The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Data Science Course to Boost Your Career in 2023

Introduction

Data science is a rapidly growing field with many career opportunities. Data scientists are at the forefront of solving complex problems using data-driven approaches, from predicting market trends to developing personalized recommendations. To succeed in this field, you’ll need a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science and the ability to work with large and complex datasets. The demand for skilled data scientists is high, and the earning potential is significant. According to Glassdoor, the median salary for a data scientist is over $100,000 per year. With such promising career prospects, it’s no wonder that so many people are interested in pursuing data science courses.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best course? I was dealing with the same confusion a few years ago. I have been working in the data science industry for decades now, and I understand how crucial it is to learn fundamental concepts. While researching the best courses, I found something that can help you. Here is my review of the top online and offline data science courses to help you find the best fit for your goals and needs. I have also included tips and criteria to help you choose the best data science course for your goals and needs. 

Who is a Data Scientist? What Do They Do?

A data scientist is a professional who uses data to extract insights and inform decision-making. They work with large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and relationships and use statistical and machine-learning techniques to analyze and interpret the data.

Data scientists often work in the finance, healthcare, and technology industries. They may be responsible for tasks such as developing predictive models, creating data visualization, and communicating findings to stakeholders.

Top 5 Paid Data Science Courses Online to Grow Your Career In 2023

1. Coursera: IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

This comprehensive online certificate program from Coursera and IBM covers a wide range of topics in data science, including data visualization, machine learning, and natural language processing. The course teaches you some of the most important data science programming skills, such as Python, SQL, Jupyter, and Git, without any prior experience or qualification. It includes nine courses and a capstone project designed to help you start a career in data science or advance your existing skills.

Register: https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/ibm-data-science

Expectations: The course is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 6 months. It gives exciting video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on projects.

Price: $39/month

Placement Assistance: IBM offers career support to students who complete the course, including resume-building and job search assistance.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 (source)

2. Analytics Vidhya: Data Science Immersive Bootcamp & Blackbelt

One of the best data science courses from Analytics Vidhya covers all the essential skills and technologies you need to become a successful data scientist. It includes over 200 hours of video content and hands-on projects and covers Python, AI & ML BlackBelt+ Program.

Analytics Vidhya, one of the frontrunners in the data science learning space, offers two kinds of data science courses for all technology enthusiasts – Data Science Immersive Bootcamp for beginners in the data science domain and Blackbelt program for experienced professionals. The Blackbelt program helps data science professionals upskill their knowledge and help them shape into industry experts.

Expectations: The Analytics Vidhya Bootcamp is an online course that covers a wide range of topics in data science, including machine learning, data visualization, and big data. The course is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 6 months.

Placement Assistance: Analytics Vidhya offers 100% placement assistance for the Bootcamp. The course also offers access to a community of data science professionals and opportunities to network with industry experts.

Analytics Vidhya Certified AI & ML BlackBelt+ Program offers exhaustive knowledge with 200+ hours of learning and mastery in 22+ tools.

Price: $ 860 – 900 for the entire course

Overall rating: 4.8/5 (AI & ML BlackBelt+ Program)

3. edX: Data Science Orientation

This online course from edX and Microsoft covers the foundational concepts of data science, including data mining, exploration, visualization, and machine learning. It is designed for beginners with no prior experience in data science and is a great starting point for those looking to enter the field. In partnership with edX, Microsoft offers a few more courses that teach Excel data analysis and visualization.

Register: https://courses.edx.org/courses/course-v1:Microsoft+DAT101x+1T2017/aaf7ae271a474746ae3ee2cb9960e36a/

Expectations: The course is self-paced, can be completed in approximately 6 months, and is perfect for all.

Price: The edX Data Science Essentials course is free to audit, but a fee of $249 is required to earn a verified certificate upon completion.

Placement Assistance: edX does not offer placement assistance for the Data Science Orientation course. However, the course does provide access to a community of data science professionals and opportunities to network with industry experts.

Overall Rating: 4.3/5 

4. DataCamp: Data Science Career Track

This is another best data science courses online. DataCamp is a comprehensive program designed to help you become a data scientist. It includes over 400 hours of content, covering topics such as R programming, machine learning algorithms, data visualization, data modeling, and deep learning.

Register: https://www.datacamp.com/tracks/data-scientist

Expectations: The course is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 6-12 months. The course includes real-world projects and job-specific career content to help you prepare for a career in data science.

Price: $449/year

Placement Assistance: DataCamp offers career support to students who complete the course, including resume-building and job search assistance.

Overall Rating: 4.7/5

5. Dataquest: Data Scientist Path

This online course from Dataquest is a comprehensive program designed to help you become a data scientist. It includes over 1,000 hours of content, covering topics such as machine learning, data visualization, and deep learning. The course also includes real-world projects and job-specific career content to help you prepare for a career in data science.

Register: https://www.dataquest.io/path/data-scientist

Expectations: The course is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 6-12 months. It provides lectures and quizzes, along with hands-on projects.

