Data science programs are revolutionizing the way people learn and enter the world of data science.
These programs provide a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional undergraduate degrees, empowering learners to kick-start their careers in this rapidly growing field.
To make the most of this opportunity you need to choose a program that offers a comprehensive, flexible, and engaging learning experience, preparing you for real-world data challenges. 🚀
If you’re new to data science programs, these specialized courses will help you:
- Acquire essential data analysis skills and technologies (Python, R, SQL, machine learning, statistics).
- Develop data-driven projects and build a professional portfolio.
- Obtain data science certificates and credentials.
- Receive career guidance and support in the field of data analytics.
- Secure data science jobs and opportunities.
In this article we have complied a list of the best data science programs, and we hope this will make your selection a bit easier.
| Program Name | Cost | Duration | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley Data Science Program | $2,622 | 10 weeks | 6-8 hours/week |
| MIT Professional Certificate in Data Science and Analytics | $7,450 | 6 months | 15-20 hours/week |
| Columbia Applied Machine Learning | $1,998 | 5 months | 8-10 hours/week |
| Springboard Data Science Bootcamp (job guarantee) | $9,900 | 6 months | 15-20 hours/week |
| Data Science Dojo Bootcamp | $2,659 | 16 weeks | 5-6hours/week |
| Machine Learning and Data Analytics using Python | $2,622 | 10 weeks | 6-8 hours/week |
| Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures | $1,500 | 10 weeks | 5-10 hours/week |
| Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence | $6,675 | 6 months | 15-20 hours/week |
What is a Data Science Program?
A data science program is a specialized educational course designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of data science.
These programs typically cover topics such as data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data. They aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of data science concepts, tools, and techniques, along with practical experience through projects and case studies.
Data science programs can be found at universities, coding bootcamps, and online learning platforms, and they vary in length, cost, and level of expertise required.
What are the Best Data Science Programs?
Let’s take a look at the list of best data data science programs in more detail.
1. Berkeley Data Science (Online)
Overall best data science program
School: Berkeley Executive Educuation – Berkeley Haas Business School
Cost: $2,622 with discount ($2,850 full price)
Duration: 10 weeks
Time commitment: 4-6 hours per week
Are you on the hunt for the best data science programs to help you excel in the rapidly growing field of data science?
Berkeley Data Science (Online) is an exceptional 10-week program designed to equip current and aspiring data scientists with modern skills to succeed in their roles. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, this course offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
In this review, we’ll provide an overview of what you’ll learn, the key features of the program, and what sets it apart from other data science courses.
What will I learn? Curriculum Overview:
The Berkeley Data Science (Online) program is one of the best data science programs available, offering a perfect blend of fundamental and advanced concepts.
By the end of the course, you’ll be well-equipped to work effectively with data teams and drive successful outcomes for your organization. The curriculum includes the following modules:
- Module 1: Probabilistic Decision Making
- Module 2: Creating Sample Data
- Module 3: Testing Hypotheses
- Module 4: Extrapolating Information from Sample Data
- Module 5: Basic Regression Models
- Module 6: Advanced Regression Models
- Module 7: Forecasting and Machine Learning
- Module 8: A/B Testing & Building Effective Data Science Teams
Key Features
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers a wide range of topics, making it one of the best data science programs for professionals looking to build a strong foundation in the field.
- Hands-on Learning: Throughout the course, you’ll engage in practical exercises using Python and Jupyter Notebook to analyze and visualize data, ensuring you gain real-world experience.
- Expert Faculty: The program is taught by experienced UC Berkeley Executive Education faculty, who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry insights to the learning experience.
- Global Networking Opportunities: Connect and collaborate with peers from around the world, enhancing your learning experience and expanding your professional network.
- Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a verified digital certificate from UC Berkeley Executive Education, adding credibility to your resume.
What We Like About It
Berkeley Data Science (Online) stands out as one of the best data science programs for several reasons.
The comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and hands-on learning approach ensure you gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the data-driven world.
The program’s focus on real-world applications, industry examples, and networking opportunities make it an ideal choice for professionals looking to upskill and stay ahead in their careers.
2. Professional Certificate in Data Science and Analytics by MIT xPRO
Most comprehensive data science program
School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) xPRO
Cost: $7,450
Duration: 6 months
Time commitment: 15-20 hours per week
MIT xPRO’s Professional Certificate in Data Science and Analytics is a comprehensive program designed to equip data professionals, business professionals, and recent STEM graduates with the advanced data science skills needed to excel in the modern business world.
This program offers an industry-driven curriculum, real-world case studies, and personalized career support, making it a top choice among the best data science programs available today.
