Intro to Data Science: Best Data Science Courses for Beginners

As more companies switch to database management and reach meaningful insights with data science, the demand for data science professionals skyrocket. As demand increases, so will the number of learning resources for beginners, including intro to data science courses. If you’re interested in pursuing this lucrative field, you should begin with an introduction to data science. 

Data science courses are a great learning path option. They offer an affordable and convenient way to learn data science for beginners, covering topics such as statistical analysis, statistical techniques, scientific methods, analytics tools, and data science applications. Read on to discover the best data science courses for beginners and other ways to learn data science for beginners.

What Is Data Science?

Data science is a field of technology that involves research, analysis, and interpretation of data to obtain actionable insights. Generally, you can use five types of data science to derive this information, including machine learning, predictive analysis, data engineering, data analysis, and data mining. 

Data science professionals perform intense data science processes to help organizations predict performances, answer business questions, and make informed business decisions. In fact, a 2020 survey by MicroStrategy states that 94 percent of companies worldwide attribute their business growth and digital transformation to data science components. 

Moreover, 59 percent of the organizations were ready to continue implementing advanced and predictive analytics in their business decisions. These percentages continue to rise, giving hope to those interested in data science careers. Examples of professions in this field include data scientists, business intelligence analysts, data engineers, statisticians, and researchers. 

How to Learn Data Science for Beginners

• Data Science Courses. There is a broad range of online and in-person data science courses for beginners. Popular MOOCs like Coursera, Udemy, or edX feature a wide selection of online courses for beginners exploring data science. They cover topics including statistical models, data science techniques, and descriptive analytics. 
• Data Science Bootcamps. Bootcamps are short-term immersive programs that  prioritize hands-on learning and prepare you for a career in data science. Bootcamps can also facilitate job placement upon graduation. Popular data science bootcamps include General Assembly, Flatiron School, Thinkful, The Tech Academy, and Kenzie Academy.

• Data Science Projects. Data science projects will teach you data science principles. You will gain hands-on experience, explore different programming languages, troubleshoot problems, and create a portfolio to help with the job search process. You can find online templates on data science forums or open-source project sites.  
• College or University. If you prefer an advanced learning path, traditional college and university programs might be for you. You can enroll in a two-year or four-year college to pursue degree and certificate programs in data science and analytics, computer science, software engineering, or a related degree program.
• Online Platforms. Online data science platforms like Kaggle, KDNuggetz, Meetups, HackerRank, and DataCamp allow you to become a self-taught data scientist. You will interact with other data science learners of all levels, ask data science questions, and make informed decisions on the right career path. 

Best Data Science Courses for Beginners

The Best Intro to Data Science Courses: Explained

All the above courses above will give you an overview of what data science entails. They are affordable and available on leading massive open online course (MOOC) providers. Below is a detailed explanation of each course and the data science topics you should expect.

Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere | Coursera

Coursera is one of the best online course providers. This short self-paced course by Google is an excellent course for beginners. You will gain introductory-level skills and complete basic data science tasks. You will learn data analytics concepts, spreadsheets, programming languages, data visualization tools in data science, and your role as a data analyst.

By the end of the course, you will have foundational data science skills. You should be able to complete analytical-thinking self-assessments and explain several data science terms like data cleaning, data ecosystem, and data visualization. It comes with a shareable certificate that will help you pursue entry-level jobs  

Introduction to Data Science Specialization | Coursera

This four-month course by IBM has seven instructors to help you navigate the process. It covers machine learning, common data science tools, data science applications, cloud databases, Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), and writing SQL statements using Python programming. You will work on a hands-on project before earning a shareable certificate.

Learn SQL Basics for Data Science Specialization | Coursera

This Coursera course is by University of California, Davis and takes approximately four months to complete. You will learn SQL basics, AB testing, data wrangling, creating and assessing datasets, and developing project proposals. The best part is that you can access the course in various languages, including English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Arabic. 

Grokking Data Science | Educative

This course features 59 lessons, 15 challenges, five quizzes, and 208 illustrations. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete and awards you a certificate of completion. This course aims to help you understand the entire data science ecosystem. 

