As more organizations see the benefit of collecting and leveraging big data, they use data science tools and techniques to improve business operations, grow their organization, increase profits, and improve customer satisfaction. Data science involves applying a range of tools and techniques to large volumes of data to unearth hidden patterns, trends, or other useful information. These insights help the organization make more informed business decisions.
Data Scientists rely on tools like machine learning algorithms to create predictive models based on data. On a daily basis, these professionals also work with the data science lifecycle’s five stages. The first stage involves gathering raw data in a structured or unstructured form. Stage two pertains to preparing these data via warehousing, cleansing, or processing to transform this raw data into a usable form. Stage three includes data processing, in which Data Scientists perform tasks like data mining, clustering, and modeling to study its ranges, patterns, or biases to determine how helpful it will be for predictive analysis. The fourth stage involves data analysis using exploratory, predictive, and qualitative analysis, as well as regression or text mining. In the final stage of the data science lifecycle, data findings are communicated via data visualizations and data reporting. Those who are able to perform all five stages of the data science lifecycle can uncover many useful insights from the data that help their organization make more informed decisions.
The Best Data Science Classes
The following sections explore some of the best data science classes currently available in online and in-person formats.
NYC Career Centers—Python for Data Science Bootcamp (In-Person in NYC & Live Online)
Python for Data Science Bootcamp covers both basic Python programming concepts through advanced skills like machine learning. In this hands-on program, participants learn how and why Python is applied to data science. Those enrolled receive instruction on using Python to handle data, create data visualizations, and apply statistical concepts to machine learning models. Python basics are covered as well, like writing expressions, understanding different data types, using lists and indexes, and creating variables. In addition, students also learn object-oriented programming and IDLE programming. In the second part of this class, participants work with conditional statements and control flow tools. Learners become proficient in writing loops, working with dictionaries, and creating functions. The third part of this class covers data science tools and operations. Instruction is provided on working with NumPy and Pandas for importing and cleansing data. Participants then use Pandas, Matplotlib, and NumPy to analyze and visualize data findings.
Key Information
This bootcamp is available for $1,495. This program requires 30 hours to complete.
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All students have the option of a free course retake for up to one year. Participants earn a digital certificate of completion when they graduate from this course. They also are allowed to keep their proprietary notebooks.
ONLC Training Centers—SAS Fundamentals (In Person in Santa Monica, CA )
SAS Fundamentals is intended for those who want to learn how to create data analysis reports without having to write a single line of code. This introductory-level program prepares students to work with SAS Studio and SAS programming. Those enrolled work with real-life examples such as stocks, crime, healthcare, marketing, election predictions, and the gold process. This experience is intended to show students data science in action and how SAS can be used to easily visualize data and perform other complicated tasks. Step-by-step instruction is offered on creating stunning data visualizations like maps. Instruction is provided on how to edit the code automatically generated from SAS IDE and how it can be used to execute advanced tasks. The skills acquired in this class can be applied to SAS Enterprise Guide or SAS Viya. The intended audience for this program is Data Scientists, as well as those who work with data analytics.
Key Information
Tuition for this program is $1,195. It takes three full days of study to complete this class.
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Participants who master this course content will be qualified to pass SAS certification exams SAS 9.4 Base Programming (A00-231), as well as SAS 9.4 Programming Fundamentals (A0-215). These individuals will also be heading toward qualification for SAS 9.4 Advanced Programming (A00-212).
Graduates of this program shared their experiences through online surveys. One learner wrote that “The instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend this course for every beginner if you just need a refresher.” Another said, “This was simply an amazing class.”
Net Com Learning—Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution (Live Online)
Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution teaches students how to use Azure services to develop, train, and deploy different machine learning solutions. This class begins with an overview of the Azure services that support data science. It then moves into how Azure’s Machine Learning service can be used to automate the data science pipeline. Because this class focuses entirely on Azure, students interested in enrolling should have familiarity with the data science process. This program is intended for Data Scientists interested in learning how to train and deploy different machine-learning models.
