Do you want to learn how to make data-driven decisions?
If you’re looking for a way to gain the skills needed to work in the field of Data Science, you’ll love this post. We’ve researched for you and found the best Data Science courses on Coursera.
We’ve also included links to the course information. So, you can check out the syllabus and find out more about the instructors that teach each course.
We’ll also give you a few tips to help you get started on the right track.
Understanding Data Science
Diving into the world of Data Science seems daunting until you have all the information. Understanding what Data Science is all about is integral to starting your journey to becoming a Data Scientist.
Data Science is a field that involves domain expertise, programming skills, math, and statistics. With this combination of skills, a Data Scientist would effectively extract meaningful data to help make better business decisions.
With the data collected by Data Scientists, they can help different areas of a company visualize the data they have gathered for improved decision-making.
Data Scientists
The role of Data Scientists is considered one of the most important in any business. They aid every aspect of a company with the Data Analysis they create from unstructured data.
Using different programming tools, analysis tools, and knowledge, they analyze massive amounts of data to draw insightful conclusions.
Skills of a Data Scientist
Most Data Scientists tend to be highly skilled and highly educated. A Master’s degree and a Ph.D. are common among Data Scientists. However, it’s skill and experience that matters in the field.
Here are the common skills you’ll need as a Data Scientist:
Programming
By far, the most commonly required skill you’ll require is programming. You’ll need to know a variety of programming languages. Most courses teach you Data Science with a language like Python.
Python, the most common coding language, is a requirement for any Data Scientist. If you’re not already familiar with it, choosing a course with Python is beneficial.
SAS and Analytical Tools
Data Analysis is a big part of the job description. So, having a solid grasp of SAS and other analytical tools such as Hadoop and R is essential. If you have certifications, it showcases your expertise better.
Unstructured Data
A Data Scientist works with unstructured data. Hence, having experience working with unstructured data that flows in from several sources is essential for the job.
Without such knowledge, Data Scientists won’t make the best of the data available to them.
Communication Skills
Despite being a data-heavy job profile, having solid communication skills is a necessity for any Data Scientist. If you can successfully analyze and extract information from data, then you’ve only done half the job.
The other half of the job description includes explaining your findings to those not in the same profession or background as you!
Data Science vs. Data Analytics
With such skills and job requirements, what’s the difference between a Data Analyst and a Data Scientist?
Well, simply put, Data Analysis comes under the umbrella of Data Science. The questions that Data Science asks are answered by Data Analysis!
Despite being two different professions, they fall under the same purview.
Best Data Science Courses on Coursera
With a clear idea of the profession and what it entails, you can better understand what different courses offer you.
Here are some of the very best courses of Data Science on Coursera.
IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
As one of the most popular courses on the platform, the IBM Data Science course is the most comprehensive course you will find. Whether you are completely new to Data Science or have only a little experience, this is the course for you.
With nine courses within the specialization, it offers a comprehensive understanding of data processing, visualization, machine learning, and different programming languages.
It also places a strong emphasis on applied learning so that a student can access hands-on labs in the IBM cloud. If you’re new to the whole field, then the hands-on experience gives you an edge when applying for jobs later on as well!
Duration: Around 11 months
Price: Around USD 429
Provider: IBM
Data Science Specialization – John Hopkins University
One of the most popular Data Science courses on Coursera is the Data Science course by JHU. Not only is it comprehensive, but it includes a section that no other courses tend to have: statistics.
Considering that statistics is the backbone of the entire field, it’s necessary to have a solid foundation in the study. The course even has a section on the R programming language.
This course requires some prerequisites. Having a basic understanding of algebra, calculus, and linear algebra is important. You’ll need to have some programming experience.
Through the ten courses in the specialization, you’ll gain a basic understanding of everything in the Data Science universe. However, there’s no hands-on experience; it’s pure theory.
Duration: 11 months
Price: USD 539
Provider: John Hopkins University
Applied Data Science With Python Specialization
If you’re already familiar with R programming and have a firm grasp of statistical concepts, this course would be an excellent option for you.
It’s an applied course which means you’ll get a comprehensive understanding and introduction to Python libraries like pandas, matplotlib, scikit-learn, nltk, and networkx.
This course teaches you how to use these common Python libraries on real data. It’s advisable to do a starter course on statistics before taking up this course if you’re rusty.
Duration: Approximately five months
Price: USD 245
Provider: University of Michigan
Machine Learning Specialization
Once you’re a little more proficient with Python and data structures, you can move on to learning more. The Machine Learning Specialization is one of the best steps to take when you’ve got your foundation set.