What will I learn? Curriculum Overview
The program covers five major topics:
- Fundamentals of Data Science
- Foundations of Optimization
- Foundations of Machine Learning
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Deployment
Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to leverage data for decision-making, use Python and Google Colab for data analysis, translate technical results into actionable insights, and develop a portfolio of modeling tools to showcase your skills.
Key Features
- Earn an MIT xPRO certificate and 36 continuing education units (CEUs)
- Learn from MIT faculty with real industry experience
- Engage with real-world case studies solved by faculty
- Complete a final capstone project and build a portfolio of application-based assignments
- Receive one-on-one career support from Emeritus and introductions to hiring partners for eligible participants
What We Like About It
MIT xPRO’s data science program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and practical approach.
The program includes real-world case studies, allowing participants to see how the principles and tools of data science are applied in various industries. Additionally, the personalized career support helps participants prepare for job searches, interviews, and salary negotiations, further enhancing the program’s value.
How do I know it’s Right for Me?
This program is ideal for data professionals in various industries, business professionals looking to enhance their decision-making skills with data analysis, and recent STEM graduates seeking a career in data science.
If you have a basic knowledge of Python coding and are familiar with Excel datasets and data visualization, this program can help you level up your skills and advance your career in the data science field.
While job placement is not guaranteed, the career support and guidance provided can significantly improve your chances of success in the job market.
3. Applied Machine Learning by Columbia Executive Education
Best data science program with a focus on machine learning
School: Columbia Executive Education
Cost: $1,998 with discount ($2,350 full price)
Duration: 5 months
Time commitment: 8-10 hours per week
Columbia Executive Education’s Applied Machine Learning course offers a comprehensive and practical approach to learning essential machine learning techniques, making it one of the best data science programs out there.
With a strong focus on Python, this course will equip you with the skills you need to implement machine learning projects or incorporate machine learning capabilities into your software applications.
What will I learn? Curriculum Overview
The course is divided into two parts: Python for Data Analytics and Applied Machine Learning.
You’ll start by learning Python for Data Analytics, which covers various data types, functions, data manipulation and visualization, and statistics.
You’ll then move on to the core of the course, Applied Machine Learning, where you’ll delve into supervised and unsupervised learning techniques such as regression, classification, Bayesian methods, kernel methods, support vector machines, and clustering algorithms.
This split between your learning outcomes works really well in practice as it allows you to master once key aspect before moving on to another.
Key Features
- 240+ faculty video lectures
- 45 quizzes and assignments
- 18 moderated discussion boards
- 20+ Q&A sessions with course leaders
- 12 application projects
- Live online teaching
What We Like About It
What sets this course apart from other data science programs is its well-rounded curriculum, which starts with building a solid foundation in Python before diving into advanced machine learning techniques.
This ensures that participants have the programming knowledge required for the course assignments and projects. The course emphasizes practical applications and real-world scenarios, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with machine learning projects.
The interactive learning experience, with moderated discussion boards and Q&A sessions, also provides a great platform for students to clarify doubts and exchange ideas.
How do I know it’s Right for Me?
This course is ideal if you’re looking to lead or implement a machine learning project or incorporate machine learning capabilities into your software application.
No prior programming knowledge is required, but an undergraduate understanding of statistics, calculus, linear algebra, and probability is needed.
The course is suitable for statisticians, mathematicians, data scientists, data engineers, big data engineers, and software developers who want to transition into machine learning or data science roles or expand their skill set in these fields.
4. Data Science Bootcamp by Data Science Dojo
Best for interest free finanical aid
School: Data Science Dojo
Cost: $2,849 with 25% discount ($3,799 full price)
Duration: 16 weeks
Time commitment: 5-6 hours per week including homework
Data Science Dojo’s Data Science Bootcamp offers a top-rated, comprehensive, and practical approach to learning data science, programming, and machine learning.
With a curriculum that combines lectures, hands-on exercises, and a business-first approach, this bootcamp is a popular choice among those looking to dive into the world of data science.
What will I learn? Curriculum Overview
In the Data Science Bootcamp, you’ll gain a solid understanding of data science concepts and techniques, starting with data exploration and visualization, and progressing through to advanced topics like recommender systems and big data engineering.