Price: $49/month

Placement Assistance: Dataquest offers career support to students who complete the course, including resume-building and job search assistance.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 (source)

Top 5 Free Data Science Courses Online to Grow Your Career In 2023

1. Introduction to Data Science in Python (University of Michigan)

This course is designed to introduce learners to the basics of data science through the Python programming language. It covers topics such as Python programming, data manipulation, data analysis, data visualization, and machine learning. The course is self-paced and consists of video lectures, quizzes, and programming assignments.

Register: https://online.umich.edu/subject/data-science/

Expectations: Basic python programming, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, and Machine learning

Price: Free

Placement Assistance: Not Provided

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 (Source)

2. Data Science Essentials (Microsoft)

This course, offered on edX, is designed for individuals who want to learn the basics of data science and build a career in this field. It covers topics such as data exploration, visualization, and analysis, as well as machine learning and R programming. The course is self-paced and consists of video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on lab exercises.

Register:  https://www.edx.org/learn/data-science

Expectations: Data Exploration, Visualization, Analysis, Machine Learning, and R Programming

Price: Free

Placement Assistance: Not Provided

Overall Rating: 3.6/5 (source)

3. Data Science Methodology (IBM)

This course, offered on Coursera, is designed to provide an overview of the data science methodology, including creating a data science project and using different tools and techniques. The course covers topics such as data understanding, data preparation, modeling, evaluation, and deployment. The course is self-paced and consists of video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on lab exercises.

Registration: https://www.coursera.org/learn/data-science-methodology

Expectations: Data Science Methodology and Process, Data Understanding, Preparation, Modeling, Evaluation, and Deployment.

Price: Free

Placement Assistance: Not Provided

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 (source)

4. Applied Data Science with Python (University of Michigan)

This series of five courses, offered on Coursera, is designed to teach learners how to use Python to analyze data, create visualizations, and build machine-learning models. The series covers topics such as Python programming, data manipulation, data visualization, and machine learning. The courses are self-paced and consist of video lectures, quizzes, and programming assignments.

Registration: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/data-science-python

Expectation:  Advanced python programming, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Machine Learning,

Price: Free

Placement Assistance: Not Provided

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 (Source)

5. Data Science (DataQuest)

This course, offered on DataQuest, is designed to teach the basics of data science to individuals with no prior experience. It covers topics such as Python programming, data manipulation, data visualization, and machine learning. The course is self-paced and consists of interactive coding challenges, quizzes, and projects.

Registration:  https://www.dataquest.io/data-science-courses/individual-courses/

Expectation: Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Machine Learning

Price: Free for the first module of the course.

Placement Assistance: Not Provided.

Overall rating: 4.7/5 (source)

8 Best Paid Data Science Courses Offline to Grow Your Career In 2023

1. Stanford University: Machine Learning

This offline course from Stanford University is an introduction to the field of machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn and make decisions without explicit programming. The course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of machine learning and is taught by Andrew Ng, one of the leading experts in the field.

Registration: https://www.stanford.edu/

Expectation: The course is a 12-week in-person program held at Stanford University. You will get not only theoretical knowledge here but also some hands-on experience.

Price: $2,000

Placement Assistance: Stanford University does not offer placement assistance for this course.

Overall rating: 4.8/5 (source)

2. Harvard University: Data Science

This offline course from Harvard University is a comprehensive program designed to teach you the essential skills of data science. It covers topics such as machine learning, data visualization, and big data and is taught by experienced industry professionals.

Registration:: https://www.harvard.edu/

Expectation: The course is a 12-week in-person program held at Harvard University. What makes it a winning course is the networking opportunities you enjoy here.

Price: $5,000

Placement Assistance: Harvard University does not offer placement assistance for this course.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

3. Caltech: Machine Learning

This offline course from Caltech is an introduction to the field of machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn and make decisions without explicit programming. The course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of machine learning and is taught by Yaser S. Abu-Mostafa, one of the leading experts in the field.

Registration: https://work.caltech.edu/telecourse

Expectation: The course is a 12-week in-person program held at Caltech. Be the study materials or projects; the course will leave no gaps to make you skilled.

Price: $2,000

4. Columbia University: Data Science

This offline course from Columbia University is a comprehensive program designed to teach you the essential skills of data science. It covers topics such as machine learning, data visualization, and big data and is taught by experienced industry professionals.

Registration: https://www.columbia.edu/

Expectation: The course is a 12-week in-person program held at Columbia University. Thanks to the lectures, practical projects, and networking opportunities it offers.

Price: $5,000

Placement assistance: Columbia University does not offer placement assistance for this course.

Overall rating: 4.7/5

5. University of Cambridge: Machine Learning

This offline course from the University of Cambridge is an introduction to the field of machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn and make decisions without explicit programming. The course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of machine learning and is taught by experienced industry professionals.

Registration::https://mlg.eng.cam.ac.uk/

Expectation: The course is a 12-week in-person program held at the University of Cambridge. The lectures, hands-on projects, and networks you gain here are appreciable.

Price: $3,000

Placement Assistance: The University of Cambridge does not offer placement assistance for this course.

Overall rating: 4.9/5

6. University of Oxford: Data Science

This offline course from the University of Oxford is a comprehensive program designed to teach you the essential skills of data science. It covers topics such as machine learning, data visualization, and big data and is taught by experienced industry professionals.