Key Information
Tuition is $2,495. This class can be completed in four full days of study. Those interested in enrolling should be familiar with core data science concepts such as how to prepare data and train models. Students should also have experience working with Python and its libraries like Seabrn and Pandas. Prospective students should take the one-day Microsoft Azure Fundamentals class before enrolling in this program.
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All learners receive PDFs of lab manuals and courseware as part of tuition.
Noble Desktop—Python for Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp (In Person NYC & Live Online)
Python for Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp, available from Noble Desktop, teaches students a variety of Python skills with applications in data science. Students learn how to use Python to manipulate databases and execute various forms of analysis on data. This class commences with an overview of basic Python concepts, like working with this language’s Matplotlip, Pandas, and NumPy libraries for data analysis. Instruction is provided on how to use scikit-learn to create predictive models and machine learning packages. Students also work with Python to automate repetitive tasks such as aggregating, updating, and formatting data. In the last unit, those enrolled work with Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly, and Dash Enterprise to design interactive data visualizations and dashboards. Those who graduate from this program have the necessary skills to pursue a career as an entry-level Python Engineer or Data Scientist.
Key Information
Tuition to this bootcamp is $3,495. This fee can be paid upfront or through financing. This program requires 96 hours to complete. No prerequisites are required for enrollment save for basic computer skills.
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Participants in this program not only receive hands-on data science training from an expert instructor, but they also have the option of retaking this entire bootcamp for up to one year for no additional cost. Students each receive four one-on-one mentoring sessions that can be used to help with the job application process, resumes, professional portfolios, or LinkedIn profiles. All of Noble Desktop’s bootcamp lessons are recorded and can be accessed online one day after they are taught. All graduates receive a verified digital certificate of completion.
Data Incubator—Fall Data Science Essentials Program (Live Online)
Data Incubator offers Fall Data Science Essentials Program for those who want to explore fundamental data science concepts and skills. Participants receive instruction on how Python can be used to collect, cleanse, and analyze data. They work with relational databases and create machine-learning models. This live online course is intended for those who are new to data science and seeking hands-on training using a range of skills and techniques, as well as for professionals like Data Analysts, Software Engineers, Data Engineers, Economists, and Researchers interested in using machine learning and quantitative analysis.
Key Information
Those who book early can enroll in this program for $1,000. A week before the start of class, this fee increases to $2,895. As a prerequisite to study, prospective students should know programming fundamentals and have a basic understanding of statistics. This program consists of 16 two-hour sessions.
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Those who graduate from this program automatically qualify to be admitted into the TDI Fellowship cohort. The fee for those interested in attending Fall Data Science Essentials Program will be subtracted from tuition for any student who pays upfront for this course.
General Assembly—Data Science Bootcamp (In Person in Seattle & Live Online)
Data Science Bootcamp, offered by General Assembly, is intended for students interested in exploring the field of data science. This course begins by defining what data science is, and the toolset Data Scientists use. Coursework is taught through case studies and real-world examples. Students explore the various types of problems data science can solve, statistical models and their applications, the data science lifecycle, and use data visualization as an exploratory data analysis tool. By the end of this class, those enrolled will be able to use data science terminology to phrase problems, work toward a solution through a structured process, and fully understand how data visualization can be used to uncover and share data insights.
Key Information
This bootcamp costs $250. Although this class usually takes place in-person in Seattle, it is behind temporarily held in the live online platform due to current health concerns. This class is open to learners at all levels and requires no prerequisites. Students should have a computer with a strong internet connection, a working microphone, and a webcam. All course information is emailed to students 24 hours before the course starts.
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Students who already completed this course left online reviews of their experience learning with General Assembly. One participant wrote, “This class was engaging and insightful!” Another shared that “The class was very organized with a sequential order of steps and examples of how to implement skills.” A third student said, “This class was excellent and very informative.”
