The amount of data generated by individuals, businesses, and various digital devices has increased exponentially, and this data is a valuable resource that, when properly utilized, can provide valuable insights, and drive innovation across a variety of industries. It combines math and statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning with specific subject matter expertise to uncover actionable insights hidden in an organization’s data. Those insights are then used to guide decision making and strategic planning.
A career in Data Science can give you tremendous opportunities for advancement in the future. It’s a field that is high in-demand, boasts competitive salaries, and comes with many perks. In fact, Data Scientist has been called “the most promising career” by LinkedIn and the “best job in America” by Glassdoor. Salaries do vary significantly based on experience and education. A Data Scientist with certifications and training in tools such as Python have a good chance at earning more than those without the same credentials.
Some of the most popular job titles in Houston include Data Scientist, Senior Data Scientist, and Data Science Intern, with the average salary for a data scientist in Houston coming in at around $107,000 a year.
Noble Desktop: Data Science Certificate
Key Information: Noble Desktop offers a Data Science Certificate program that provides students with the skills required for entry-level data science, data analytics, or software engineering roles. The program is designed to teach you how to write complex queries, build machine learning models, and prepare a portfolio on a real-world basis. The course covers topics such as Python programming, data analysis, SQL querying, and predictive modeling.
This online program is perfect for beginners who want to pursue a career in data science and Python engineering roles. It prepares you for high-paying job opportunities in the field of data science.
The Data Science Certificate program consists of 84 hours of instruction and includes hands-on training with experienced instructors. Students will complete real-world projects to add to their portfolio and show employers as well as receive assistance with their job search, resume, and portfolio development in one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced Data Scientist. Noble Desktop offers free retake setup assistance and payment plans for the program.
Noble Desktop: Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp
Key Information: Noble Desktop offers a Python Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp that teaches students how to apply Python to data science, machine learning, data visualization, and automation. This program is designed to take you from the very basics of Python programming to the start of machine learning with Python 2.
In this program, you will learn the necessary programming skills to manipulate databases and perform various levels of analysis on the data. You will also learn how to create programs, work with data in Python, create data visualizations, and use statistics to create machine learning models, The course covers topics such as Python programming fundamentals, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, machine learning packages such as scikit-learn, and more.
This online bootcamp is perfect for beginners who want to pursue a career in data science and Python engineering roles. It prepares students for entry-level data science and Python engineering positions. The Python Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp consists of 96 hours of instruction and includes hands-on training with experienced instructors. You will complete real-world projects to add to your portfolio and show employers, plus receive assistance with your job search, resume, and portfolio development in one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced Data Scientist.
The cost of the program is $5,510. Noble Desktop offers free retake setup assistance and payment plans for the program
Noble Desktop: FinTech Bootcamp
Key Information: Noble Desktop also offers an online FinTech Bootcamp that provides students with the skills required for entry-level positions in data science and financial technology. The program is designed to teach you how to write complex queries, build machine learning models, and prepare a portfolio on a real-world basis. The course covers topics such as Python programming, data analysis, SQL querying, and predictive modeling.
The FinTech Bootcamp is perfect for beginners who want to pursue a career in data science and Python engineering roles. It prepares students for high-paying job opportunities in the field of data science and financial technology.
The FinTech Bootcamp consists of 102 hours of instruction and includes hands-on training with experienced instructors. Students will complete real-world projects to add to their portfolio and show employers, as well as receive assistance with their job search, resume, and portfolio development in one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced Data Scientist. The cost of the program is $6,485. Noble Desktop offers free retake setup assistance and payment plans for the program.
Noble Desktop: SQL Bootcamp
Key Information: Noble Desktop offers an SQL Bootcamp that teaches students how to write SQL queries, filter data, and join tables. The course covers everything from basic database terminology to advanced querying techniques so that students are confident using SQL in their workplace or on their resume.
In this hands-on course, students will learn PostgreSQL and the free DBeaver app to explore the database and execute SQL queries they write. The concepts learned on PostgreSQL can be applied to other flavors of SQL (such as Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, etc.) with minor syntax differences.
This online SQL Bootcamp is perfect for beginners who want to pursue a career in data science, data analytics, or software engineering roles. It consists of 24 hours of instruction and includes hands-on training with experienced instructors. You will complete real-world projects to add to your portfolio and show employers as well as receive assistance with their job search, resume, and portfolio development in one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced Data Scientist.
The cost of the program is $975. Noble Desktop offers free retake setup assistance and payment plans for the program.
General Assembly: Data Science Immersive
Key Information: General Assembly offers a Data Science Immersive course that teaches students how to use industry-standard tools to make ethical, data-driven decisions. The course covers topics such as machine learning, data visualization, and statistical analysis. This program is designed to provide you with the skills required for entry-level data science, data analytics, or software engineering roles.
The Data Science Immersive course is a 12-week, full-time program that features expert instruction, one-on-one career coaching, and connections to top employers to get you hired. The course is offered both online and in-person in Houston.
Upon passing this course, you will receive a signed certificate of completion. Thousands of GA alumni use their course certificate to demonstrate skills to potential employers. The cost of the program is $15,950, and there are payment plans and scholarships available.
