Data Science Courses: Best Online Programs

Data scientists are quickly becoming sought after experts in the field of technology after completing one of many available top data science courses. Not only is it a fantastic major to study at the college level, but it’s also an exceptionally rewarding job. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that data scientists often earn over $158,000 per year. So, how can you pursue this career? Sure, you could major in data science or learn a programming language. But what if you just want to explore what it means to be a data scientist? 

You’re in luck. There are some great online data science courses that can teach you everything from the fundamentals to the most challenging concepts. These are all taught without applying to a degree program.

Below is a rundown of the critical responsibilities of a data scientist, along with the best online courses for you to learn data science.

What Do Data Scientists Do?

Data scientists extrapolate data from studies and models to paint pictures. Data scientists gather pertinent info and raw data on a specific subject to find meaning. 

The conclusions that data scientists draw help us better understand the world around us. A course in data science may appeal to you if you enjoy a mixture of computer science, business, communication, statistics, and programming.

Data science mainly deals with a few key aspects: big data, machine learning, data analytics, and data analysis. 

Big Data

Big data is just that: big. What happens when a data set or pieces of information are too large for a traditional software system to analyze? That’s where big data comes in. 

Analyzing big data is crucial to the daily success of businesses and corporations. Successful analysis allows for strategic future planning and solutions that will protect sensitive information, find software glitches, and more. 

Machine Learning

Machine learning is when a machine or algorithm learns from various experiences. Through experiences, a machine can tailor its performance to better serve the user. For example, think of how email programs learn to automatically filter out spam.

Machine learning ties right in with artificial intelligence (AI). AI that is based on machine learning is better able to filter out meaningless or inconsequential data and perform tasks efficiently. 

Data Analysis

Data analysis refers to the process of analyzing data. However, it’s a little more nuanced than that. Data analysis serves many purposes, but chief among them are solving critical issues and making informed decisions. 

The application of data analysis is all around you. Companies use it to determine what products sell well and which flop. Advertisers use it to illustrate whether a future ad campaign will be successful. Someone familiar with statistics will feel right at home learning in-depth data analysis. Data Scientists and Data Analysts both use data analysis to find their answers to help improve a business and their business decisions.

The Best Data Science Courses Online

If you want to further explore data science, you have a variety of learning choices. There are many fantastic programs at four-year universities and community colleges to earn a degree or to earn a certificate in data science. However, there are also some excellent beginner options available online. Here are some of the best online data science courses.

MIT’s MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) does not disappoint when it comes to tech programs. This statistics and data science course in MIT’s MicroMasters program was developed by the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society. In it, students will learn everything there is to know about data science. 

The program consists of four parts, all crammed with interactive projects, hands-on activities, and more. There’s a proctored exam at the end, where you will earn a certificate if you pass. You will leave the course equipped with excellent foundational knowledge in data science. 

The course is open to anyone. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or already an intermediate data scientist, MIT’s program is among the best. 

Data Science Specialization from Johns Hopkins University (via Coursera)

Another celebrated name in education, Johns Hopkins University is one of the best higher education schools in America. This specialized course will equip you with the tools needed to ‘Launch Your Career in Data Science’, as the website says.

Taught by Dr. Jeff Leek, an expert in biostatistics, this data science program emphasizes familiarity with the entire data science pipeline. Students will learn critical aspects such as regression analysis, programming languages, data cleansing, and data manipulation.

The course also involves hands-on projects and you will earn a certificate at the end.

Metis: Introduction to Data Science Course

Metis is an online data science bootcamp that produces fantastic results. 

In its Introduction to Data Science Course, Metis takes aspiring scientists into the minutiae of the field. This data science course explores aspects of the field not usually included in their data science bootcamp.

Students will learn:

• Different forms of data manipulation
• Data analysis and visualization
• Computer science
• Basic statistics

Metis designed this particular course for those who are interested in data science and who are considering pursuing further education after completing the class.

By the end, students will be able to use programming languages like Python and Ruby. Additionally, graduates of the data science course will know all there is to know about the data science pipeline. 

There are many courses that will teach various topics to help prepare students to work in the data science field. Other courses include machine learning courses, programming courses to learn languages such as R, data wrangling, and data visualization. These are multi-level courses that range to teach beginners to experts.

Final Thoughts Regarding Online Data Science Courses

Now that you know a little more about some of the best data science courses out there, you’re in a position to succeed. 

Learning a new subject can be both intimidating and exciting, especially one as complicated as data science. 

However, with the help of these classes and talented instructors, you’ll be prepared to join the workforce or pursue a higher degree. Find a course that best fits your needs and become a data science master.