Practical Programming—Data Science Immersive (In-Person in NYC & Live Online)
Practical Programming’s Python for Data Science Immersive provides students with fast-paced training in how to apply Python to data science. Students learn core programming concepts such as how to work with objects, functions, and loops. They also become familiar with handling different types of data such as lists, integers, and strings. Those enrolled learn how to work with conditional statements for selectively altering control flow. This immersive course also covers Python libraries NumPy and Pandas and how they can be used to analyze tabular data, as well as how Matplotlib can visualize data findings. Learners also receive instruction on using scikit-learn to forecast outcomes.
Key Information
This course costs $1,495. This 30-hour class can be completed in five full days of study or ten part-time sessions. No prerequisites are required for study.
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Those who graduate from this class earn a verified certificate of completion. Students can retake this class for free for up to one year. Remote setup assistance is provided for those who need it. Students have access to class recordings for up to a month after completing this class.
Graduates of the Data Science Immersive wrote their reviews online. One student said, “If you’ve never programmed and are looking for a school with classes that will get you up to speed quickly in a way that’s easy to follow and understand, this is the school to do that.” Another noted,, “This course was very helpful for people looking to advance in their career. The instructor was very patient and helpful.” A third student shared, “This is an excellent class. It taught me Python’s building blocks. I highly recommend this class.”
Quality & Productivity Solutions, Inc.—Mastering Applied Data Science (In Person in Boston)
Information Science & Data Analysis is available for those seeking to learn how information science is being applied to information gathering, classification, manipulation, analysis, retrieval, storage, dissemination, and protection. This class covers a range of information science topics. Students learn how to use and apply knowledge within an organizational framework, between individuals, organizations, and existing information systems. This class teaches participants how to understand, create, replicate, and improve various information systems. This program is intended for individuals at all learning levels who wish to expand their information science knowledge.
Key Information
Tuition is $1,495. It takes three full days to complete this course. No prerequisites are listed for this course.
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A graduate of this program shared their review online. They wrote, “I loved this class. Great information was provided.”
Digital Workshop Center—Data Science Certificate Program (Live Online)
Data Science Certificate is available for those who are looking for advanced-level data science instruction. Participants learn how to use R software. Instruction is offered on cleaning and organizing data, as well as spotting key data features. Students plot data, write functions, and use a basic linear regression model. This program also covers how to automate tasks and create automated reports. By the end of this class, those enrolled will be familiar with how statistics can be practically applied in the business sector, as well as how to work with machine learning and optimization.
Key Information
Tuition for Data Science Certificate is $5,995. Most learners can complete this program in approximately three to four months. Students have up to a year to complete this class once they are enrolled. It is suggested that those interested in enrolling complete Microsoft Excel Level 2 and Microsoft Excel PivotTables and PivotCharts, or possess an equivalent level of proficiency. In addition, students should be familiar with how to apply basic programming concepts in a business setting. All participants must complete a pre-assignment before the first class meeting.
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Participants in the Data Science Certificate Program can retake this class for free for up to one year. One-on-one mentoring is also available during classroom training, as well as for a month after the class ends. Participants have the opportunity to complete a capstone project that can then be included in their professional portfolios. Near the end of the program, those enrolled are assigned to an expert career coach, who can help them begin the job search. They also have access to perks like one-on-one resume writing sessions and job search workshops.
Learning Tree International—Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning & AI (In-Person in Virginia)
Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning & AI teaches participants foundational techniques and skills necessary to succeed in data science. This class begins by exploring the data science lifecycle. Students then explore technical skills like using Python and its libraries to preprocess unstructured data, perform data analysis and visualization, and create machine learning and artificial intelligence models. Participants work with core machine learning algorithms like linear regression, clustering, and decision tree classifiers and study how these techniques can be used to tackle real-world problems such as forecasting customer church and creating recommendation engines.
Key Information
Tuition is $3,190. It takes five full days to complete this program. This class takes place in the in-person learning environment in Herndon, Virginia. No prerequisites are listed for study.
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Those enrolled in this hands-on class take an end-of-the-course exam to test their acquired knowledge. They can also take advantage of professional support perks such as after-course one-on-one instructor coaching and an exclusive LinkedIn group that provides community support.
