Best Online Courses for Data Science Enthusiasts – Free & Paid

If you are looking for the best online courses for data science, then you are in the right place. Your search will end here.

The main purpose of this article is to share information about the best online course options. It will also help you decide which course is most appropriate for your knowledge and experience level.

I discuss the free courses available on different online platforms and provide analysis so that you can easily find the best option for your needs.

You don’t need to search anymore after reading this article.

Best Online Courses for Data Science

Data science is one of the most attractive fields. Due to the shortage of efficient engineers in the field of data science, there is always a demand for data science engineers.

For this reason, the salary of a data scientist is also high.

To become a successful data scientist, you should have the following skills:

  1. Programming Skills
  2. Statistics and Probability
  3. Machine Learning
  4. Calculus and Linear Algebra
  5. Data Wrangling
  6. Data Visualization
  7. Database Management
  8. BigData

The best part is, you don’t need a Ph.D. degree to get a job in the data science field, but you need an in-depth knowledge of these skills mentioned above.

So the next question is, where to start?

Right?

So, there are various courses and books available online, even this website also provide lots of free PDFs and course resources to help you in your data science journey.

Reading a book sometimes may be difficult; that’s why various online courses are available. You can learn advanced data science with these courses at your own pace.

Here is the list of the best online courses for data science aspirants:

Best Online Courses for Data Science

1. IBM Certified Data Science Professional – Coursera

Provider: – IBM

Rating: – 4.6/5

Course Duration- 10 months (almost 5 hours per week)

You don’t need any computer science or programming knowledge to join this Professional certification Program. This program is highly rated and the most enrolled data science course series.

This Professional certificate from IBM is for anyone who wants to start a career in the data science field.

The whole program consists of 12 courses and covers many data science skills from Open-source tools and libraries, methodologies, Python, databases, SQL, data visualization, data analysis, and machine learning.

Now let’s dive deeper and find what you will gain after completing this course: –

Skills Gain: 

  1. Data Science
  2. Machine Learning
  3. Python Programming
  4. Data Analysis
  5. Data Visualization (DataViz)
  6. Predictive Modelling
  7. Relational Database Management System 9RDBMS)
  8. SQL
  9. Cloud Databases
  10. Pandas, Numpy, and Ipython
  11. Hands-on assignments and data science projects to build a data science portfolio

You will learn to work with the following tools: –

  1. Jupyter/JupyterLab
  2. Zeppelin notebooks
  3. R Studio
  4. Watson Studio

You have the opportunity to handle the following Projects: –

  1. Random album generator,
  2. Predict housing prices,
  3. Best classifier model,
  4. Battle of neighborhoods.

No. of Courses in this Program: –

This Program consists of a total of 12 courses –

  1. What is Data Science?
  2. Tools for Data Science
  3. Data Science Methodology
  4. Python for Data Science, AI & Development
  5. Python Project For Data Science
  6. Databases and SQL for Data Science
  7. Data Analysis with Python
  8. Data Visualization with Python
  9. Machine Learning with Python
  10. Applied Data Science Capstone
  11. Generative AI: Elevate Your Data Science Career
  12. Data Scientist Career Guide and Interview Preparation

It is also possible to enroll for a single course, and you will get a shareable certificate on successful completion of the course. But it is beneficial for you you complete the full course. 

Extra Benefits:

  1. Along with the IBM certificate, A Professional Certificate from Coursera after successfully completing the Course.
  2. You also receive a Digital Badge from IBM.
  3. Free access to carrier resources from Coursera.

Who Should Enroll?

  1. Beginners with no prior knowledge to Data Science.
  2. Someone who is looking to start a new career or wants to change their current one.

Interested in Enrolling?

If interested, then check out all details here: – IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

Now, discuss the next Best Online Course for Data Science

2. Certified Data Scientist – Offer by Udacity

Rating: – 4.7/5

Course Duration- 4 months (almost 10 hours per week)

This course is a nano degree program offered by Udacity. The course mainly focuses on solving data science problems by applying Python Programming knowledge and Data Engineering Skills with the use of Software Engineering Skills.

