10 Best Online Data Science Courses

Data Science is a multidisciplinary field that uses data, statistics, mathematics, computing, and algorithms to develop solutions and knowledge that drive business decisions. Simply put, it uses large amounts of data to ease organisational processes. 

Learning data science has become the need of the hour, especially for those pursuing computer science and technology. Every single tool online has the backing of AI and data science, and with this level of digital transformation, taking up courses in data science has become very common and essential. You are sure to find data science university courses, but there are several data science courses online.  In this article, we will take a look at some of the best online data science courses online

Data Science Explained 

Data Science is the use of data to solve problems and gain insights. It involves collecting, sorting, cleaning, and analysing data using various techniques and tools. These techniques are usually statistically and computationally inclined, and the result of using these methods to deal with data is finding patterns, correlations, and trends. 

To succeed in the field, data science requires analytical skills and domain knowledge, which is why subscriptions to the best online data science courses are skyrocketing.

Types of Data Science Courses 

Data science is a vast and interdisciplinary field. You can choose among various topics to study and pursue a career. Here are some types of the best online data science courses to get started with:

1. Introduction to Data Science 

To get an overview of the fundamentals of data science, this introductory course teaches you the basics, the tools and techniques commonly used, and the scope of data science. 

Covers topics: data analysis, visualisation, wrangling, machine learning

2. Data Analysis and Visualisation 

This course focuses on the tools and techniques used to visualise and analyse data, which are one of the two main functions of data science. It is essential to grasp this part of the course as your next steps depend on analysis and visualisation. 

Covers topics: statistical analysis, data exploration, and visualisation tools

3. Machine Learning 

Machine learning focuses on techniques and algorithms to build predictive models and make data-based decisions. 

Covers topics: regression, classification, clustering, and neural networks. 

4. Programming 

Programming for data science is one of the most sought-after courses in data science and is highly practical. This course teaches you how to program for real-world data science problems using fundamental data analysis and computational thinking concepts. 

Covers topics: programming languages like R, Python, Perl, SQL, Java, and C+/C++

5. Industry-Specific Data Science

In an industry-specific data science course, you will learn data analysis tools and fundamentals for your chosen industry. 

Covers topics: application of data science techniques to specific sectors such as marketing, finance, healthcare, law, etc.

Best Online Data Science Certification 

With numerous online certification options available, selecting the best one tailored to your learning style and career goals is crucial. From comprehensive curriculum to hands-on projects and industry recognition, finding the best online data science certification can set you on the path to success in this dynamic field.

1. Datacamp 

Cost: Subscription-based model (monthly or annual)
Online: Yes
Duration: Self-paced
Self-paced: Yes
Expiration: Access remains active as long as the subscription is maintained

DataCamp is an online learning platform that provides some of the best online data science courses about data science, data analysis, and machine learning courses. The platform offers a wide range of courses, from beginner-level courses to advanced courses that cover specific topics in-depth. DataCamp courses are interactive and hands-on, allowing students to practice their learning by working on real-world data problems. Some of their best online data science courses are taught through video lectures, coding exercises, and interactive challenges.

Course Pros: 

• Image and illustration-based content 
• Short courses and nano degrees 
• Beginner-friendly 

2. Data Science Specialization by JHU on Coursera 

Cost: Paid, individual courses or subscription model
Online: Yes
Duration: Typically around 6-9 months to complete all courses
Self-paced: Yes
Expiration: Courses do not expire once completed

The data science specialisation course provided by Johns Hopkins University is one of the best online data science courses available on Coursera. It teaches you an all-rounded approach to data science, with introductions, programming languages, data analysis, visualisation, and much more. At the end of the course, you will complete a capstone project and apply all the skills you have learned in the course. 

Course Pros: 

• Certification from a prestigious university
• Well-rounded and structured courses for beginners 
• Assisted real-world application

3. IBM Data Science Professional Certification by Coursera 

Cost: Paid, individual courses or subscription model
Online: Yes
Duration: Approximately 6-12 months to complete
Self-paced: Yes
Expiration: Courses do not expire once completed

The IBM Data Science Professional Certification will equip you with data science career-relevant skills, with topics like introduction to data science, AI/ML, big data, regression, etc, and is one of the best online data science courses. All are covered under one certification course. The certification shows your credibility and expertise and helps your resume stand out. What’s unique about this course is that you do not need any prior programming or data science experience, so you can start from scratch. 

Course Pros: 

• Practical and application-centric course 
• Ideal for beginners with no experience
• Formal Certification 

4. Harvard University's Data Science Professional Certificate  

Cost: Paid
Online: Yes
Duration: Typically around 9-12 months to complete
Self-paced: Yes
Expiration: Courses do not expire once completed

This 9-course program covers fundamental data science concepts, data wrangling, data visualisation, and machine learning. The program is self-paced and includes hands-on projects to build practical skills, and it is one of the best online data science courses. 