NYC Data Science Academy—Data Science with R: Data Analysis and Visualization (Live Online)
Data Science with R: Data Analysis and Visualization is offered by NYC Data Science Academy for those seeking an in-depth overview of how to work with the R programming language. Participants receive instruction on processing, manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing data. They also learn how to use data findings to create detailed reports. Students learn how to treat basic data elements and use “dplyr” to manipulate data. Those enrolled also study how to write functions, make graphs, and fit data into basic statistical models. By the completion of this class, students will have the skills needed to create both basic and advanced data visualizations, like mosaic plots, time-series diagrams, and violin plots.
Key Information
This beginner-friendly program is available for $2,190. Coursework can be completed in five weeks. As a prerequisite, students should possess basic computer programming knowledge.
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All graduates of this program receive a certificate of completion.
NYC Data Science alumni shared their experiences. One student wrote, “The instructors we have are AMAZING! They are so knowledgeable and very passionate about data science. TAs are the most hard-working group of people I know! The students are impressive as well.” Another said, “In my mind, there is no such thing as a perfect bootcamp, but NYC Data Science Academy got as close to perfect as it can get for me. This curriculum is the most comprehensive of all the data science bootcamps available.”
TheDevMasters—Mastering Applied Data Science (In Person in Los Angeles)
Mastering Applied Data Science is a 12-week course of applied lab training and hands-on data science instruction. Students complete a range of real-world projects in this course. In Part 1, they complete a six-week focus on data science applied labs. This provides instruction on the skills needed to become a Business Intelligence Analyst or Data Scientist. Industry experts teach students how to create and implement algorithms and predictive models using machine learning. Data visualization techniques are also introduced, as well as statistical models like logistic regression and logistics regression. The second six-week part of this course is devoted to project-based training. This segment covers how to use data to solve real-world problems.
Key Information
This program costs $6,995 and takes 12 weeks to complete. Those interested in enrolling should have a suitable laptop device with at least 4GB of RAM and Anaconda installed.
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The last session in this class is devoted to career planning and professional development. All participants have the opportunity to network with theDevMaster’s data science community and receive assistance with job recruitment. Those enrolled create a personal GitHub showcase as part of their professional portfolio. Participants receive a certificate of competition for successfully graduating from this program.
Flatiron School—Data Science Bootcamp (Live Online)
Data Science Bootcamp is provided by Flatiron School for those looking to explore current AI tools and emerging data science technologies. Those enrolled complete prework that teaches data science foundational skills. Instruction is then provided on how to work with SQL and Python. Students handle real-world datasets that are sometimes messy and learn how to find insights that can be used to create data visualization. Learners also study using Python’s scientific tools, like SciPy, Pandas, and NumPy, to design high-quality data reports. In the machine learning portion of this class, those enrolled are taught how to work with statistical models to make predictions involving unseen data. Instruction is also provided on AI theory, which includes regularization, data leakage, and overfitting. By the end of this bootcamp, participants will be able to work with advanced AI models, deployment, and model interpretability.
Key Information
Interested learners can request tuition details via Flatiron School’s website. There are three payment options: upfront payment, loans, or monthly installment plans with zero interest. It takes 15 weeks of full-time study to complete this program for those who opt for live online study. This bootcamp is also available in the self-paced format and requires 40 weeks of part-time coursework. No prerequisites are required.
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Participants in this program complete a capstone project that requires them to use the skills they’ve learned in this bootcamp. The independent machine learning project can then be shared with potential employers as part of a professional portfolio. Tuition includes access to Flatiron Schoo’s career services team. In addition, career coaching is offered to all students. Participants also can access a national network of hiring partners.
Bootcamp graduates share their experiences online. One participant said, “I felt that I had so much support. I was a beginner studying Python and SQL. Every project applied what we just learned to real-world problems, and that ended up impressing my interviewees. Especially the final project.” Another wrote, “I was most surprised by how quickly it went and how much I learned in such a short time. There were many occasions when I told my partner, ‘A week ago, I had never heard of this technique, and now I’m doing it.’”