The course by the University of Washington assumes you’re familiar with Python and the fundamentals of Data Science. Then, it goes into the fundamentals of machine learning. Things like regression, classification, and clustering appear in the four courses of this specialization.
Duration: 7 months
Price: USD 343
Provider: University of Washington
Deep Learning Specialization
You won’t find better than the highest-rated courses related to Data Science on the internet if you’re looking to develop specific skills.
The Deep Learning specialization has been created by Andrew Ng, the same person who made the Stanford Machine Learning Course, which is also extremely popular.
Despite not offering more on the foundations of Data Science, it’s still a top-rated course because it deals with the neural networks of Python. For a Data Scientist, an inner understanding of the most common programming language is invaluable.
Duration: Approximately five months
Price: USD 245
Provider: Coursera Course by Andrew Ng
How to Choose the Right Course
It’s all well and good to have access to these great courses available to you, but how do you choose the course to get into? What makes it the right course for you? Well, here’s a quick understanding of what to look for when choosing a Data Science course for yourself.
Course Level
Coursera courses, along with any other kind, of course, have levels specified before the course. If there are any prerequisites to the course, they will mention these as well. Looking at the level of the course you’re interested in should be your first step.
If it’s a course that is way beyond your skill level, you’re not going to be able to process anything.
So, take a look at the level of the course and read the description. If the course’s subject matter is the bare basics, it’s perfect for a beginner. When you’re looking for something at a higher level, the courses start to get specific.
Requirements
While checking the level, you’ll see the prerequisites to the course. But, there are always some points not mentioned. For example, many Data Science courses don’t have any prerequisite of a statistics course – they assume you have a good understanding of statistics.
So, take a look at the course material to see if there are any hidden requirements. If you want to double-check, look for the comments from those who have already completed the course.
Comments
On that note, make sure to look at the comments about the course you’re planning to take up. If you’re going to be paying for certificates, then you might as well do a course that is well-known and worth it.
For example, the Google certificates on Coursera are valid only in a few select companies worldwide and seem like a brilliant addition to your repertoire. However, comments will tell you what you’re going to learn from this. They’ll let you know whether it’s worth the money.
Cost
There’s no point in paying an excessive amount for a course that had the same content as a cheaper course. When you’re choosing the right Data Science course for yourself, set a budget.
Apart from a budget, remember that being expensive does not always equal good. Do your research and don’t judge a course’s worth by its price.
Are Data Science Courses Worth It?
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth doing a bunch of Data Science courses, then the answer is a resounding yes!
Data Science is a fast-growing field that is extremely lucrative. Along with the field, Data Scientists are in great demand at the moment, and they’ll continue to be as long as data exists.
However, even as you’re entering the field, it’s imperative to know that the competition is also incredibly high. Apart from being incredibly experienced and educated, you’ll need to do everything in your power to stay aware. Never let that curiosity die out!
Benefits of a Data Science Course
Data Science courses don’t stop at the first beginner course. They’re usually a chain of courses that you’ll be taking to improve your skills.
However, what is the benefit of such courses?
Career Growth
Data Science certifications are a way to take a step forward on your career path. Professional certification from portals like Coursera helps you stand out from the crowd and establishes your experience in the field. It could also lead to a salary increase of about 20% to 40%!
Flexibility and Options
Data Science doesn’t work in just one sector. Everything from the healthcare industry to the entertainment industry is leveraging Data Science to improve their businesses. There is an incredible demand for qualified Data Scientists.
Getting Data Science certification is your first step into any industry of your choosing. You also have your pick of locations all over the world. Places such as India, France, Germany, UK, and the USA are steadily hiring Data Scientists.
Data Science certifications also allow you to work in several different specializations that fall under the umbrella of Data Science.
Updated Information
If you’ve been in the field for some time, then you’ll know the importance of staying on top of the latest trends. The courses refresh your domain memory and show you what the latest trends are, so you’re always up to date!
Expertise
If there was any way to showcase your expertise in a particular field, then it’s with a certification or two. While hands-on experience is extremely valuable, having credentials shows that you are, in fact, qualified to have that level of expertise.
Dedication and Commitment
If you’re looking for a job, your employer is looking to see how dedicated and committed you are. Well, a certification shows your continuous and renewed dedication to keeping on top of trends and learning about your field.
Endnotes
Coursera is a treasure chest of incredible Data Science courses. With a few courses and some professional certification, you’ll be set to take the Data Science field by storm! Whether you’re thinking of entering the industry now or have some experience and are looking to move forward in your career – a Data Science course is invaluable.
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