This Udacity Data Science Nanodegree Program is designed in such a way that after completing every set of courses, you have an opportunity to participate in a project that you need to submit.

The whole program consists of 4 courses and covers many data science skills from Basic supervised machine learning, Neural network basics, Object-oriented Python Programming, PyTorch, NLP pipelines, Computer vision fluency, Recommendation Systems, and machine learning.

No. of Courses in this Program: –

This Program consists of a total of 04 courses –

  1. Data Science and Supervised Machine Learning Introduction
  2. Software Engineering for Data Scientists
  3. Data Science Pipelines
  4. Unsupervised Machine Learning and Recommendation Systems

Hands-on Projects Included:-

You have the opportunity to complete the Projects during the course-

1. Build Disaster Response Pipelines with Figure Eight
2. Recommendation Engine Design with IBM
3. Capstone Project related to Data Science

For the Data Science Capstone Project, you have the option to choose from the Project List given below or any other project as per your choice.

  1. Dog Breed Classification (Neural Networks)
  2. Starbucks ( Customer Segmentation)
  3. Arvato Financial Services (Likely Supervised Learning)
  4. Predict Customer Churn with PySpark
  5. Any other project of your choice

Other Benefits:

  1. You have the opportunity to work on a real-world Project with industry Experts.
  2. An Experienced Industry Expert will guide you and give you project feedback.
  3. Also, Provide Technical Mentor Support

Who Should Enroll?

Those who have the following basic concepts can join:-

  1. You should have Knowledge of Python Programming, also efficient in using data analysis libraries (NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib)
  2. Basic SQL Programming and Concepts
  3. Statistics (Both Descriptive and Inferential Types)
  4. Calculus
  5. Linear Algebra
  6. Experience in data wrangling and visualization

Interested in Enrolling?

Check out all details at – Become a Certified Data Scientist – Udacity

3. Data Science Specialization – Offered by Coursera

Provider- Johns Hopkins University

Rating: – 4.5/5

Course Duration- 11 months (almost 7 hours per week)

This program is also highly rated and the most enrolled data science course series. The main thing about this course I want to highlight is that it has a separate section on statistics.

And knowing statistics for any data science engineer is very critical for success in their career journey.

This data science programme is an amalgamation of theory and practical applications. In this program R programming language is used for all data-related tasks and other programming purposes.

The whole program consists of 10 different courses.

Skills you will gain:

  • Data Science
  • Machine Learning
  • R-Studio, GitHub, and other useful tools
  • Understand the data problems
  • R Programming
  • Data Cleaning
  • Data Manipulation
  • Data Analysis
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Debugging
  • Regular Expression (REGEX)
  • Hands-on Project using R Programming Language

No. of Courses in this Program: –

This Specialized program has 10 different courses-

  1. The Data Scientist’s Toolbox
  2. R Programming
  3. Getting and Cleaning Data
  4. Exploratory Data Analysis
  5. Reproducible Research
  6. Statistical Interface
  7. Regression Models
  8. Practical Machine Learning
  9. Developing Data Products
  10. Data Science Capstone

You have the option to choose any one of the courses separately from the 10 courses listed above. After completing the course and completing the associated projects successfully, you are entitled to receive a certificate.

But our recommendation is to complete the whole program always beneficial for you.

Other Benefits:

  1. After completing the program successfully, you will get a shareable certificate.
  2. This program includes various interactive activities to ensure that you are learning well, like Practice Quizzes, Graded Assignments with Peer Feedback, Graded Quizzes with Feedback, Graded Programming Assignments, also you will get Course videos & Recordings.

Who Should Enroll?

  1. Anyone who has a beginner’s level of experience with a programming language.
  2. If you want to master the Data Science skill using the programming language R.

Interested in Enrolling?

