Data science has become one of the hottest fields with the advent of big data. Whether you're new to data science or a seasoned professional looking to upskill, finding the right course can ensure your roadmap to transformation.
Here we've rounded up the 20 most exciting online data science courses for 2024. All courses are available for free or as paid subscriptions. They range from basic concepts and ideas to advanced techniques, so you can find the course that best suits your needs.
1. IBM Data Science Professional Certification (Coursera)
Course Description: This comprehensive program from IBM will help you understand how to get the fundamentals right in a variety of areas, including Python, SQL, data visualization, and machine learning.
interval: 10 months
Fee: Paid and scholarship options available
2. Google Data Analytics Professional Certification (Coursera)
Course Description: This course is aimed at beginners and will help you clean, analyze, and visualize data using the tools available in SQL, R, and Tableau.
interval: 6 months
Fee: Paid; financial assistance available
3. Data Science MicroMasters (edX)
Course Description: This MicroMasters program offered by UC Diego takes you deeper into data science with an emphasis on practical application of the knowledge gained.
interval: 1 year
Fee: Paid
4. Machine Learning by Stanford University (Coursera)
Course Description: Machine Learning Andrew Ng. This course is one of the most popular online learning resources for learning machine learning concepts and applications.
interval: 11 weeks
Fee: Free, optional paid certificate required
5. Introduction to Data Science Metis
Course Description: Free introductory course on the fundamentals of data science: Python programming, data wrangling, and machine learning.
interval: At your own pace
Fee: free
6. Python Bootcamp for Data Science and Machine Learning Udemy
Course Description: This class introduces the fundamentals of Python programming, NumPy, Pandas, data visualization, and basic machine learning algorithms.
interval: 25 hours of video content
Price: Paid
7. Data Science Specialization
Course Description: This is a 10-course specialization from Johns Hopkins University on how to do data science using R programming.
interval: 11 months
Fee: Fee applies. Optional financial assistance is available.
8. Advanced Machine Learning (Coursera)
Course Description: This specialization at the National Research University Higher School of Economics deals with advanced machine learning techniques.
interval: 8 months
Fee: Paid
9. Springboard's Data Science Career Track
Course Description: The program includes mentorship, career coaching, real-world projects using data science tools and techniques, and a job guarantee.
interval: 6 – 9 months
Fee: Paid
10. Coursera's Deep Learning Specialization
Course Description: Another course on Deep Learning and Neural Networks by Andrew Ng.
interval: Three months
Fee: Paid (financial assistance available)
11. Harvard X Data Science Professional Certificate (edX)
Course Description: Take an integrated package of courses on R programming and build your skills with lectures on statistics, machine learning, and data visualization.
interval: 1 year
Fee: Paid
12. Data Science for Executives (edX)
Course Description: The aim of this course is to introduce managers and executives to the strategic application of data science in their business.
interval: 10 weeks
Fee: Paid
13. MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science (edX)
Course Description: Courses are offered by MIT and range from probability and statistics to machine learning.
interval:1 year
Fee: Paid
14. Applied Data Science with Python Specialization (Coursera)
Course Description: This applied, light course from the University of Michigan covers data analysis, visualization, and machine learning using Python.
interval: 5 months
Fee: Paid
15. Introduction to Probability and Data (Coursera)
Course Description: This introductory probability course from Duke University provides beginners with a fundamental understanding of the fields of probability, data analysis, and statistics.
interval: 5 weeks
Fee: Free, optional paid certificate
16. Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp (Udacity)
Course Description: This nanodegree program includes real-world projects and covers Python, SQL, machine learning, and data visualization.
interval: Four months
Fee: Paid
17. Microsoft Data Science Professional Program (edX)
Course Description: It is a thorough program that covers the fundamentals of data science, namely data analytics, machine learning, big data, etc.
interval: 6 to 8 months
Fee: Paid
18. Data Science Ethics at Coursera
Course Description: The University of Michigan designed this course to examine ethical practices in the field of data science.
interval: 4 weeks
Fee: Free with optional paid certificate
19. Google Cloud Platform Big Data and Machine Learning Fundamentals (Coursera)
Course Description: This course teaches you the hard and soft skills needed to work with big data and machine learning on Google Cloud Platform.
interval: 1 month
Fee: Free with optional paid certificate
20. Data Science: Basics with R (Coursera)
Course Description: This is a Coursera specialization offered by Johns Hopkins University that covers the fundamental concepts of data science using R programming.
interval: 6 months
Fee: Paid, financial assistance available
Choose the right course
When choosing a data science course, you should consider where you are in your development as a data scientist, what exactly you want to do with your career, and which topics within data science interest you the most. Free courses are great for people who just want a taster and don't want to commit financially. On the other hand, if you want more in-depth content and a recognized certificate, choose a paid course.
