If you work in tech, you likely know about how sought-after data analytics professionals are. Before you can gain the career and professional benefits of this field, you need to understand, comprehend, and perform at a high level.
There are so many types of data that need to be examined across different industries. Without data analytics, businesses would be left making uneducated choices and start to lose their footing in the industry. That is, if they ever had one at all.
Working in data is great, because it’s an in-demand field full of opportunities, and it doesn’t get old. Knowing how to examine data trends properly means your skills adapt well into many fields.
You can have little-to-no experience in data analytics and still take this path. But first, you have to know where to learn and who to learn from. Here we cover the best data analytics courses online.
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How we rank these courses?
We picked these courses with the assumption that you’re new to data science. These all explain how data science works and have open-source designs. There’s also a focus on algorithms for machine learning.
Although these courses are for beginners, they don’t shy away from explaining data analytics theory. This is important to know, because it helps you see what’s driving the data you’re analyzing.
We also made sure the classes are well designed and easily accessible. You shouldn’t have to learn data analytics from a bunch of poorly explained lessons in text format or unenthusiastic instructors.
Additionally, we factored in reviews from other users to ensure you're not taking a course with anything but excellent ratings.
These aren’t the only data sciences classes out there, but we’re confident these are among the best ones around.
Our list had to be whittled down significantly before we decided upon these. We also do our best to explain what you can expect when you take each training.
Best Data Analytics Training Online
5.) Applied Data Science by University of Michigan
Value
The overall value provided in this course relative to others courses.
Success Rate
The number of students who gain certification after going through
Cost
Rating is based on the price to invest in this course relative to other courses.
University of Michigan's administration shows how invested they are in teaching data science with this excellent course.
Applied Data Science with Python Specialization teaches how data science works and how you can apply them to various situations.
There isn’t much of an emphasis on stats or derivations as other courses, but there’s still a lot to learn from this course. You can really understand how algorithms apply to use Python.
If you don’t understand stats or programming at least somewhat, educate yourself before taking this course.
There is a Statistics with Python Specialization course you can take before this one. This could put you ahead of other students, who might’ve learned stats in the past but need to be refreshed on some of the concepts.
Key Benefits
4.) College Data Analysis by EDX
Value
The overall value provided in this course relative to others courses.
Success Rate
The number of students who gain certification after going through
Cost
Rating is based on the price to invest in this course relative to other courses.
Anyone interested in online learning should know about edX. There are many great things you can learn from this site, including data analytics. They have quite a few courses that can turn you into a real data wizard.
Whether you want to learn about machine learning, coding, or data science, edX has something for you.
Behind edX’s courses are great schools and brands. It’s truly remarkable to be able to take classes from MIT, IBM, and Harvard.
However, the high pedigree doesn’t make these classes inaccessible. They do a fine job of making the courses as straightforward as possible, without reducing their substance.
Look through these courses and see which one best suits your experience and desires. It would be best if you challenged yourself without going too far too soon.
Stay engaged with your classwork and all the lessons. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone but yourself.
Key Benefits
3.) Data Science Specialization by Johns Hopkins
Value
The overall value provided in this course relative to others courses.
Success Rate
The number of students who gain certification after going through
Cost
Rating is based on the price to invest in this course relative to other courses.
Johns Hopkins University created one of the top data science courses. It helps you understand data science and elements related to it, such as statistics. You’ll receive a fantastic education when you take this course.
The computer language emphasized here is “R”. You don’t need to know it to take Data Science Specialization, but it can definitely give you a leg-up.
It’s more important to have at least a little programming knowledge. Brush up on your math skill as well, especially algebra. You should be able to see how closely related the two topics are.
Key Benefits
2.) Data Analysis by Lean Six Sigma
Value
The overall value provided in this course relative to others courses.
Success Rate
The number of students who gain certification after going through
Cost
Rating is based on the price to invest in this course relative to other courses.
This is a very well-designed class from Lean Six Sigma. They use this course to help people understand how they use data analytics to help ensure efficiency.
When this course is over, you’ll know how Lean Six Sigma uses data for their processes. It’s sort of like working at a restaurant and seeing how some of your favorite dishes are made.
Taught by renowned stats professional Inez Zwetsloot, Lean Six Sigma’s really goes far with explaining data analysis and how to use it. You can also learn a lot about statistics when you take this course.
Key Benefits
1.) Intro to Data Science by Metis
Value
The overall value provided in this course relative to others courses.
Success Rate
The number of students who gain certification after going through
Cost
Rating is based on the price to invest in this course relative to other courses.
Intro to Data Science by Metis is instructed by a highly rated data scientist and has near-perfect reviews from multiple outlets.
When you take this six-week class, you’ll learn all about data science. This is a live course, meaning you can learn as the instructor is teaching. Adding further legitimacy is its accreditation and certificate for students who finish.
To succeed, you must have good time management skills. Classes take place twice a week, so make sure you know exactly when to show up.
Keep up with the instructor as best you can during lessons and take advantage of office hours to clarify anything you have questions about.
Key Benefits
FAQ's
How do I most effectively learn data science?
If you want to learn data science, you have to push yourself. It’s a great topic, but it’s also one that can be difficult to understand.
Don’t go too hard on yourself, but you shouldn’t just treat them as something you can learn while watching TV or surfing the internet.
You’ll feel frustration and moments of doubt. Those are normal and healthy experiences. Think about things you can do easily now, like riding a bike or driving a car.
There was a time when these were both difficult. However, you stuck with them because you knew they were worth your time and effort.
There’s not a single moment where you know everything there is to know about data science. It’s such an intense topic that even people teaching these courses will likely admit they still have a lot to learn.
However, you can still assess yourself based on how much knowledge you’ve gained since you started.
What pre-requisite skills and knowledge do I need?
Before you take any of these data science classes, you should have a strong understanding of math. It’s especially good to know algebra, calculus, and stats.
You should also know at least one programming language, machine learning, and some data topics.
Beyond these skills, you should also have a strong temperament for dealing with difficult situations. Data analytics means dealing with a lot of information at once, and you need to be able to keep your cool, especially when things start to go south.
Should I get certification when completing the course?
You’ll see that many of these courses let you get a certificate for passing, especially for the paid ones. This definitely lends an air of legitimacy to courses, and it can help your resumé stand out.
Having a data analytics certificate is nice, but not essential. There are ways to show employers and others that you know your way around data analytics without this kind of documentation.
However, along with the certificate, paying the small amount for the course also gets your work graded. Getting real feedback from the instructor can be crucial to your development.
Final Thoughts
Data is everywhere, and it could be the center of your next career. These courses do an excellent job of teaching how to use data science to your advantage.
You might have previously thought of this as just numbers being thrown around. With only a little bit of experience, you can see how data science goes far beyond quantitive analysis.
Without dedicated data scientists, feats in technology and understanding would be more challenging to reach. If you're working in this field, you can feel like you're making a real difference in the world.
Data science is about going through information and seeing what it tells us about the future. You can practically feel clairvoyant when you work in this field.
You can also earn over $100,000 per year and even higher as you develop your skills and demonstrate success climbing up your company's ladder.
Consider what you're passionate about and how you could use data science with it. For instance, if you love sports, you can use data to assess whether or not a team is likely to win a specific game.
All of these courses are great for different reasons, but we suggest starting with one and going from there. Our highest recommendation is Intro to Data Science from Metis which you can find right here.
Good luck on your journey!