Check out all details at – Data Science Specialization 

Now, discuss the next Best Online Course for Data Science

4. Applied Data Science with Python Specialization – Offered by Coursera

Provider: University of Michigan

Rating: – 4.5/5

Course Duration – 05 months (7 hours per week)

This specialized program is purposefully designed and uses extensive application of the Python Programming Language. You will learn how to use data science Python libraries like Pandas, matplotlib, nltk, scikit-learn, and networkx.

This Program doesn’t include a separate section for Statistics needed for Data Science and various Machine Learning algorithms. The main focus in this course is on how to use this algorithm using the Python Programming Language

If you decide to learn statistics first, then you should consider the Statistics with Python Specialization. You will Learn Important Statistical Skills and concepts in this Course, which is very important for a data science Engineer.

But my suggestion, as per my learning journey first learn Python, then at the next level, when you learn the R programming language that time you can go for learning Statistics side by side.

I am telling this because the R programming language is specially designed for statistical problem solving and analysis. It may help you learn faster.

Skills Gain:

  1. Text Mining
  2. Python Programming
  3. Data Cleansing
  4. Data Virtualization
  5. Data Visualization (DaataViz)
  6. Machine Learning (ML) Algorithm
  7. Natural Language Toolkit NLTK)

Number of Courses in this Program:

This Specialization Program consists of 05 Course series-

  1. Introduction to Data Science in Python
  2. Applied Plotting, Charting & Data Representation
  3. Applied Machine Learning in Python
  4. Applied Text Mining in Python
  5. Applied Social Network Analysis in Python

You have the option to choose any one of the courses separately from the list above. You have to earn a certificate for each of these courses.

Other Benefits:

  1. After completing the program successfully, you will get a shareable certificate.
  2. This program includes various interactive activities to ensure that you are learning well, like Practice Quizzes, Graded Assignments with Peer Feedback, Graded Quizzes with Feedback, Graded Programming Assignments, also you will get Course videos & Recordings.

Who Should Enroll?

  1. If you have an intermediate level of knowledge in Data Science using Python can enrol for the Program. This Program is not suitable for beginners.
  2. Someone who has basic Python or Programming knowledge can join the program.

Interested in Enrolling?

If interested, then Checkout all details here: – Applied Data Science with Python Specialization

Now, continue to the Next Course

5. Programming for Data Science with Python – Offered by Udacity

Provider: UDACITY

This program will help you learn skills that are needed to uncover patterns and insights from large data sets, including handling relational databases.

This Nanodegree program offered by Udacity will help you learn how to store and represent data using Python data types and variables.

You will be able to use the conditional statement and loops to control the flow of your program.

You will get a clear understanding of using complex data structures in Python, like lists, sets, dictionaries, and tuples, collections, which are mainly used for storing related data.

You also get the knowledge of two powerful Python libraries – Numpy and Pandas.

Skills Gain:

  1. Basic SQL
  2. SQL Data Cleaning
  3. Introduction to Python
  4. Python Programming with NumPy and Pandas
  5. Data Visualization with Tableau(DaataViz)
  6. Version Control with GitHub

Courses You Will Find in Programming for Data Science with Python?

  • Introduction to SQL
  • Introduction to Python Programming
  • Introduction to Version Control
  • Data Visualization with Tableau

Extra Benefits:

  • You have the opportunity to work on a real-world project with Industry Experts.
  • An experienced Reviewer will give you Project feedback so that you can experience the real-world situations.
  • You will provide technical mentor support.
  • Apart from this, you also get career mentoring services like Resume services, GitHub review, LinkedIn Profile Review, etc.

Who Should Enroll?:

There are no criteria to join this program, but if you have basic computer skills, then you have an extra advantage.

Interested in Enrolling?

If interested, then check out all details here: – Programming for Data Science with Python

Now, discuss the next Best Online Course for Data Science

6. Professional Certificate in Data Science – edX

Provider – Harvard University

Completion Time: Approximately 1 year 5 months if you study 3 hours each week

This course will teach you about probability, data analysis, regression, and an introduction to machine learning.

You will learn R programming, handling data with dplyr, making charts with ggplot2, organizing files, using git and GitHub, and creating documents in RStudio.

