirely, our sponsored listings may be a good starting point for your research. Spend some time browsing through the graduate programs and schools below. And, don’t forget to use the navigation tools to refine the type of program you are seeking.


Sources: factmonster.com | quickfacts.census.gov | en.wikipedia.org | britannica.com | visitmusiccity.com

  • Wake Forest University

  • Grand Canyon University

  • Western Governors University

  • The Catholic University of America

  • The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

  • Pennsylvania State University

  • Argosy University

  • Fisk University

  • Vanderbilt University

  • Trevecca Nazarene University

  • American Graduate School of Management

  • Meharry Medical College

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