You will learn Python, statistical methods, and machine learning fundamentals. It will help you navigate end-to-end machine learning projects and prepare you for a job in data science. The course incorporates hands-on coding, built-in assessments, and a wide range of videos to help you understand the topic faster.

Introduction to Data Science | edX

edX is a seasoned course provider that collaborates with leading institutions to offer high-quality online courses with certificates. This course is facilitated by real data scientists who help you gain essential skills, learn data science tools and algorithms, and understand the role of data science in business. 

The course is free, but if you want a shareable certificate and graded assignments and exams, you must pay the $99 fee. It is a self-paced course that requires you to commit to three to six hours of weekly study.

Python Basics for Data Science | edX

This course by IBM explains the significance of Python in data science, how to apply it to your projects and tasks, defining variables in Python, and writing and reading files in Python. This course requires you to understand basic math and English. The instructor is a PhD holder and a real data scientist from IBM.

Linear Algebra for Beginners: Open Doors to Great Careers | Skillshare

Linear algebra is among the top machine learning tools that beginners need to have foundational knowledge on. You will learn vector equations, raw operations, Gaussian elimination, and linear independence. The course includes hands-on projects where you can test your skills. For a monthly or annual subscription, you get unlimited access to this course. 

Intro to Data Science | Udacity

This course covers data manipulation, data communication, information visualization, big data, and data analysis. It is a self-paced course featuring interactive quizzes and hands-on help from industry experts. Although the course is free, you can pay for the full nanodegree program, which explores programming and how it relates to data science.

Machine Learning, Data Science, and Deep Learning with Python | Udemy

Artificial intelligence plays a vital role in data science. This course will help you maneuver artificial intelligence and machine learning as a data scientist. You will learn how to build neural networks, make linear regression predictions, classify data and interpretive models, and understand reinforcement learning. 

Some topics in the curriculum include predictive models, machine learning with Python, deep learning and neural networks, and deep learning algorithms. The course includes 115 lectures and unlimited access to the course upon completion. 

Tableau 2020 A-Z: Hands-On Tableau Training For Data Science | Udemy

Udemy also offers this extensive course that teaches Tableau 2020 for data science. Tableau comes in handy in data visualization and encompasses a wide range of business intelligence and data analytics tools. You will explore Tableau basics, trends, and how to simplify data. The 83 lectures cover Tableau basics, data aggregation, table calculations, and advanced data preparation.

Is Learning Data Science Worth It?

Yes. Learning data science is worth it as it sets you on a path toward a fulfilling career. In this innovative and dynamic field, you will work on different exciting projects and interact with the best minds in technology. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 22 percent job growth rate for computer and information research scientists, including data science professionals. 

The high growth rate guarantees job security and a good salary range. In this high-demand field, you can work for a dream company in a high-paying job. Should you decide to learn data science, you can expect an annual salary of $121,389 and enticing perks and benefits. =

Introduction to Data Science FAQ

Is it hard to learn data science as a beginner?

Yes, it can be hard to learn data science as a beginner. It is an extensive tech field that requires advanced learning, skills, and theoretical knowledge. However, with the right resources, it doesn’t have to be hard to learn data science as a beginner. 

How long does it take to learn data science from scratch?

It takes three months to a year to learn data science from scratch. This is enough time to gain foundational data science skills, understand a programming language, and discover different aspects of the data science environment. Keep in mind that the length will also depend on your preferred learning path. Traditional learning paths may take longer, but most employers prioritize applicants with college degrees for the job market.

Is learning data science expensive?

No, learning data science isn’t expensive. However, the cost depends on the learning path. If you pursue online courses, these can be free or less than $100, depending on the provider. Bootcamps and universities cost more, but they also come with reasonable payment options and will help you with your job search process.

Can I pursue more than one data science course at a time?

Yes, you can pursue more than one data science course at a time. In fact, if you enroll in a self-paced course, you may reap benefits through one course that aren’t offered in the other. 

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