Each course includes case studies like world health, economics, US crime, the 2007–2008 financial crisis, elections, and building a baseball team.

You will also learn R, basic statistics, and how to analyze data. There are courses in this program. Now let’s see the course details-

Course Details-

1. Data Science: R Basics
2. Data Science: Visualization
3. Data Science: Probability
4. Data Science: Inference & Modeling
5. Data Science: Productivity Tools
6. Data Science: Wrangling
7. Data Science: Linear Regression
8. Data Science: Machine Learning
9. Data Science: Capstone

Who Should Enroll?

• Anyone can enroll. There is no prerequisite.

Interested in Enrolling?

If interested, you can view the program details here: Professional Certificate in Data Science.

Best Online Courses for Data Science – Summary

Best For Beginners

Data Science –     DataCamp

You can start your Data Science journey from here if you are a beginner. This is the best course for beginners. 

Go to Course

Best For Intermediate

Applied Data Science –  Coursera

This specialized Data Science Program is a perfect mix of theory and Practical application. 

Go to Course

Best For  Advanced

Become a Data Scientist –  Udacity

This advanced Program will teach you how to solve Data Science Problems using Python Programming and Data Engineering Skills.

Go to Course

Best Free     Course

Intro to Data Science – Udacity

This program extensively covers Fundamentals of Data Science, Data wrangling, Normal Distribution, and Data Visualization.

Go to Course

7. MicroMasters® Program in Data Science – edX

Provider- UCSanDiego

Completion Time: Approximately 10 months, studying 9–11 hours each week

This program introduces the fundamental mathematical and computing concepts used in data science. You will learn how to apply these tools to make informed business decisions.

This program covers two aspects of learning data science: the mathematical side and the applied side. The first section covers the essential principles of probability, statistics, and machine learning.

In these practical lessons, you will learn to use Python, NumPy, Matplotlib, pandas, SciPy, Jupyter Notebook, and Apache Spark.

This program has 4 courses. Now let’s see the details of the courses-

Courses Include-

1. Python for Data Science
2. Probability & Statistics in Data Science
3. Machine Learning Fundamentals
4. Big data analytics using Spark

Who Should Enroll?

Someone who knows programming and understands basic high-school mathematics.

Interested in Enrolling?

If interested, click here to view the MicroMasters® Program in Data Science details.

Now, continue the discussion on the Next Best Online Course for Data Science

8. Business Analytics Specialization – Coursera

Provider- University of Pennsylvania
Rating- 4.5/5
Completion Time: 6 months, studying 3 hours weekly

This program introduces business professionals to the basics of big data analytics. You can start without any previous knowledge of Data Analytics.

You will learn how to forecast business decisions in marketing, human resources, finance, and operations.
This program consists of 5 courses.

Skills Gain-

1. Business Analytics
2. Customer Analytics
3. Predictive Analytics
4. Regression Analysis
5. Marketing Performance Measurement And Management
6. Simulation
7. Mathematical Optimization
8. Performance Management
9. Talent Management

Courses include-

This Specialization Program consists of 5 Courses-
1. Customer Analytics
2. Operations Analytics
3. People Analytics
4. Accounting Analytics
5. Business Analytics Capstone

Extra Benefits-

1. You will earn a Shareable Certificate.
2. You will get videos, readings, quizzes, assignments with peer feedback, and programming tasks.

Who Should Enroll?

1. Who wants to learn how big data and analytics are used? Especially useful in marketing, HR, talent management, operations, and finance.
2. Someone who wants to use data analytics to develop new business strategies or improve their existing business.
3. Someone who is new to business and analytics, with no previous experience.

Interested in Enrolling?

If interested, view all details here – Business Analytics Specialization.

The next recommended online courses for Data Science are listed below –

9. GCP Specialization in Data Engineering, Big Data, and Machine Learning By Coursera

Provider- Google Cloud
Rating– 4.5/5
Program Duration: 2 months, with a commitment of 12 hours each week

This specialization by Google Cloud provides a practical introduction to designing and creating data pipelines on the Google Cloud Platform.

