Python's widespread popularity will continue through the 2020s. While this object-oriented language is the number one choice among many development professionals, it also reigns in the data science field. Learning Python can serve tech professionals well in areas like:
- Data Analysis
- Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Software Engineering
- Application Development
If you plan to specialize in Python development or data science, Python will be one of your top priorities. However, consider learning it for other roles, including business analysis, accounting, or data visualization.
The 10 Best Online Python Classes
- General Assembly—Python Course (Live Online)
- Flatiron School—Data Science Bootcamp (In-Person, Live Online)
- Noble Desktop—Data Science Certificate (In-Person, Live Online)
- The University of Michigan—Python for Everybody Specialization (On-Demand)
- Udemy—Introduction to Python Programming (On-Demand)
- NYC Data Science Academy—Introductory Python (In-Person, Live Online)
- Noble Desktop—Python for Data Science Bootcamp (In-Person, Live Online)
- Practical Programming—Python for Data Science Immersive (In-Person, Live Online)
- Skillspire—Full Stack Web Development Immersive (In-Person, Live Online)
- BrainStation—Python Course Online (Live Online)
General Assembly—Python Course (Live Online)
The 60-hour Python Course from General Assembly provides an in-depth introduction to Python basics and object-oriented programming.
Python offers much to web development and data science professionals, and the Python Course touches on both areas of expertise. Attendees learn fundamental programming techniques and how to apply them in real-world situations.
General Assembly live streams the Intro to Python class in real-time. Students can ask questions of the expert instructor via chatbox and receive an optional assignment to complete later.
While there are no prerequisites to taking this course, participants must have downloaded Python before attending. Visit the Python website for the latest source code and installers.
Key Information
Tuition for General Assembly's Python Course is $4,500. Your employer may reimburse your tuition, fully or partially, up to 100 percent. General Assembly also offers multiple financing and installment options. You can apply with one of their high-quality lenders for payments as low as $250/month or pay four installments of $1,125 per quarter.
The Python Course runs evenings part-time for around ten weeks or one week full-time in their accelerated program. Tuition covers 40 hours of expert instruction and about 20 hours for assignments, including a portfolio project.
Each participant can get instructor guidance on a web development or data science track. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and access to discounts, networking events, and career workshops.
While this program is open to beginners, many students have some experience coding prior to enrollment. Those new to programming can access pre-course lessons and other resources before the first day of class.
General Assembly offers the Python Course in-person at its various campuses or live online via teleconferencing. Check course listings for in-person availability in your area or learn from the comfort of your home or office.
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Because the Python course offers a data science and a web development track, portfolio projects differ from student to student. Each graduate will complete a professional-level web or data application. Expect to spend several hours each week reviewing materials and completing assignments.
Says one graduate, "General Assembly has acquired some of the finest teachers in the field of programming and development. If other classes are structured the same way as the Python Course, then there is a very high chance that I will come back for more."
Flatiron School—Data Science Bootcamp (In-person/Live Online)
The Data Science Bootcamp from Flatiron School emphasizes Python as part of a broader data science curriculum. This comprehensive bootcamp begins with Python and SQL, then takes participants through scientific computing and quantitative methods. Following that section, the course progresses through advanced machine learning (ML) training, culminating in a portfolio project they call The Capstone Project.
Topics in this immersive bootcamp include:
- Python
- R
- SQL
- Data Visualization
- Artificial Intelligence
Unlike some of the Python curricula from other providers, the Flatiron School Data Science Bootcamp focuses on data science rather than including web development training. The goal is to prepare every attendee for a career as a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, or Data Architect.
The Flatiron School approach takes students from applicant to participant, with Career Services support at the end of the process to help graduates get hired. Check course listings for more information about the application process.
Key Information
Current tuition for the Data Science Bootcamp from Flatiron School is $16,900. That includes technical coaching whenever needed, and up to six months of career coaching after graduation. Financing options include loans through the school’s financing partners, a 12-month no-interest installment plan, and scholarship programs.