The curriculum offers a perfect blend of theory and hands-on practice to ensure you’re well-equipped to tackle real-world data science challenges. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll learn:
- Data Exploration and Visualization
- Storytelling with Data
- Predictive Modeling for Real World
- Decision Tree Learning
- Evaluation of Classification Models
- Tuning of Model Hyperparameters
- Ensemble Methods and Random Forest
- Boosting
- Online Experimentation and A/B Testing
- Deploying a Model as a Service
- Text Analytics Fundamentals
- Unsupervised Learning
- Linear Models for Regression
- Recommender Systems
- Big Data Engineering
- Real-time Analytics
Key Features
- Instructor-led training
- Dedicated office hours
- Strong alumni network
- Hands-on coding environment with browser-based programming tutorials and exercises
- Continued learning with post-bootcamp tutorials, publicly available datasets, blogs, and learning material
What We Like About It
What makes Data Science Dojo’s Bootcamp stand out among the best data science programs is its focus on practical learning and real-world exercises.
The bootcamp offers a good balance of lectures and hands-on exercises, ensuring that students gain valuable experience while learning essential data science skills.
The dedicated office hours and mentoring provide students with the support they need to excel in the course, while the strong alumni network connects them with like-minded professionals for future opportunities.
How do I know it’s Right for Me?
If you’re looking for a comprehensive data science program that emphasizes practical learning and provides an interactive learning environment, Data Science Bootcamp by Data Science Dojo is an excellent choice.
This bootcamp is suitable for anyone interested in learning data science, programming, and machine learning, regardless of their background or experience.
The combination of instructor-led training, dedicated office hours, and an extensive curriculum ensures that you’ll have the support and resources you need to succeed in the data science field.
5. Machine Learning and Data Analytics using Python
Best data science program for Python specialization
School: National University of Singapore (NUS)
Cost: $3,850 with discount ($4,000 full price)
Duration: 8 months
Time commitment: 6-8 hours per week
The Machine Learning and Data Analytics using Python course by the National University of Singapore (NUS) is an intensive program that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of machine learning and data analytics, using Python as the programming language.
With real-world case studies and practical exercises, this course is designed for professionals from both tech and non-tech domains looking to pivot into a machine learning career, acquire machine learning concepts and techniques, and gain expertise to solve real-world business problems.
What will I learn? Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is a comprehensive learning experience, focusing on three building blocks of machine learning: supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and unsupervised learning.
Here’s a breakdown of the curriculum:
- Analytics: From Data to Insights (Week 1 – 6)
- Programming with Python (Week 8 – 16)
- Machine Learning for Practical Applications (Week 18 – 30)
Key Features
- Comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of machine learning and data analytics
- Practical, real-world case studies and exercises
- Strong emphasis on Python programming language
- Highly relevant and applicable to various industries and sectors
What We Like About It
- Offered by the prestigious National University of Singapore
- Focus on real-world relevance to meet rapidly evolving industry needs and trends
- Hands-on learning experience with Python, one of the most demanded programming languages in the workplace
- Suitable for professionals without prior coding experience
- An optional 1 day networking opportunity on campus to meet with globa leaders in the field
How do I know it’s Right for Me?
This program is perfect for you if:
- You’re a professional without prior coding experience looking to transition into a machine learning career
- You want to acquire machine learning concepts and techniques to take on machine learning roles
- You’re interested in solving real-world business problems using data and modeling
- You want to gain expertise in Python programming, a highly in-demand skill in various industries such as IT, banking, consulting, healthcare, and retail
6. Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures
Best data science program on a budget
School: Carnegie Mellon Executive Education
Cost: $1,500 with a 40% discount ($2,500 full price)
Duration: 10 weeks
Time commitment: 5-10 hours per week
Carnegie Mellon Executive Education offers one of the best data science programs, Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures, designed for technology professionals and early-career graduates in the field.
This 10-week online program provides an in-depth understanding of the core principles and real-world applications of algorithm design and the data structures that support them.
What will I learn? Curriculum Overview
During this course, you’ll acquire a deep understanding of algorithms and data structures through ten comprehensive modules that cover topics such as:
- Introduction to Algorithms
- Concrete Models and Tight Upper and Lower Bounds
- Greedy Algorithms
- Dynamic Programming
- Hashing and Streaming
- Network Flows
- Linear Programming
- NP-Completeness
- Multiplicative Weights Algorithms
- Gradient Descent
Key Features
- Taught by experts from Carnegie Mellon’s internationally recognized School of Computer Science
- Comprehensive 10-module curriculum
- Live office hours with instructors
- Engaging try-it activities, knowledge checks, and programming assignments
- Interactive discussion board activities
- Program experience tailored to working professionals
What We Like About It
Carnegie Mellon’s Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures program stands out as one of the best data science programs due to its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on learning approach, and collaboration opportunities with fellow participants.