SMU: Data Science Bootcamp
Key Information: SMU Data Science Boot Camp is a part-time, 24-week program that teaches students the knowledge and skills to conduct analysis on a wide array of real-world problems This course covers topics such as Excel, fundamental statistics, Python programming, SQL querying, HTML and CSS, Tableau, and more, It’s designed to fit into your life, whether you’re employed or attending college full-time, with convenient weekend and evening sessions.
The SMU Data Science Boot Camp is perfect for beginners who want to pursue a career in data science and Python engineering roles. It prepares students for entry-level data science and Python engineering positions and is offered both online and in-person in Houston.
The curriculum is based on hands-on virtual learning. Through an immersive classroom experience, students will dive into in-demand technologies like Excel, Fundamental Statistics, Python, SQL, HTML and CSS, Tableau, and more. Collaborating with your classmates and also working individually, you’ll take your new skills and put them to use on comprehensive projects. These projects allow you to build a professional portfolio that showcases your skills to stand out in today’s job market.
Over 24 intensive weeks, you’ll learn the fundamentals for data science, including: Intermediate Excel, Pivot Tables, VBA Scripting, Fundamental Statistics, Modeling, Forecasting, Python Programming, and Python 3, among many others. The material covered is subject to change. The academic team adjusts to the market demand.
The cost of the program is $10,995. SMU Data Science Boot Camp offers payment plans and scholarships for the program.
FAQ for Data Science Certificates
Although the terms “certificate” and “certification” are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings. A certificate is a document that is awarded to an individual who has completed a course of study or training program. Certificates are usually granted by educational institutions and are intended to demonstrate that you have acquired a certain level of knowledge or skill in a particular area.
On the other hand, a certification is a credential that is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated mastery of a particular skill or knowledge area. Certifications are usually granted by professional organizations or industry associations and are intended to demonstrate that you have met certain standards of competence in your field,
In summary, while both certificates and certifications are credentials that can be earned by completing a course of study or training program, certificates are typically awarded by educational institutions and demonstrate completion of a program, while certifications are typically awarded by professional organizations or industry associations and demonstrate mastery of a particular skill or knowledge area.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
What are your goals? What time constraints exist in your life? Whether you pursue a certificate or certification is going to depend on a lot of factors. Certificate programs are great for those who want to learn a new skill or prepare for a career shift while balancing a busy schedule. Certificate programs are designed to be quick and comprehensive, with many taking the form of bootcamps or combined unit learning, so if you can keep up with the focus demands, they are a great way to learn any given subject. Certificate programs also usually have a set curriculum with courses all offered with the same learning institution, so you won’t have to hunt for classes you think might teach the skills you’re after.
If you can’t make a set class schedule work, a certification might be better for you. You’ll need to figure out what courses you need to take and what information you’ll need to learn before you take a certification exam, but it gives you a little more wiggle room with your time. You might have previous experience and want to take advanced courses instead of starting with the basics in a beginner-level bootcamp. You also might just need a class or two to refresh your memory. If you feel you can pass a proctored skills exam demonstrating your proficiency without enrolling in a certificate program, a certification path will be your best bet.
You also need to look at what is being offered. Sometimes you might want to pursue one option or the other, but you might run into some snags as far as what is being offered in your area or when courses are being offered. Be open to a certificate program if there are no current certification courses available, and maybe look into getting a certification if you can’t find the right certificate course.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
No! As with any profession, you can get your foot in the door if you find yourself at the right place or the right time, or if you know someone that can grant you access. However, a much safer bet is to be as competitive as possible when situating yourself as a candidate. Holding a certificate or certification for the job you want is going to make you stand out from other applicants and also give you the confidence you’ll need in an interview. It shows employers you know what you’re talking about and are qualified to do the job. To get the best jobs you need to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk so to speak. Being a certified applicant will accomplish that.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
When it comes to in-person or online classes, one option isn’t necessarily better than the other. It just depends on your personal needs and preferences.
In-person classes offer hands-on guidance as well as the ability to physically interact with group members and instructors. If you’re someone who needs or wants to get out of the house when learning something new, in-person classes offer that traditional avenue you’re looking for.
If you can’t make in-person classes work, or you simply prefer learning from the comfort of your own home or office, online classes are a great option. Online classes offer some of the same benefits of in-person classes including live instruction and real time exercises and discussions. Instructors are available to answer questions and will guide you through the courses as if you’re sitting in a classroom.
Online classes are a great option for those with busy lifestyles such as caretakers, or those with unconventional work schedules such as delivery or Uber drivers. Online classes are also more accessible, taking any commute time or extra stress out of the equation. Instead, online learners can log on at home without any extra prep and be ready for class.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
This is also going to come down to personal preference, but there are some key differences you should be aware of. Live online classes are your best bet to stay focused and on target. They are set up in a way that makes it very difficult for you to miss something or skip over anything. However, you do have to follow a curriculum if you want to get the most bang for your buck. On the other hand, asynchronous classes require you to have a greater level of self discipline. You’ll need to make sure you don’t fall behind or prioritize other things above your courses. You will have more control over when you learn what with the format, though, which can be very appealing to those who have trouble keeping with a routine.