Flatiron School offers flexible scheduling for its bootcamp programs. You can complete the Data Science Bootcamp in as little as 15 weeks full-time or 40 weeks if you take it part-time.
Depending on your availability, the Data Science Bootcamp may be in-person or live online via teleconferencing. Part-time attendees must take the program online through pre-recorded lessons. Full-time attendees may take the course in-person at the Flatiron School location in New York City or Denver, Colorado or online from anywhere.
There are no prerequisites for the Data Science Bootcamp. Participants are encouraged to download the syllabus, which begins with a Prep Work section for new programmers.
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Flatiron School is proud of its graduates' successes and rates 4.5 stars on Course Report. Student testimonials include the following:
"I was challenged, fairly assessed, had great classmates, and had a great academic atmosphere built for progress and stimulating engagements. I would recommend Flatiron to serious-minded people looking to get into Data Science as a career."
Noble Desktop—Data Science Certificate (In-person/Live Online)
The Data Science Certificate from Noble Desktop provides an in-depth program for data science and analysis training. This certificate is open to beginners and covers concepts and skills required for roles like Data Scientist and Data Analyst.Â
Noble Desktop offers multiple Python training programs, and the Data Science Certificate is among the most comprehensive. It includes the Python for Data Science Bootcamp, but students can save by taking that course as part of the Data Science Certificate.
The Data Science Certificate also features an SQL Bootcamp, a module called Python for Automation and Python Data Visualization & Interactive Dashboards, and a Python Machine Learning Bootcamp.
Key Information
Tuition for the Data Science Certificate is $3,995. That includes 114 hours of instruction, additional 1-on-1 mentoring from expert instructors, and the option to retake the program for up to one year at no additional charge.
Although the Data Science Certificate is among the most competitively priced programs, Noble Desktop offers multiple financing and payment plans. Attendees can pay in installments, get zero percent financing for up to 12 months, or apply to have their company reimburse them for tuition. They also work with Veterans Affairs (VA).
Noble Desktop offers the Data Science Certificate full-time over four weeks, Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Those with family or professional obligations should check course listings to see whether flexible options are available.
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The Python Developer Certificate is a portfolio-based program. Participants create machine learning models, dashboards, and visualizations for their portfolios before graduating. Depending on availability, the Python Developer Certificate may be in-person at the Noble Desktop headquarters in Manhattan or live online via teleconferencing. If a student misses a session, they can watch a recording via Zoom.
Noble Desktop is proud of its graduates, garnering 4.9 of 5 stars on Switchup.org. Says one, "[t[he teaching method at Noble Desktop is perfect, and the classes provide you with infinite knowledge that makes you eager to take everything they offer."
The University of Michigan—Python for Everybody Specialization (On-Demand)
The Python for Everybody Specialization program has a unique model: the course is available from the University of Michigan through a Coursera Plus subscription.
Some providers offer courses directly with a set tuition structure. By contrast, Coursera provides a subscription model. Some specializations offer subscriptions, whereas others do not.
In the case of the Python for Everybody program, subscribers pay monthly for access to the course, typically over as many as eight months. You can unsubscribe any time but must complete all courses within a specialization to earn a certificate.
The Python for Everybody Specialization is open to beginners and includes five courses:
- Python for Everybody (Getting Started With Python)
- Python Data Structures
- Using Python to Access Web Data
- Using Databases with Python
- Capstone: Retrieving, Processing, and Visualizing Data with Python
Key Information
If Coursera’s unusual subscription structure has a drawback, it can be difficult to determine exact pricing for a given specialization. For the Python for Everybody Specialization, most students will take around eight months to complete all five courses. The Coursera Plus subscription service—required for the Python for Everybody Specialization—costs $59/month. At eight months, this would total $472 for the entire program.
