With data science being a sought-after and expanding sector, it’s reassuring to know that you can break into it without any prior experience. The field presents promising job prospects, making it an excellent career choice for those looking to enter a thriving industry.
After researching the best data science courses for beginners that require no prior experience, here is a curated list of courses along with detailed information on their offerings. These courses are suitable for those starting from scratch and looking to enter the data science field. Here are seven online data science courses that are suitable for beginners with no prior experience:
Data Science MicroMasters – MIT @ edX
Provider: MIT via edX
Description: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of data science, focusing on probability and statistics. It’s part of a MicroMasters series that emphasizes statistical content.
Review: The course’s global recognition and MIT’s reputation suggest high satisfaction.
Schedule & Hours: Flexible, self-paced
Certificate: Yes, paid certificate available
Recognized Body: MIT
Future Job Opportunities: Roles in data analysis, machine learning engineering, and statistical analysis
Support Availability: Course forums and community interaction
CS109 Data Science – Harvard
Provider: Harvard University
Description: This course offers both theoretical knowledge and practical application, covering a wide range of data science topics. It’s one of the most comprehensive introductory courses available for free.
Review: Reviews highlight its in-depth coverage of data science fundamentals and practical applications.
Schedule & Hours: Flexible, self-paced
Certificate: No
Recognized Body: Harvard University
Future Job Opportunities: Data scientist, data analyst roles
Support Availability: Not specified
Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp – Udemy
Provider: Udemy
Description: This course covers Python programming for data science, including libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and machine learning techniques.
Review: Positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage of Python and machine learning.
Schedule & Hours: Self-paced, 21 hours of content
Certificate: Yes
Recognized Body: Udemy
Future Job Opportunities: Python developer, data analyst, machine learning engineer
Support Availability: Q&A section within the course
Harvard Professional Certificate in Data Science – edX
Provider: Harvard University via edX
Description: This program covers from basics of R programming to advanced concepts, with a capstone project for hands-on experience.
Review: Highly regarded for its comprehensive curriculum and practical projects.
Schedule & Hours: Flexible, self-paced
Certificate: Yes
Recognized Body: Harvard University
Future Job Opportunities: Data scientist, data engineer roles
Support Availability: Community forums, ongoing support post-course completion
Data Science Nanodegree Program – Udacity
Provider: Udacity
Description: Focuses on NLP, data pipelines, and machine learning with projects to build practical skills.
Review: Praised for its hands-on approach and real-world project experience.
Schedule & Hours: 4 months, self-paced
Certificate: Yes
Recognized Body: Udacity
Future Job Opportunities: Data scientist, NLP engineer
Support Availability: Career services, GitHub portfolio review
Data Science for Beginners – YouTube (Edureka!)
Provider: Edureka!
Description: A free YouTube course covering basic to advanced topics, including machine learning and data science interview prep.
Review: Ideal for beginners, free access, but no certification.
Schedule & Hours: 11 hours of content
Certificate: No
Recognized Body: Edureka!
Future Job Opportunities: Entry-level data science roles
Support Availability: YouTube community engagement
Data Science Foundations – Codecademy
Provider: Codecademy
Description: Teaches principles of data literacy, statistics, and Python tools like Pandas and Matplotlib, with project-based learning.
Review: Suitable for beginners with a focus on building a data science portfolio.
Schedule & Hours: 16 weeks
Certificate: Yes
Recognized Body: Codecademy
Future Job Opportunities: Junior data scientist, data analyst
Support Availability: Quizzes and community forums
Comprehensive analysis
| Data Science MicroMasters – MIT @ edX | Provider: MIT via edX Hours: Flexible Certificate: Yes Recognized Body: MIT Future Job Opportunities: Data scientist, Data engineer Cost: $1,350 for certificate Stars: N/A (edX courses generally receive high ratings, 4-5) |
| CS109 Data Science – Harvard | Provider: Harvard University Hours: Flexible Certificate: No Recognized Body: Harvard University Future Job Opportunities: Data scientist, data analyst, Cost: Free (No certification) Stars: N/A (High-quality content, but no formal rating) |
| Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp | Provider: Udemy Hours: 21 hours Certificate: Yes Recognized Body: Udemy Future Job Opportunities: Python developer, data analyst, machine learning engineer Cost: Varies (Check Udemy for current pricing) Stars: 4.6 |
| Harvard Professional Certificate in Data Science | Provider: Harvard University via edX Hours: Flexible Certificate: Yes Recognized Body: Harvard University Future Job Opportunities: Data scientist, data engineer, Cost: Varies (edX pricing structure) Stars: 4.7 |
| Data Science Nanodegree Program | Provider: Udacity, Hours: 4 months, Certificate: Yes, Recognized Body: Udacity, Future Job Opportunities: Data scientist, NLP engineer, Cost: Paid (Check Udacity for current pricing)Stars: 4.5 |
| Data Science for Beginners – YouTube (Edureka!) | Provider: Edureka!, Hours: 11 hours, Certificate: No, Recognized Body: Edureka!, Future Job Opportunities: Entry-level data science roles, Cost: Free (No certification) Stars: N/A (Positive feedback, but no formal rating) |
| Data Science Foundations – Codecademy | Provider: Codecademy Hours: 16 weeks Certificate: Yes Recognized Body: Codecademy Future Job Opportunities: Junior data scientist, data analyst Cost: Free (Certificate might be paid) Stars: 4.5 |
These courses provide a solid foundation in data science concepts and practical skills, making them suitable for beginners with no prior experience. They offer flexibility in scheduling, comprehensive coverage of essential topics, and support resources to assist learners throughout their journey. Additionally, the certificates offered by these courses are recognized by reputable institutions and organizations, enhancing the credibility of the learners in the job market.