The course also provides a flexible learning experience for busy professionals, with a dedicated program support team available 24/5 to assist with any questions or concerns.
How do I know it’s Right for Me?
This program is an excellent fit for you if you:
- Have a STEM or computer science background
- Seek an in-depth understanding of algorithms and data structures
- Want to learn the core principles and real-world applications of algorithm design
- Aim to enhance your career prospects in the technology industry
- Are an early-career technology graduate or a software engineer looking to advance your skills in algorithm design and data structures
By completing this program, you’ll acquire valuable credentials that attest to your understanding of the real-world applications of algorithms and data structures, making you a highly sought-after professional in the job market.
7. Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Best data science program with a focus on AI
School: Berkeley Executive Education
Cost: $6,675 with a discount ($7,500 full price)
Duration: 6 months
Time commitment: 15-20 hours per week
The Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence from UC Berkeley Executive Education is one of the best data science programs available.
This comprehensive course provides a solid foundation in ML/AI, along with practical experience and career guidance to help you excel in this rapidly growing field.
What will I learn? Curriculum Overview
In just six months, you’ll cover essential and advanced topics in ML/AI and their business applications.
This program is designed for IT and engineering professionals, data and business analysts, and recent STEM graduates. The curriculum is divided into three main sections:
- Foundations of ML/AI
- ML/AI Techniques
- Advanced Topics and Capstone
Key Features
- Develop a deep understanding of ML/AI concepts
- Learn to implement ML/data science life cycle
- Collaborate with industry experts
- Create a market-ready GitHub portfolio
- Earn a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley Executive Education
What We Like About It
We love that this program offers both foundational and advanced knowledge of ML/AI, making it suitable for learners at various stages of their careers. The hands-on experience with tools like Python, Jupyter, and GitHub ensures that you’ll be well-prepared for real-world applications like using CI/CD in data science roles.
Plus, the program’s capstone project provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills to prospective employers.
How do I know it’s Right for Me?
The Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence is perfect for anyone with a technology or math background who wants to unlock new opportunities or chart a cutting-edge career path. To determine if this program is the right fit, consider your educational background, technical work experience, and familiarity with Python, R, or SQL, as well as statistics and calculus. If you’re still unsure, download the program brochure for more detailed information or reach out to a program advisor for guidance.
Why Data Science Programs are a Great Alternative to Undergraduate Degrees
The rapidly evolving field of data science has created a high demand for skilled professionals. While undergraduate degrees can provide a strong foundation, data science programs offer a focused, practical, and cost-effective alternative. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- Time-efficient: Data science programs typically take less time to complete than undergraduate degrees, enabling you to quickly gain relevant skills and enter the job market.
- Cost-effective: Compared to the cost of a four-year undergraduate degree, data science programs are more affordable, making them an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Hands-on experience: Many data science programs prioritize real-world applications, giving you the opportunity to work with industry-standard tools and solve practical problems.
- Flexible learning: Data science programs often offer online or part-time options, allowing you to learn at your own pace while balancing work or family commitments.
- Specialized knowledge: By focusing solely on data science, these programs provide in-depth knowledge of the subject, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a career in this field.
- Networking opportunities: Data science programs often feature guest speakers and industry professionals, providing valuable networking opportunities and connections in the field.
What should I Consider When Choosing a Program?
When selecting a data science program, consider the following factors to find the best fit for your needs:
- Curriculum: Review the program’s curriculum to ensure it covers the topics and skills you want to learn. Look for a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Reputation: Research the reputation of the institution or platform offering the program. Look for testimonials, reviews, or success stories from past students to gauge the program’s quality.
- Duration: Consider the duration of the program and whether it fits your schedule. Some programs may be intensive and require full-time commitment, while others may offer part-time or flexible learning options.
- Cost: Evaluate the cost of the program and any available financial aid or scholarships. Make sure you’re comfortable with the investment and that it aligns with your budget.
- Prerequisites: Check if the program has any prerequisites, such as prior programming experience or a background in mathematics. Ensure that you meet these requirements before enrolling.
- Career support: Look for programs that offer career guidance, mentorship, or job placement assistance to help you transition into the data science field after completing the program.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a data science program that aligns with your goals, budget, and schedule, setting you on the path to a successful career in this exciting field.
Ben is a full-time data leadership professional and a part-time blogger.
When he’s not writing articles for Data Driven Daily, Ben is a Head of Data Strategy at a large financial institution.
He has over 12 years’ experience in Banking and Financial Services, during which he has led large data engineering and business intelligence teams, managed cloud migration programs, and spearheaded regulatory change initiatives.