The upside is that real-life challenges sometimes interfere with training plans, and students can benefit from pausing or canceling a subscription. You can subscribe to one course in a Specialization. Sessions for each of the five courses start once a month, and if you have to pause your training, you can restart the following month. However, note that the hands-on Capstone project only runs three times per year.
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The five courses in this program follow the Python for Everybody textbook. This program has no prerequisites and can be taken one course at a time. Attendees may also be allowed to audit an individual course at no charge. However, once subscribed to a course, you will be enrolled in the full Specialization unless you cancel. See listings for more information.
As one graduate writes, "[t]his is one of the most comprehensive Python courses on Coursera, and covers all the necessary areas like basics, data structures, database, web scraping with Python, and much more."
Udemy—The Complete Python Bootcamp from Zero to Hero in Python (On-Demand)
Another popular on-demand Python course is From Zero to Hero in Python from Udemy. This on-demand video tutorial runs a total of 22 hours.
From Zero to Hero in Python consists of multiple lectures and coding exercises. Topics include objects and data structures, methods, functions, objects, and packages.
Also included are 14 articles and an additional 19 coding exercises. These can prepare attendees for advanced Python programming tasks, including portfolio projects.
Key Information
The on-demand From Zero to Hero in Python tutorial costs $34.99, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. That represents a 79% limited-time discount, as the course is typically priced at $169.99. Attendees must create an account with Udemy to enroll. Participants must provide their full name and email address and create a login password.
Signing up with Udemy requires a $26.99/month subscription fee. The service is available to try for free for seven days, and you can cancel at any time.
Udemy’s Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python is their most comprehensive yet straightforward Python course.Â
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Udemy’s website advertises an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars for the Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python. Almost two million students have taken the course, and nearly half a million reviewed it. Comments include:
- "It's been a really exciting and enlightening journey learning Python programming."
- "The course did a great job of grounding you in the foundations of Python and then moving on to more complex capabilities."
- "It is an amazing course."
NYC Data Science Academy—Introductory Python (In-person/Live Online)
Among the many options for data science training, the Introductory Python course from NYC Data Science Academy stands out.
Not all Python training programs focus on web development or data science per se. Many offer overall Python knowledge applicable to a variety of fields. Introductory Python distinguishes itself by focusing on data analysis as the goal.
While the course description specifies that this program is for computer literate people with no programming background, the emphasis on analysis should steer away those looking to train in web, software, or application development. Graduates of the Introductory Python class will more likely focus on training as Data Analysts, Business Analysts, or Financial Analysts.
Key Information
This course is available live online or in-person at the NYC Data Science Academy. It lasts four weeks at four hours per week, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Topics include Pandas, Seaborn, and Matplotlib, among others.Â
The class costs $1,590, though the school may offer discounted rates of around $1,500 for those who sign up early. There are no prerequisite requirements.
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Participants in the Introductory Python course who complete at least 80% of their assignments and attend at least 85% of all sessions will receive a certificate of completion upon graduation. Data science students can save by bundling the Introductory Python course with courses in related topics like machine learning (ML) and data visualization.
Says one graduate, "I really enjoyed this class. After just one month, I feel like I have a strong foundation in Python." Another student adds, "[t]his was a great in-person learning experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to take a well-organized intro class for Python."
Noble Desktop—Python for Data Science Bootcamp (In-person/Live Online)
The Python for Data Science Bootcamp from Noble Desktop introduces beginners to Python on the data side rather than web or software development. With an emphasis on tools like MATLAB and SPSS, this course covers fundamentals and topics like data structures, arrays, dataframes, data visualization, and linear regression.
As an individual unit, the Python for Data Science Bootcamp provides appropriate training for those looking to break into the data science field. Developers planning to transition to data science or those with little or no coding experience are encouraged to apply. The goal is to prepare every attendee to use Python with ease. Additional Python-related subjects include Matplotlib, Pandas, and scikit-learn. Check course listings for more information.
