Introduction
Data science is revolutionising industries from finance to healthcare, and companies are making increasingly more data-driven decisions. Demand for data scientists has boomed, and it is currently one of the most lucrative career options out there.
If you desire to pursue or look for a career growth in this field, then an online data science course is the right option. But since there are so many online courses, how do you decide on the most appropriate online data science course? What are the online data science certification courses you can enroll for? And what would be a good data science course syllabus?
This guide will take you through it all, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced pro who wants to be an upskilling master.
What is Data Science?
Data science is extracting meaningful information from raw data with the assistance of statistics, mathematics, computer programming, and business insight. Data science is a collection of practices like data mining, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
Why is Data Science Important?
Data science is transforming the organizations. Some of the most important reasons why it is important are:
- Improved Decision-Making: Organizations take decisions about trends, customer likes and dislikes, and future market needs based on data analysis.
- Efficiency: Data processing is automated, reducing operational expenses.
- Competitive Advantage: Organizations that use data science perform better than others by offering fact-based decisions.
- Noble Career Opportunities: With data scientist skills in growing demand, career options for the profession are astounding.
Rise of Data Science as a Profession
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates data science positions to grow 36% between 2023 and 2033, well above the median for all other careers. (Source)
Even in India, there is growing demand for data scientists with junior positions falling in the range of ₹8-15 lakh a year. (Source)
With such numbers, studying data science can result in a plethora of career prospects.
How to Choose the Best Data Science Course Online
There are just so many options available, choosing the best course on data science is overwhelming. This is what you should look for:
1. Define Your Learning Objectives
Prior to membership, you should ask yourself:
- Are you new to the subject and would like to study the fundamentals?
- Do you need a certification to progress in your career?
- Do you need specialization in big data, AI, or machine learning?
Your objective will decide whether you need a basic course or advanced program.
2. Course Curriculum & Content
A proper curriculum of a data science course should include:
- Programming Languages: Python, R, and SQL.
- Mathematics & Statistics: Probability, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing.
- Data Visualisation: Tableau, Power BI, and Matplotlib.
- Machine Learning: Supervised learning and unsupervised learning, neural networks.
- Big Data & Cloud Computing: Hadoop, Spark, and cloud analytics.
3. Real-World Learning & Practical Projects
- Select courses with real-world exposure in projects & case studies.
- Industry projects are embedded in courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, and Imarticus Learning to enable you to create a portfolio.
4. Certification & Credibility
- A good data science certification program will enable you to get employed.
- Make sure the course is accredited by IBM, Harvard, or Google, among others.
Top Data Science Certification Courses
If you want a data science certification course recognized by the industry, then test the following:
1. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- Matters of Python, SQL, and data visualization.
- Contains hands-on projects and job-readiness capabilities.
- Suitable for beginners.
2. Harvard’s Professional Certificate in Data Science (edX)
- Matters of statistics, probability, and R programming.
- Ideal for students attending courses for study and research intents.
3. Imarticus Learning Postgraduate Data Science & Analytics Course
- Professional course-specific using Python, Power BI, and SQL.
- Career assured 100% with hands-on 25+ projects.
Best appropriate for working individuals aiming to go for higher education or seek growth in career: Check the course here
What Does a Data Science Course Syllabus Offer?
A good data science course curriculum is what makes you learn what you need. This is what a good course should have:
| Module | Topics Covered |
| Programming | Python, R, SQL |
| Data Handling | Data wrangling, preprocessing, and data manipulation |
| Mathematics & Stats | Probability, regression, hypothesis testing |
| Machine Learning | Supervised & Unsupervised Learning, Neural Networks |
| Data Visualisation | Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib |
| Big Data & AI | Deep Learning, Cloud Computing, Hadoop |
Applications in Real Life
- Healthcare: Prediction of disease using AI-based models.
- Finance: Identification of fraud and risk analysis.
- Retail: Predicting customers’ behavior to market.
Best Online Course in Data Science for Varying Needs
Here is a step-by-step guide to choose the best online data science course as per your level of experience:
- For Beginners: IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
- For Career Switch: Imarticus Learning Postgraduate Program
- For Experts: MIT Data Science and Machine Learning Course
All About Data Science and Analytics Course by Imarticus Leaning | Data Science For Beginners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can one be a data scientist if one does not know how to code?
Yes, there are a few courses that begin with Python and R basics.
2. How long would a course in data science be?
Most are 3-6 months depending on how much time one puts into it.
3. What is the best online data science course for a beginner?
IBM Data Science Certificate is for complete beginners.
4. Do I require a degree to be a data science employee?
No, employers are essentially hiring candidates with certifications and live projects.
5. What industries are looking for data scientists?
Finance, healthcare, e-commerce, retail, and technology companies.
6. Is a data science certification enough to secure a job?
Certifications may assist but problem-solving skills and live projects are more beneficial.
7. How are data analytics and data science different from one another?
Data analytics is based on analysis of the data provided, whereas data science uses more advanced machine learning and predictive modeling.
8. What programming language is ideal for data science?
Python is used because it is easy to use and there are plenty of libraries available.
9. How are data scientists remunerated?
Senior data scientists can be paid more than ₹20-30 lakh annually in India.
10. What can be done once a data science course is complete?
Do internships, have a portfolio, and work on open-source initiatives.
Conclusion
Data science is an ever-growing, fast-developing profession with massive career scope. Selecting the proper data science course is your key to a successful, fulfilling career.
Key Takeaways
✅ Data science is a popular occupation with decent compensation.
✅ Good data science course curriculum consists of Python, statistics, machine learning, and cloud computing.
✅ Data science certification courses help in establishing credibility and career prospects.
Learn more about Imarticus Learning Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Analytics and begin your data science today!