General Assembly—Introduction to Data Science: Demystified (In-Person in Chicago)
Introduction to Data Science: Demystified is a talk designed to help anyone interested in exploring data science such as Product Managers, tech leaders, CEOs, and CTOs, gain a more realistic understanding of this field. This beginner-friendly lecture starts with a discussion of the main aspects of the data analysis process such as acquiring and exploring data, cleaning it, modeling it, and communicating results. Common pitfalls are also discussed. This class is open to learners at all levels.
Key Information
This class costs $40 and takes place in Chicago. As a prerequisite to enrollment, participants should have a basic understanding of business, analytical, and technical topics.
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General Assembly alumni share their experiences online. One participant wrote, “I thought the instructor did an excellent job. The class was organized. I highly recommend it.” Another said, “I really appreciated the presentation! It was helpful and informative.”
Noble Desktop—Data Science Certificate (In-Person in NYC & Live Online)
Data Science Certificate, which Noble Desktop provides, is intended for students who want to take a deep dive into the necessary skills and tools for pursuing a data science career. This beginner-level, hands-on program covers how to manipulate and analyze data, which are essential skills for entry-level data science or Python engineering roles. Participants in this intensive certificate program use Python’s main data science libraries to analyze data. Instruction is offered on how to read and write database queries, cleanse data, and use Python to automate a range of repetitive tasks such as formatting, updating, and aggregating data. Students also create machine learning models that rely on data and evaluate how they perform. By the end of this class, those enrolled will know how to create data visualizations and dashboards and present their findings using tools like Dash Enterprise, Seaborn, Matplotlib, and Plotly. They deploy their work on GitHub, so prospective employers can access it.
Key Information
This program is available for $3,995. This fee can be paid upfront, with installments, or through 12-month financing. It takes participants 114 hours to complete this class. Coursework can be completed in four full-time weeks of study or spaced out over 20 weeks of part-time lessons.
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Six one-on-one mentoring sessions are provided to all students. These sessions can be used to work on professional portfolios, review complicated material from class, resume development, or assist with LinkedIn profiles. All students can retake this certificate for free for up to one year.
Graduates of this shared their reviews online. One student wrote, “I started with no prior knowledge of Python and by the end of the course, I was able to complete a machine learning project using Python.” Another noted, “Having no prior knowledge or experience in computer/data science, this course prepared me to use and apply Python.” A third graduate shared, “This was an excellent class that provided me with a deep and valuable understanding of Python and data science.”
WeCloudData—Data Science Bootcamp (Live Online)
Data Science Bootcamp offers intermediate-level instruction for those interested in learning more about the field of data science. Instruction is provided on topics and skills like working with Python and SQL, mastering the data science lifecycle, cleaning data, and applying machine learning algorithms. Through a structured data science learning progression, students complete various hands-on projects and acquire real-world industry experience when working with data. The first project in this class involves sports analytics with machine learning. Learners also work with business use cases and agile project management.
Key Information
Tuition is $15,400. A 15% tuition discount is available for those who book early. It takes four months to complete this live online course.
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In addition to 14 weeks of live online training, participants receive six months of project-building support, as well as six months of job support and career mentorship after they graduate. WeCloudData provides all learners with extensive support during this period to help them launch a career in a range of data-related fields such as Machine Learning Scientists, Statistical Analysts, Big Data Analysts, Data Scientists, or Machine Learning Engineers.
A recent graduate of this program shared their experiences online. “All the teachers and professors have played an important role in shaping my career. Their care for students’ well-being and their ability to cater to all learning styles was one of the keys to my success. I would definitely recommend this program for all career switchers.
