In a world that has rapidly become data-driven and increasingly reliant on Silicon Valley, it is clear that there are a lot of opportunities in the tech industry. For any prospective career changers looking for a relatively cost-effective way to garner the basic knowledge and key concepts needed, a free data science bootcamp might prove to be an invaluable resource.
This article will cover everything you need to know about free data science courses and the organizations that offer them. Additionally, it will provide a breakdown of data science processes and the essential skills that potential employers look for in employees.
Free Coding Bootcamps to Learn Data Science
| Coding Bootcamp | Free Data Science Program | Location | Format |
| 42 | The 42 Training Program | Fremont, California | Hybrid |
| Ada Developers Academy | Software Developers Program | Seattle, Washington | Hybrid |
| Colaberry | Data Science | Plano, Texas | Online |
| The Data Incubator | Data Science Fellowship | San Francisco, California | Online |
| DPhi | 5-Week Data Science Bootcamp | Belgium | Online |
| Fellowship.AI | Data Science and Machine Learning BootCamp | San Francisco, California | Online |
| Khan Academy | Computer Programming | Mountain View, California | Online |
| Microsoft | Research Data Science Summer School | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Online |
| Northumbria University | Skills Bootcamp in Data Science | Newcastle, England | Online |
| Udacity | Intro to Data Science | Mountain View, California | Online |
Best Free Coding Bootcamps to Learn Data Science
As specified in The Hybrid Job Economy by Burning Glass Technologies, the demand for data scientists saw a significant 15 percent boost between 2010 and 2018, alone. Due to this widespread demand for data science skills, there is a wide selection of bootcamps that teach various data science courses.
Many bootcamps offer introductory courses that cover general coding skills, at least one programming language, and advanced data science terminology. This list features impressive bootcamps with robust programs that will set you on the path to becoming a data scientist. It is also worth noting that many of the online-only options appear as such due to pandemic-related restrictions.
42 | The 42 Training Program
The 42 Training Program is completely free, an attractive proposition for future data scientists. It offers long-term training guaranteed to help people fulfill their dreams within the scope of programming and data science, with a curriculum divided into two distinct parts, based on complexity.
The only requirements are that you are above the age of 18 or alternatively in the year of your high school diploma, and that you can get through the unique selection process.
Ada Developers Academy | Software Developer’s Program
This year-long intensive program focuses on empowering women and gender non-conforming people with the essential skills needed to work in the technological landscape. It includes six hours of lessons, five days a week for the first six months and a capstone project at the end of the period.
With a focus on Black, Latinx, Indigenous Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and low-income students, Ada Developers Academy waives the cost of tuition to allow members of these underrepresented groups to thrive in data science careers.
Colaberry | Data Science
Split into three distinct eight-week courses, Colberry’s Data Science bootcamp is career-focused. The program offers free tuition for military personnel, and is an invaluable opportunity for service members looking for a career change.
One of Colaberry’s unique features is its AI-driven, self-paced track for students who prefer to learn on their own time. It features continued support for a year after graduation and a secondary instructional phase focused on interview practice and portfolio building.
The Data Incubator | Data Science Fellowship
Aimed at equipping graduates to make a bigger impact in the workforce, the Data Science Fellowship program can be difficult to get into. If you are successful, it offers tuition-free education for a select few, and wonderful opportunities for growth in the field. The full-time program spans eight weeks and requires 40 hours of dedicated coursework each week.
DPhi | 5-Week Data Science Bootcamp
This community-driven, five-week data science bootcamp is offered by DPhi, featuring a lot of learning materials, as well as live instruction from a diverse team of dedicated facilitators. It starts off with an introductory week to help absolute beginners adapt. Then it continues with four fundamental pillars, allowing students to work with real datasets. This combination of classroom instruction and real-world experience is key to the program’s success.
Fellowship.AI | Data Science and Machine Learning BootCamp
This program is tailored exclusively to those already within the industry or academia. The Data Science and Machine Learning BootCamp program from Fellowship.AI aims to sharpen the knowledge of the selected participants and is facilitated by senior data scientists. The coursework covers 20 topics within a 12-week window.
Khan Academy | Computer Programming
Unlike the other entries on the list, Khan Academy does not focus solely on data science or even tech. Instead, it is an initiative aimed at bringing education to those that need it. It is a non-profit organization and offers world-class instruction on a plethora of disciplines, including those pertaining to data science.