Registration: https://www.ox.ac.uk/

Expectation: The course is a 12-week in-person program held at the University of Oxford. Students get lectures, hands-on projects, and networking opportunities like other courses.

Price: $4,000

Placement assistance: The University of Oxford does not offer any placement for this course.

Overall rating: 4.8/5

7. Stanford University: Deep Learning

This offline course from Stanford University is an introduction to the field of deep learning, a type of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to learn complex patterns in data. The course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of deep learning and is taught by Andrew Ng, one of the leading experts in the field.

Registration:: https://www.stanford.edu/

Expectation: The course is a 12-week in-person program held at Stanford University.

Price: $2,000

Placement assistance: Stanford University does not offer placement assistance for this course. It will help you clear all A-Z of machine learning.

Overall rating: 5/5

8. MIT: Machine Learning

This offline course from MIT is an introduction to the field of machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn and make decisions without explicit programming. The course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of machine learning and is taught by experienced industry professionals.

Registration: https://www.mit.edu/

Expectation: The course is a 12-week in-person program held at MIT. The course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of machine learning and is taught by experienced industry professionals.

Price: $2,500

Placement assistance: MIT does not offer placement assistance for this course.

Overall rating: 4.9/5

8 Tips to Choose the Best Data Science Course

Wondering how to choose a data science course? Read these tips below to have a clear idea.

1. Course Format

One of the first things to consider when choosing a data science course is the format of the course. Do you want to study online or offline? Online courses offer the convenience of studying from anywhere at your own pace, but offline courses offer the opportunity for in-person interaction with instructors and classmates.

2. Course Length

Another vital factor to consider is the length of the course. Do you have the time and dedication to commit to a long, comprehensive program, or would you prefer a shorter, more focused course? Consider your goals and schedule when deciding on the length of the course.

3. Course Content

It is also important to consider the content of the course. What topics will be covered? Does the course cover the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your goals? Ensure the course covers the topics most relevant to your career aspirations.

4. Instructor Experience

The experience and expertise of the instructors are other important factors to consider. Do they have real-world experience in the field of data science? Are they respected leaders in the industry? Look for courses taught by instructors with a proven track record.

5. Price

Price is always an important consideration when choosing a course. More expensive courses may offer more comprehensive content and support, but they may not be feasible for everyone. Consider your budget and determine how much you are willing to spend on a course.

6. Placement Assistance

If you want to start a career in data science, consider a course offering placement assistance. This can include resume building, job search assistance, and networking opportunities.

7. Reviews and Ratings

Before committing to a course, it is a good idea to read reviews and ratings from past students. This can give you a sense of the quality of the course and whether it is worth the investment.

8. Accreditation

Finally, consider the accreditation of the course. Is the course recognized by respected organizations in the field of data science? Accreditation can give you confidence in the quality of the course and the value of the certificate you will earn upon completion.

Qualifications And Education For A Data Science Career

To pursue a career in data science, it is typically recommended to have a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum education requirement for entry-level data science positions. However, a bachelor’s degree is not always necessary to start a career in data science. In addition to a solid educational background, practical experience is also essential for a career in data science.

Continuous learning is also crucial for professionals in the field of data science, as the field is constantly evolving, and new techniques and technologies are being developed. Staying up-to-date through professional development courses and continuing education is essential for success in this dynamic field.

Conclusion

Choosing the best data science course to pursue can be challenging due to the abundance of available options. When deciding, it is crucial to consider factors such as course format, length, content, instructor experience, price, placement assistance, reviews and ratings, and accreditation.

One option that stands out as a top choice for data science courses is Analytics Vidhya. It is worth noting that top hiring companies have recognized Analytics Vidhya as a reliable source of skilled data science professionals. Companies such as Fractal, Genpact, HCL, and ZS Associates have hired graduates of Analytics Vidhya courses.

Some key features that make Analytics Vidhya an excellent choice for data science courses are the following:

• Expert instructors: Analytics Vidhya courses are taught by experienced industry professionals with real-world experience in the field of data science.
• Flexible learning options: With online courses that can be completed at your own pace, Analytics Vidhya offers the convenience of studying from anywhere.
• Comprehensive content: Analytics Vidhya courses cover a wide range of topics in data science, including machine learning, data visualization, and big data.
• Affordable prices: Analytics Vidhya courses are reasonably priced, making them accessible to many learners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which course is best in data science?

A. Currently, the best-paid online course in data science is the Data Science Professional Certificate course by IBM on Coursera. Among the free courses, ‘Introduction to Data Science in Python’ by the University of Michigan is the best.

Q2. What qualifications do I need for a career in data science?

A. Most data science jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, but these days several jobs in the data science domain are open to those with the right skills or experience. Most of these employable skills, such as excel, python, tableau, data analytics, data mining, ML, DL, AI, etc., can be learned through online courses.

Q3. How much does a data science course cost?

A. There are several online courses in data science available for free. These cover a variety of topics from beginner to expert level. Many employable data science skills can also be learned online for free. Paid online courses in data science can cost between $249 – $900, while offline courses are priced between $2000 – $5000.