NYC Data Science Academy—Data Science with Machine Learning (Live Online)
Data Science With Machine Learning provides participants with immersive training in real-world data skills needed for a career in data science. Students learn data analytics and visualization, as well as machine learning. They receive instruction on creating statistical models and using tools like AWS, Hadoop, and Spark. One of the features that distinguishes this bootcamp from others is its focus on both Python and R to analyze and visualize data. Those enrolled complete four application projects involving real-world datasets and business problems. This bootcamp’s capstone project is usually sponsored by a company in New York. By the completion of this class, participants will be proficient in the main skills and tools required for data analysis and machine learning.
Key Information
This bootcamp program costs $17,600 and takes 12 weeks to complete. Learners can decide whether to pay upfront or use third-party financing. There are two merit-based scholarships available: Post-Doctoral Student Scholarship and Women in Data Science Scholarship. As a prerequisite to enrollment, students are expected to complete 40 hours of online work. This includes over 200 exercises and prepares learners to use R and Python, as well as to revisit basic mathematical skills like statistics, calculus, and linear algebra.
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Bootcamp participants also have lifetime career support included with tuition. Those who complete this program can access one-on-one resume assistance, interview training, and networking opportunities with hiring partners.
Those who graduated from this bootcamp shared their experiences in the form of online reviews. One participant said, “Within a few weeks after graduating, I was offered my first full-time job as a Data Engineer. NYC Data Science Academy is very successful at getting their students fluent in the tools and technologies of data science and prepared for finding a great job in the field.” Another wrote, “The opportunity to network was incredible. You are beginning your data science career having forged strong bonds with 35 incredibly intelligent and inspiring people.”
Byte Academy—Data Science Bootcamp (Live Online)
Data Science Bootcamp, which is available from Byte Academy, provides intermediate-level instruction in a range of data science skills. The course begins with an overview of basic computer science concepts, as well as an introduction to Python programming. Participants study data cleaning, object-oriented programming, software theory, and data structures. Once these basic concepts have been covered, participants move on to study neural networks, as well as supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms. During the last part of this class, students complete a capstone project that can be shared with potential employers.
Key Information
Tuition for this course is $14,900. It takes 14 weeks of full-time study to complete this program or 24 weeks of part-time coursework. Students are not required to pay this tuition until they are hired.
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In addition to 14 weeks of full-time instruction, participants also receive technical interview preparation. This helps students learn more about the sorts of questions and topics that come up at tech interviews. It also helps learners become familiar with a range of algorithm and data structure questions to prepare for interviews. Additionally, students have the chance to practice other topics such as fundamental SQL questions. All participants complete a four-week internship as part of this course, which provides them with valuable professional development in a real-world setting. This ensures that graduates of Data Science Bootcamp will have the opportunity to work for a real company.
Graduates of this bootcamp shared their experiences. One participant wrote, “In addition to the coding curriculum, there’s also a job placement/career services curriculum, which is how I ended up getting my first job.” Another student said, “Byte really understands what it takes to get a great job. I can genuinely say that the learning Byte provided me with was essential to receiving a job offer.”
General Assembly—Data Science Immersive (Live Online)
General Assembly’s Data Science Immersive is a full-time bootcamp where students receive instruction from an expert instructor on core data science skills. Instruction is offered on transforming complicated data into valuable insights. Students learn data analysis, Python programming, and statistical modeling. They also work with machine learning algorithms of different complexities, like random forests and decision trees. Those enrolled become familiar with natural language processing and neural networks. Over the course of this immersive, students complete five projects and put together a professional-grade portfolio that showcases stakeholder presentations and data visualizations. At the end of this class, learners complete a capstone project in which they can apply machine learning models to a real-world data challenge.
Key Information
This bootcamp costs $16,450 for those who pay the entire cost of tuition upfront. This amount reflects a $450 discount. In addition, loans, installment payment plans, and income-share agreements are also available. Before enrolling in this intermediate-level course, students should be familiar with Python and basic programming skills.
