A student seeking a master's degree must have a bachelor's degree and typically one earned in engineering, science, mathematics, or some other field that provides an adequate background for the successful completion of one of ISyE's programs. Students having backgrounds from unaccredited degree programs or in programs that are found lacking in relative substance can expect to first take preliminary coursework in order to elevate their preparation to the level required. The prerequisite coursework for the various master's degrees includes strong performance in probability, statistics, linear algebra, and calculus.