Key Information
The Python for Data Science Bootcamp is available live online or in-person at Noble Desktop's New York City headquarters. It runs for 30 hours, either full-time or part-time, on the following schedule:
- Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm
- Mondays & Wednesdays, 6 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
The Python for Data Science Bootcamp costs $1,495. Students can save by taking the course as part of the Data Science Certificate program. There are no prerequisites.
If taken individually, full tuition for the Python for Data Science Bootcamp is due upfront. However, students may access financing or installment plans if they take the course as part of the Data Science Certificate, Data Analytics Certificate, FinTech Bootcamp, or Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp.
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Every Python for Data Science Bootcamp graduate receives a digital certificate of completion and can retake the course for up to a year at no additional charge. Participants also receive valuable supplemental materials to use during and after the bootcamp.
Noble Desktop is proud of its graduates' success stories. Student testimonials include a student saying that "[e]nrolling in the Python for Data Science course was the best decision I could have made for myself and my advancing career."
Practical Programming—Python for Data Science Immersive (In-person/Live Online)
The Python for Data Science Immersive from Practical Programming is another highly-rated course. This beginner class provides training in Python fundamentals and object-oriented programming concepts. Attendees learn how to write Python code, solve problems, and create a professional-level portfolio of code samples.
Topics in this bootcamp include:
- Python
- Matplotlib
- NumPy
- Pandas
- scikit-learn
- GitHub
Practical Programming works in partnership with Noble Desktop, sharing space at their state-of-the-art headquarters in Manhattan. Their Python for Data Science Immersive targets students who want to work in data science and machine learning or analysts who need to transition from Excel to Python.
Key Information
The Python for Data Science Immersive is available live online via teleconferencing or in-person at the New York City location. The course runs for 30 hours on the following schedule:
- Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm
- Mondays & Wednesdays, 6 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
Tuition for the Python for Data Science Immersive is $1,495 and is due before the first class. There are no prerequisite requirements.
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The Python for Data Science Immersive offers a curriculum and benefits comparable to Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp. Graduates receive a verified digital certificate of completion and may retake the course for up to a year at no further cost. Class sizes are small to ensure hands-on training.
This course rates highly among graduates, with many positive online reviews. Says one student, "This class had a great pace, good detail, and gave very practical and usable knowledge."
Skillspire—Full Stack Web Development Immersive (In-person/Live Online)
Skillspire offers multiple options for learning Python and data analysis. One of their full-stack web development immersive courses is entitled Learn Full Stack Web Development (Python), in contrast to the offering emphasizing the MERN stack, Learn Full Stack Web Development (MERN).
This comprehensive program includes Python as part of a broader web development curriculum. Attendees learn development concepts and techniques along the following 5-week schedule:
- Introduction to Web Development and HTML and CSS Basics
- JavaScript Fundamentals and DOM Manipulation
- Introduction to Python and Command-line Applications
- Flask Web Framework Basics and Simple Web Applications
- Database Fundamentals, SQL, and Python Integration
The Skillspire approach takes differing learning styles into account. Students attend lectures, participate in lab sessions, take quizzes, and complete projects.
Key Information
Tuition for the Full Stack Web Development Immersive is $6,499. Skillspire offers monthly payment plans, includes resume and job placement assistance, and provides guaranteed internships. They also accept the GI Bill for veterans and offer scholarship opportunities.
This course runs five times a week for 16 weeks. You can take it live online from anywhere, but in-person sessions are also available in WA. There are no prerequisites for this course.
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While Skillspire does not ensure job placement, its internship program is unique. Skillspire guarantees an unpaid internship for those who desire one, providing an excellent opportunity to demonstrate new skills.
Graduates from Skillspire programs offer numerous testimonials. "The Full Stack Development Program was the best choice I could have made, " says one, while another adds, "I highly recommend the course for those who want to learn web development."