Course Pros: 

• Harvard certification 
• Self-paced, application-centric learning 
• In-depth and detailed courses 

5. The data science course by Udemy 

Cost: Varies (one-time purchase)
Online: Yes
Duration: Self-paced
Self-paced: Yes
Expiration: Lifetime access to course materials after purchase

This course is known to be one of the best online data science courses for beginners since it covers a thorough introduction to data and the field of data science, covering fundamental components like statistics, math, and data visualisation. Similar to the best online data science courses on the internet, the curriculum also covers machine learning and deep learning, with a separate section on Python programming for applications such as regression and cluster analysis. 

Course Pros: 

• Hands-on experience through data science tools and practical exposure 
• Structured learning approach 
• Engaging community and QnA support forum 

6. Data Science Nano Degree Program by Udacity 

Cost: Paid
Online: Yes
Duration: Typically around 6-12 months to complete
Self-paced: Yes
Expiration: Courses do not expire once completed

This Data Science Nanodegree program offers a practical learning experience covering core data science topics such as natural language processing, data transformation, model building, experimental design, and deployment. The hands-on practical projects, such as developing a recommendation engine, personalised capstone projects, etc, make it one of the best online data science programs. In addition, students are required to create and publish a data science blog post to enhance their communication and data visualisation skills. The lessons on software engineering, taught by senior data engineers from leading tech companies, complement the fundamental data science content. 

Course Pros: 

• Valuable career services, including GitHub portfolio review and LinkedIn profile optimization
• Interview Preparation 
• Highly qualified and experienced instructors 

7. LinkedIn learning Data Science Foundation course 

Cost: Subscription-based model (monthly or annual)
Online: Yes
Duration: Self-paced
Self-paced: Yes
Expiration: Access remains active as long as the subscription is maintained

Starting with a basic introduction to data science, this training course covers its role in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning, led by an instructor. The curriculum includes a variety of topics, including Bayes theorem, unsupervised and supervised learning, mathematics for data science, and interpretability methods. Notably, this is one of the best online data science programs for the current times when AI tools are on the rise, and various opportunities are just on the horizon. 

Course Pros:

• Designed for beginners 
• Addressed ethical considerations around data science, including data use, bias and security 
• Quiz-based assessments for better learning 

8. Data science full course 2023 by Simplilearn

Cost: Varies (one-time purchase or subscription)
Online: Yes
Duration: Typically takes several months to complete
Self-paced: Yes
Expiration: Lifetime access to course materials after purchase

One of the best online data science courses of 2023 is offered by Simplilearn. This program provides a basic introduction to data science that offers insights into the field, the role of data scientists, and also a step-by-step guide on becoming one. Instructors delve into core concepts like artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning and much more. The curriculum covers core topics such as model building, statistical distribution, Bayes theorem, machine learning algorithms, etc, making it one of the best online data science programs for beginners. It also offers an overview of essential libraries like TensorFlow, Numpy, Scipy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. 

Course Pros: 

• Free, accessible on YouTube 
• Beginner-friendly 
• Dedicated section on interview questions and resume 

9. Edureka Data Science for beginners 

Cost: Varies (one-time purchase)

Online: Yes

Duration: Typically several weeks to complete

Self-paced: Yes

Expiration: Lifetime access to course materials after purchase

If you are a beginner seeking a free introduction to data science, this nano degree course, one of the best online data science courses on the internet, provides over 11 hours of content covering topics like an explanation of data science and providing a simple roadmap for aspiring data scientists. The curriculum covers important topics including the confusion matrix, Bayes theorem, the Bellman equation, inferential statistics, etc. Additionally, the training dives into advanced machine learning and deep learning subjects, including regression, KNN algorithms, decision tree algorithms, reinforcement learning, and TensorFlow code basics. 

Course Pros: 

• Emphasis on real-life applications
• Interview preparation and resume-building section
• Free, available on YouTube 

10. Machine Learning by Stanford University

Cost: Free to audit, paid for certificate

Online: Yes

Duration: Self-paced, typically takes 11 weeks to complete at 5-6 hours per week

Self-paced: Yes

Expiration: Access to course materials does not expire

This course, taught by a renowned Stanford professor, provides an in-depth introduction to machine learning, covering topics such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, neural networks, support vector machines, clustering, and more. It includes both theoretical concepts and practical applications, with hands-on programming assignments in MATLAB or Octave. By the end of the course, students gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of machine learning and can apply algorithms to real-world problems.

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Why Should You Do the Best Online Data Science Courses? 

Enrolling in the best online data science courses is a strategic move due to the surging demand for skilled professionals in this field. It is a great way to upskill without having to take a student loan. With data becoming the sole basis for decision-making across various industries, acquiring data science skills sets you up for diverse and lucrative career opportunities. These skills allow you to work in different sectors, and continuous learning in the dynamic field ensures your adaptability to new technologies. Beyond the high salaries, data science fosters innovation and problem-solving skills and contributes massively to a business's success by providing valuable insights. Overall, the best online data science courses not only equip you with in-demand skills but also help with personal and professional development in an increasingly data-centric world.

Data science has proven to be a unique field that has helped businesses grow and thrive in this digital world. It is wonderfully complex, with the core idea of making processes straightforward. Pursuing the best online data science courses helps you gain knowledge and establish a presence in the data science world. Also, read the best data science master program.