It includes presentations, demonstrations, and practical exercises.

Skills Gain-

1. How to plan and implement data pipelines on Google Cloud Platform.
2. How to move your current Hadoop workloads to the cloud using Cloud Dataproc.
3. You will learn to process data in batches and as it arrives in real time.
4. Easy Data Pipelines Setup with Data Fusion and Cloud Composer.
5. You will learn to explore big business data with Google BigQuery.

Courses include-

This Specialization Program consists of 4 Courses-

1. Modernizing Data Lakes and Data Warehouses
2. Building Batch Data Pipelines on Google Cloud
3. Building Resilient Streaming Analytics Systems
4. Smart Analytics, Machine Learning, and AI

Extra Benefits-

1. You will earn a Shareable Certificate.
2. Access videos, readings, quizzes, and graded programming assignments with peer feedback.

Who Should Enroll?

1. People with an intermediate understanding of Data Science.

Interested in Enrolling?

If yes, then check out all details here- Data Engineering, Big Data, and Machine Learning on GCP Specialization

These online Data Science courses are among the best and can help you develop your skills as a Data Scientist.

I would like to share a few personal recommendations for those who are learning Data Science.

Personal Note

The first tip I would like to share with you is to stay committed to the course. When you sign up for an online course, you should approach it with the same commitment as a college course.

Practice immediately in a real project whatever you learn from an online course. Practical work on projects helps you learn more effectively.

We suggest these courses as they include hands-on work and projects. The more effort you put into practice,
the more you learn in Data Science.

Now, see the Python Data Science roadmap, step by step –

Data Science Roadmap and Essential Skills

A data scientist needs these basic skills.–

1. Programming Skills
2. Statistics or Probability
3. Machine Learning
4. Multivariate Calculus and Linear Algebra
5. Data wrangling.
6. Data Visualization.
7. Database Management
8. BigData

Step 1- Learn Python First
Beginners without Python knowledge should first learn Python.

Step 2- Learn Math & Statistics
You need to know basic math and statistics to learn data science.

Step 3- Familiar with Python Libraries
It is important to understand how to handle data. Python provides libraries to handle, analyze, and visualize data.

Step 4- Brush Up on SQL Skills
It is important to understand how to store and manage data in a database. This is why learning SQL is necessary.

Step 5- Learn Machine Learning Algorithms
Learn the basics of Machine Learning and its four main types: Supervised, Unsupervised, Semi-Supervised, and Reinforcement Learning.

Step 6- Create a model using scikit-learn
You can now manage, analyze, and visualize data effectively. It’s time to analyze the data and discover meaningful patterns.

Step 7- Take Part in Data Science Competitions

It is now time to practice and test your skills in Data Science. The easiest way to practice is to participate in competitions.

To explore a detailed roadmap for Data Science, read this article: Data Science with Python Roadmap from Scratch.

Now, it’s time to wrap up. I hope these best online courses in data science are suitable for you.

Conclusion

Data Science is a popular field with many opportunities. To be a good Data Scientist, you need to learn different skills and gain deep knowledge.

These best online courses in data science are helpful for learners with basic or intermediate knowledge.

I aim to share the most valuable resources for your learning. I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments.

All the Best!

FAQ

1. Can someone learn Data Science through online courses?
Studying online is more comfortable than offline classes. In Online classes, there is no time limit. It’s totally up to you. Another benefit is that you can watch the video many times until you understand. This is not available to Offline Classes.

2. Is the IBM Data Science Certificate valuable?
In short, yes definitely.

3. How much does a Data Scientist make?
A Data Scientist in the USA earns $111K annually, compared to INR 1,010K per year in India.

4. Should I learn R or Python?
You can begin by learning Python, but both languages are useful for different purposes.

5. How can I begin a career in data science?
These are some steps-
1. Decide on a professional role, such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, or Data Engineer.
2. Select a course based on your role and finish it.
3. Decide which language you want to work with.
4. Give importance to practical applications, not just theory.