Department of Computer Science and Data Science


Sajid Hussain, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Computer Science and Data Science
sajid.hussain@mmc.edu
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Computer Science and Data Science. Our faculty are devoted to excellence in data science education and research that serve our local and global communities.
Data science as a new field has grown tremendously in the past several years due to its great potential to transform industries, health care, and scientific discovery. Our faculty are passionate about teaching data science skills and methodologies to train the next generation of data scientists.
We are also committed to cutting-edge research on a wide range of issues that arise in health care, business and sciences. Our interdisciplinary research includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational biology, genomics, complex human diseases, wearable devices and health informatics.

Our broad research presents opportunities for students to explore areas of their interest. We also collaborate with our colleagues across Meharry Medical College as well as investigators from other institutions and members of the health care, tech and business communities. By working together to provide solutions to society’s great challenges and in particular a transformative education, we continue to make a positive impact on our communities and the sciences.
Data Science Degree and certificates offered
Ph.D. Data Science
An advanced data science program that prepares students to pursue novel research that addresses challenging big data issues through advanced techniques like AI / ML, deep learning, advanced data analytics, and database design.
M.S. Artificial Intelligence
Focusing on applications to healthcare, the M.S. Artificial Intelligence program seeks to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in AI techniques, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
M.S. Computer Science
The M.S. Computer Science program integrates artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, with high-performance and quantum computing to prepare students for future, innovative careers in tech.
M.S. Cybersecurity Assurance
A healthcare focused program that integrates artificial intelligence with courses in advanced computing, data privacy and other technical, analytical and ethical concepts.
M.S. Data Science
The M.S. in Data Science program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering machine learning, data collection, statistical inference and data visualization and how to effectively communicate findings.
Data Science Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in data science will provide you the opportunity to acquire programming skills and a basic background in data science without the full investment of time and money of the master’s program.
Research and Development
We have applied data science methodologies to study many problems in health care, business and sciences. Below are example projects that we have explored solutions for:
- Measles Rash Identification Using Residual Deep Convolutional Neural Network
- Harnessing the Mobile health (mHealth) technology for early detection of adverse clinical events in hematologic cancer patients
- Harnessing the Mobile health (mHealth) technology for early diagnosis and prediction of COVID-19 patients
We also support other meaningful research and development underway at the School of Applied Computational Sciences.
Student services
A goal in the Department of Computer Science and Data Science is to prepare students with the skills and experience they need for a successful career in research, industry or academia. Our student services staff support students throughout their Meharry experience as advisors on academic coursework and research projects. We also work with students to help prepare you for your career after Meharry.
Department Faculty
The faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Data Science are devoted to excellence in data science education and research that serve our local and global communities.