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Along with hands-on data science training in the live online format, participants in this program also have access to 12 hours of online tutorials as prework so they’re prepared to begin this class. This material includes data science fundamentals, introductory-level data analysis content, statistical modeling material, and machine learning models. Office hours are included with tuition for all participants; learners can use these to connect with TAs to receive individual support and feedback. Those enrolled also can access career services, which is a valuable resource for job application support and salary negotiation. Additionally, students receive preparation for technical interviews.
Graduates of this program share their experiences through online reviews. One participant noted, “The best thing about my program was the sense of community. The instructors remain close colleagues, and the same for students. I’ve made friends and gotten jobs from meeting people at events held at GA.”
NYC Data Science Academy—Big Data with Amazon Cloud, Hadoop/Spark and Docker (Live Online)
Big Data with Amazon Cloud, Hadoop/Spark and Docker is available from NYC Data Science Academy. This program begins with an overview of basic Python concepts that are needed for class examples. This intermediate-level class covers how to work with Spark, Apache Hadoop, MapReduce, and Spark. In the first half of this class, students pull a pre-built Docker image and complete exercises locally with Docker containers. The second half of this class requires that participants access Databrick and AWS accounts to complete cloud computing activities. During this program, students become familiar with platforms like Amazon Web Services, Docker, and Databricks, as well as how Python and cloud computing can be used to run exercises. Participants complete five units focusing on topics like Apache Pig, Hadoop, Apache Hive, and Apache Spark.
Key Information
Tuition is $2,990. This part-time program is taught in the evenings and can be completed in six weeks. As a prerequisite, students should be familiar with the Linux command line interface, basic Linux commands, and the Linux file system. In addition, basic Python programming skills are required such as how to use the map function.
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Participants in this program are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Those who finish 80% of homework and attend at least 85% of classes earn a certificate of completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Choose a Data Science Class?
Selecting a data science course requires a bit of research. Whether the class takes place in-person or in the online format, there are several important factors that prospective students should consider before selecting a program. First, it’s important to make sure the provider is reputable. This may mean looking at their website, reading student reviews of their experiences, and determining whether graduates had a generally positive and worthwhile experience while studying. It’s also a good idea to review course syllabi to make sure the content is at the appropriate learning level. Some bootcamps provide introductory-level data science instruction, whereas others begin with intermediate or advanced training. Choosing a course at the right learning level is essential for a productive experience.
Another important consideration when choosing a bootcamp is cost. Some courses cost hundreds of dollars, and others cost over $10,000. Finding a program that is affordable but still provides hands-on training is a key consideration for most learners. It’s also essential to see if the program provides additional incentives such as career counseling or job support. Some bootcamps focus exclusively on classroom training, whereas others provide a range of professional development perks as well. For professionals interested in a career switch after bootcamp study, career support may be crucial.
Is It Better to Attend a Data Science Class In-person or Online?
When selecting data science coursework, it’s also important to decide whether to attend class in-person or in the online learning environment. Both training formats have benefits, as well as certain drawbacks.
In-person data science coursework involves a traditional classroom learning environment, with a teacher leading the discussion. Participants can ask questions at the moment and receive immediate support and clarification. Additionally, those who study in the in-person setting can connect with other learners, which can be a valuable networking experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Although in-person study requires commuting to and from campus for each course meeting, as well as the costs associated with parking and gas, it provides an engaging and stimulating way to acquire data science training.
For those who may not live near a major city or a training facility or who do not have access to reliable transportation, online data science classes are available. Live online data science classes offer students the same live instruction available through in-person study, with an instructor available in real-time to answer questions and provide support. They can even share their screen with the instructor (with permission) to receive help with complex data science skills. Live online classes take place in real time, which may mean that participants must take off work to attend class. However, no commute is required to study in the live online format.