BrainStation—Python Course Online (In-person/Live Online)
Students looking for part-time Python training should consider the Python Course Online from BrainStation. This certificate program is available live online through teleconferencing or in-person at BrainStation campuses in New York City, Vancouver, Toronto, and other major metropolitan areas.
Whereas some certificates focus on Python for development or data science, BrainStation’s Python Course offers a broad-based curriculum appropriate for students planning to be Data Scientists, Developers, or Machine Learning Engineers.
This course consists of three units as follows:
- Python Programming, including training in Anaconda and Jupyter Notebook
- Data Structures and Algorithms in Python, covering data management, loops, and functions
- Python for Data Analysis, with packages and libraries like Matplotlib, NumPy, and PandasÂ
Key Information
The Python Course runs for three hours a week over five sessions for 15 hours. Scheduling typically falls on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings online. Check course listings in your area for more detailed scheduling information.
There are no prerequisites for the Python Course. Tuition for the certificate is $2,950. Applicants can pay in full before the first class or finance tuition in three, six, or twelve installments. BrainStation also offers a variety of scholarships. Those seeking financial assistance can book a call with a Learning Advisor to discuss the options.
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BrainStation offers classes across multiple time zones at its state-of-the-art campuses. Check out programs in the following areas:
- U.S.
- New York
- Miami
- Chicago
- Seattle
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Canada
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- United Kingdom
- London
BrainStation’s tech bootcamps and certificate programs, including the Python Course, attract diverse students, many of whom work with companies in the school’s network of over 6,500 hiring partners. As one graduate comments, "[t]his course made me a Python Developer."
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Online Python Classes?
Online learning has become increasingly popular among recent high school graduates and busy professionals looking to upskill from their current roles. The following are the most common types of online Python classes:
- Live Online—A growing number of providers offer Python courses live online via teleconferencing platforms like Zoom. These programs typically compare favorably with in-person coursework in terms of student engagement.
- On-Demand—The on-demand model varies, depending on the course provider. Some classes run for many months, whereas others are only an hour or two. The primary difference between live online and on-demand programs is that providers typically pre-record on-demand classes, offering a relatively low engagement level.
- Free—Most free Python classes serve as introductions. Some course providers host short video tutorials or seminars on their websites or YouTube pages. While they are no substitute for immersive bootcamps or certificate programs, these free resources can help Python novices prepare for paid training.
What Will I Need for an Online Python Class?
If you take a self-taught Python class, like a free tutorial or on-demand class, these will require some downloads. If you take a paid live online or on-demand program, follow whatever instructions the school provides.
The following is a checklist of typical requirements for online Python training:
- A desktop or laptop with an internet connection
- The latest version of Python—Visit the home page of Python.org to download Python source code and installers for free
- Documentation—After you download Python, you should also get current documentation. That includes standard libraries, information on installing and distributing modules, indices, tables, and meta information
- An integrated development environment (IDE)—Depending on your operating system or personal preferences, you might favor one IDE over another. Check out PyCharm, Visual Studio (vs. Code, or IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment)
Can I Learn Python Online for Free?
While you can certainly teach yourself some basic Python concepts by watching YouTube videos and online tutorials, they can only take you so far. To get the kind of comprehensive Python skills needed for a job in the field, you should consider enrolling in a bootcamp or certificate program.
Is It Better to Learn Python in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Self-paced and live online Python classes both have unique advantages and drawbacks. Live courses have more of a traditional classroom vibe, with an instructor who can answer your questions and classmates who can interact with you. If there's a disadvantage to live online learning, it's typically schedule-related. You might not be available during the time a provider offers a class.
Self-paced classes lack the high level of student engagement offered by a live online course. Some students also report a lack of accountability, as self-paced class instructors don't assign homework or review tests.Â
The main advantage of self-paced classes is their flexibility. Self-paced learning can allow students to log on, pause, or restart lessons at any time of day or night. However, most self-paced Python programs provide only introductory education, not the kind needed for getting hired as a development or data science professional.