Although there are expected variations in student backgrounds, interests, motivations, expectations, and learning styles, the below prerequisites serve as a guideline of the foundational knowledge and experience that will be helpful for the successful completion of the Data Science and Predictive Analytics MOOC.
| Prerequisites | Skills | Rationale | 
| BS Degree or Equivalent | Quantitative training and coding skills as described below | The DS certificate is a graduate program requiring a minimum level of quantitative skill | 
| Quantitative Training | Undergraduate calculus, linear algebra and introduction to probability and statistics | These are the entry level skills required for most upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in the program | 
| Coding Experience | Exposure to software development or programming on the job or in the classroom | Most DS practitioners need substantial experience with Java, C/C++, HTML5, Python, PHP, SQL/DB | 
| Motivation | Significant interest and motivation to pursue quantitative data analytic applications | Dedication for prolonged and sustained immersion into hands-on and methodological research | 