Another online training option is on-demand data science coursework. Unlike live online classes, which occur in real-time, self-paced study is pre-recorded. Students can access lessons from any location at any time. They also have the flexibility of determining how long to spend on studies. Whereas live online and in-person classes progress at a set pace that the instructor establishes, asynchronous training affords students the flexibility of devoting as little or as much time to lessons as they wish. Some students may elect to devote an entire day or weekend to a data science bootcamp, whereas others may prefer to spend 15 minutes a night after work on their studies. Those who opt for self-paced materials can pause and rewind lessons as often as needed as well, which can facilitate note-taking. No instructor is present for on-demand material, which means that this format may present challenges for learners who are trying to learn advanced data science concepts. This is why self-paced content is often a good starting point when studying data science, but to fully grasp complex concepts, a more structured live class may be more beneficial in the long run.
What Will I Need for a Data Science Class?
It’s important to be prepared for a data science class, whether it takes place in a classroom or in an online environment. Those who study in-person at a training facility can access a computer lab that provides the necessary tools, programming languages, and software for coursework. However, it’s necessary to have a home computer to practice lessons and complete supplemental training materials, regardless of the training format.
For those who opt to learn data science through online study, additional tools may be needed beyond access to a home computer. Most data science programs also require that students have access to one or more programming languages. Python is one of the most widely used languages in data science. This open-source language is a free download. Additionally, some programs also teach SQL and expect participants to use servers like SQL Server, which is available as a free download. Depending on the course requirements, additional software and tools may also be essential for online data science coursework. Some programs cover data visualization and want students to have access to Tableau or Microsoft Excel. Excel is available as a free trial, as well as for purchase, from Microsoft. Students can also purchase Tableau or use this software as a free trial.
In addition, some programs require that students complete pre-class work before the first day of data science class. This may involve activities that refresh basic mathematical or statistical concepts or that teach basic Python or SQL programming skills that will be needed for the program. It’s important to check with the provider before class to determine if any prerequisites to study or pre-class assignments are required. Completing this material ensures that participants will be ready for data science study once class commences.
Can I Learn Data Science Online for Free?
Those who are interested in learning data science don’t have to commit hundreds or thousands of dollars to study. Free training options are available from many top educational providers, like Udemy, Noble Desktop, and Coursera. Free online content takes many forms. Some are just a few minutes long and focus on one data science skill such as YouTube tutorials. Other free training material is much longer and more comprehensive such as online skills classes or bootcamps. These may span ten or more hours and provide participants with training on a range of data science skills and tools such as data analysis and visualization, machine learning, and data reporting.
Since no financial commitment is required, free online material provides participants with a low-stakes way to start working with data science. Those who feel coursework is not a good match for their learning needs can stop their studies at any time without any financial repercussions. Additionally, individuals who find free self-paced data science content useful can progress into more structured coursework to learn advanced skills. One important consideration when studying with free online material is that no instructor is present. This can make it challenging for students to fully master complex data science concepts in this training format. This is why free data science training is a great place to start with acquiring this skill-set, but to learn the ins and outs of data science for professional reasons, live content may be useful eventually.
Is It Better to Learn Data Science in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Deciding whether to learn data science through live coursework or self-paced study is another important decision learners must make. There are benefits to both training formats, as well as drawbacks, to consider.
Live data science training takes place in real-time, which means all learners have access to an expert instructor. Live study offers an interactive way to acquire data science training, as well as connect with other students who are on a similar learning path. Those enrolled receive on-the-spot assistance and guidance when progressing through coursework. Live study requires that participants attend courses that meet at regularly scheduled times, which may mean taking off work or rearranging schedules to accommodate study. In-person study also requires that students commute to and from class each meeting, which can mean an additional investment into gas or parking. Live study is the most interactive and engaging way to learn data science and is an excellent way for professionals to receive the necessary training for work reasons or to explore a new career path entirely. It provides a supportive and structured way to learn a range of data tools and skills.
Self-paced study affords learners a more flexible format. There is no need to commute to and from class or to arrange work schedules around meetings. Participants can decide when, where, and for how long they wish to study. They can also establish their own learning pace, which may mean spending additional time on certain concepts or rewatching entire videos for optimal retention. No live instructor or learning cohort is present with self-paced material, which means this format is most suited for independent, self-motivated learners. Students may need supplemental help or support when studying with self-paced materials.