Microsoft | Research Data Science Summer School
This online program from Microsoft is available to undergraduate students residing within the NYC area. It runs for four weeks, going through the introductory and core curricula before delving into assessment and practical application. This is all facilitated by Microsoft research scientists via the Microsoft Teams platform.
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In addition to being completely free, being selected for this program also includes a stipend and provision of a personal computer to participants to help them get through the program. Only 12 students are accepted per iteration, but the requirements are limited to residency in NYC.
Northumbria University | Skills Bootcamp in Data Science
Northumbria University has some of the most stringent participation requirements of all free bootcamps. However, it makes this list due to being a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked. The bootcamp offers not only a comprehensive program, but also a Microsoft certification upon completion.
To take advantage of this incredible opportunity, you must be above the age of 19 and eligible to reside and work in the UK. In addition, you must be employed, between jobs or have ceased work in the past year. You must also be willing to submit to data collection of your employment outcomes within the next six months after the program concludes.
Udacity | Intro to Data Science
This free, self-paced program from Udacity is taught by industry professionals, and covers four foundational topics in data science over the course of two months. The program takes a broad approach to the topics treated. Supplemented with interactive assessments, it leaves a lot of room for hands-on application of data science skills picked up within the span of the program.
Best Free Data Science Courses
- A Crash Course in Data Science | Coursera. This course provides a more general overview of data science as a discipline. Offered by Coursera in collaboration with John Hopkins, it puts all the topics that fall under the data science umbrella in perspective. It also gives direction to data science beginners who are seeking to further their knowledge.
- Data Science Math Skills | Coursera. This course allows you to acquire or reacquaint yourself with essential math skills required to study data science. It’s more general than most courses, focusing on everything regarding data science-related math skills. This course is offered in collaboration with Duke University.
- Introduction to Statistics | Coursera. Data science is invariably tied to the study and utilization of statistics as an analysis tool. As such, this course on statistics is perfect for those not familiar with this branch of mathematics. It provides an easy introduction to statistics and is offered in collaboration with Stanford.
- Machine Learning | Coursera. Machine Learning is the future of many fields, and data science is at the forefront. In collaboration with Stanford, this course offers a comprehensive education on the basics of machine learning and how it’s changing the world we live in.
- Python for Everybody Specialization | Coursera. Python is the backbone of a lot of the work done in data science, so a good foundation in it is important. This course grants specialized knowledge above and beyond the first steps and prepares you to work on practical programming. Also, it is offered in collaboration with the University of Michigan.
Learn Data Science Free: Other Resources
- Anaconda. Python is the primary programming language used by most data scientists. As such, Anaconda is an invaluable tool for anyone taking that career path. It is a python distribution with all the data science tools prepackaged. Plus, it’s totally free.
- Google Sheets. Learning to utilize spreadsheets is an essential part of any data science journey. If you don’t have access to Microsoft’s Excel spreadsheet package, Google’s free alternative is a great substitute to help you learn the basics of utilizing spreadsheets for data processing.
- Elite Data Science. This site offers a lot of guidance on the path to a data science career. Covering everything from a modern overview of the field to directions on how to land your dream job, Elite Data Science is a great repository of guidance and other resources to help you on your way.
- Notepad ++. While most facets of a career in tech will have a specific preferred language, the learning path of basic programming skills often includes studying more than one basic language. Notepad++ is a user-friendly app that has support for a plethora of programming languages and will aid you in this initial part of your career preparation.
- The Open Source Data Science Masters. This handy collection of reading material and references is a great guide to self-development in data science. While some of the material is not free, the guide itself is readily available and contains a lot of useful free items to help you on your way.
Free Data Science Bootcamps FAQ
The main difference between a bootcamp and an online course is that bootcamps offer much more, specifically in terms of professional value. While both can offer a firm understanding of the fundamental concepts, bootcamps often tackle complex topics with more instructor interaction and include career support from people with industry experience.
Yes, you can start a career in tech with only skills gained from a data science bootcamp. Many industry professionals value technical skills with practical applications such as experience with programming that can solve real-world problems. As such, many companies lean heavily on technical interviews in lieu of simply requiring a data science degree for eligibility.
No, bootcamps are generally not accredited. They are unregulated, unlike more traditional institutions. As such, there is no system in place for accreditation. Your choice depends entirely on reputation and how well it serves you. You’ll want a bootcamp that offers hands-on training and hands-on experience creating real-world projects.
Bootcamps are extremely effective at preparing students for employment opportunities. This is especially true for career changers and those with an interest in learning fundamental concepts in general. In fact, many bootcamps offer job guarantees.
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