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 course.
| Prerequisites | Skills | Rationale |
| BS Degree or Equivalent | Quantitative methods/analytics training and coding skills | The DSPA graduate-level course requires a minimum level of quantitative skills |
| Quantitative Training | Undergraduate calculus, linear algebra and introduction to probability and statistics | These represent entry level skills required for the DSP course |
| 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 |