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Planning to pursue a career in data science or seeking ways to expand your knowledge to perform at a higher level in the classroom?
Consider Coursera data science courses to boost your expertise so you can meet your career or educational goals. You’ll find options on the online learning platform for all skill levels.
Whether you’re just getting started with data science or have experience under your belt, there’s a course for you. Let Benzinga help you find the perfect fit.
Quick Look: Best Coursera Data Science Courses
Here are the best Coursera data science courses:
- A Crash Course in Data Science by John Hopkins University
- Data Science Ethics by the University of Michigan
- What Is Data Science? by IBM
- Process Mining: Data Science in Action by the Eindhoven University of Technology
- Introduction to Data Science in Python by the University of Michigan
- Data Science for Business Innovation by EIT Digital
- Materials Data Sciences and Informatics by Georgia Tech
- Introduction to Clinical Data Science by the University of Colorado
- Spatial Data Science and Applications by Yonsei University
What Makes a Coursera Data Science Course Great?
Not all Coursera data science courses are equal — how do you know which are worthy of your time? Keep these factors in mind as you evaluate and narrow down options to find the best fit.
Led by Experienced Professional
You want a course that’s led by someone who has an extensive data science background. They should also have the ability to deliver vital concepts in an engaging manner that’s easy for students of all levels. Check the instructor’s biography and read reviews from past and current students to learn more about their teaching style.
Covers the Basics
Data science is a complex discipline with many facets. So, it’s best if the course covers the basics before delving into more advanced material. This is especially important for individuals who are just getting started with data science and desire to acquire solid foundational knowledge.
Interactive
Most data science courses are loaded with video lectures that detail the intricacies of the discipline. But the best options go a step further to implement real-life demonstrations, supplementary readings and quizzes. These options allow you to put your newfound skills to good use in a practice setting and assess areas where you are knowledgeable or need more work.
Our Top Picks
Below you’ll find Benzinga’s top picks for Coursera data science courses. We’ve organized our top selections by skill level: beginners, intermediate students and advanced students. There’s also a description along with pricing for each class to help you make an informed decision.
Coursera Data Science Courses for Beginners
Start with these introductory courses if you’re new to data science.
1. A Crash Course in Data Science by John Hopkins University
Who it's for: Beginners
Price: Free
Offered by John Hopkins University, A Crash Course in Data Science is the 1st installment in the Executive Data Science Specialization. It spans 4 hours and explores the fundamental role of data science and big data in high-performing organizations. You’ll also be introduced to common terms used by data scientists and the role data science managers play in the field.
It’s free to enroll, and you’ll have access to 11 video lectures and 8 supplementary readings. There are also 9 quizzes designed to assess your comprehension of the material.
The course is led by Associate Professor Jeff Leek, Professor Brian Caffo
2. Data Science Ethics by the University of Michigan
Who it's for: Beginners
Price: Free
This introductory course takes a closer look at ethical and privacy concerns related to the collection and management of big data.
It is presented by the University of Michigan and offers world-class instruction from H.V. Jagadish, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science.
Data Science Ethics is comprised of 10 modules.
- What are Ethics?
- History, Concept of Informed Consent
- Data Ownership
- Privacy
- Anonymity
- Data Validity
- Algorithmic Fairness
- Societal Consequences
- Code of Ethics
- Attributions
Each course includes videos, readings and quizzes that take 13 hours to complete.
Enrollment is free.
3. What Is Data Science? by IBM
Who it's for: Beginners
Price: Free
What Is Data Science? pulls back the curtain on this field by providing insight from some of the top data science practitioners.
It is a part of the following programs from IBM:
- IBM AI Foundations for Business Specialization
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
- Introduction to Data Science Specialization
- Key Technologies for Business Specialization
This beginner course takes 9 hours to complete and features video lectures, reading and quizzes. Here’s what you can expect to learn when you enroll:
- Defining Data Science and What Data Scientists Do
- Data Science Topics
- Data Science in Business
Instructors Alex Aklson, Ph.D. and Polong Ling are Data Scientists with the IBM Developer Skills Network.
Intermediate Coursera Data Science Courses
If you understand the mechanics of data science, you’ll find these courses useful.
4. Process Mining: Data Science in Action by the Eindhoven University of Technology
Who it's for: Intermediate students
Price: Free
Want to learn more about vital analysis techniques in process mining? Consider this intermediate course from the Eindhoven University of Technology.
Process Mining: Data Science in Action includes lessons on business process design and support decision making using event data, the gap between business process modeling and data mining, process mining techniques and so much more.
Professor Wil van der Aalst breaks the material down into the following segments:
- Introduction and Data Mining
- Process Models and Process Discovery
- Different Types of Process Models
- Process Discovery Techniques and Conformance Checking
- Enrichment of Process Models
- Operational Support and Conclusion
Get started today for free. You’ll be tasked with watching videos, reading supplementary materials and taking quizzes. It takes 22 hours to finish the course.
5. Introduction to Data Science in Python by the University of Michigan
Who it's for: Intermediate students
Price: Free
Also offered by the University of Michigan, Introduction to Data Science in Python covers core programming techniques and Python's essentials. It is a component of the Applied Data Science with Python Specialization.
Led by Christopher Brooks, this 16-hour course spans 4 weeks. It begins with a primer on data science and Python functionality, followed by lessons on lessons on the Python pandas library. The class wraps up with discussions on popular statistical techniques, including distributions, sampling and t-tests.
You’ll walk away with the ability to explain ways to effectively use Python for data science, along with the skills to query DataFrame structures for processing and cleaning, use lambdas and manipulate CSV files.
Enrollment is free.
6. Data Science for Business Innovation by EIT Digital
Who it's for: Intermediate students
Price: Free
Interested in learning how to leverage data science to foster data-driven innovation in middle-management and executive roles? Look no further than this intermediate course from EIT Digital.
Data Science for Business Innovation is co-instructed by Associate Professor Marco Brambilla and Professor Emanuele Della Valle. It entails 4 modules:
- Introduction to Data-Driven Business
- Terminology and Foundational Concepts
- Data Science Methods for Business
- Challenges and Conclusions
Throughout the course, you can expect to receive instruction through interactive lectures, real-life simulations, success stories and use cases. Access the material by grabbing a free seat today.
It takes 7 hours to reach the finish line.
Advanced Coursera Data Science Courses
Consider these advanced courses if you’re a career professional or student with extensive data science experience.
7. Materials Data Sciences and Informatics by Georgia Tech
Who it's for: Advanced students
Price: Free
If you want to learn more about the evolving discipline of Materials Informatics, this advanced course from Georgia Tech is ideal.
Materials Data Sciences and Informatics spans 8 hours and is facilitated by Dr. Surya Kalidindi, a professor in The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. He draws from several years of experience to bring you impactful lessons that are divided into these segments:
- Welcome
- Accelerating Materials Development and Deployment
- Materials Knowledge and Materials Data Science
- Materials Knowledge Improvement Cycles
- Case Study in Homogenization: Plastic Properties of Two-Phase Composites
- Materials Innovation Cyberinfrastructure and Integrated Workflows
Enroll today for free to access in-depth video instruction, 2 supplementary readings and a quiz to assess your comprehension of the course material.
8. Introduction to Clinical Data Science by the University of Colorado
Who it's for: Advanced students
Price: Free
The University of Colorado brings you this comprehensive course to prepare for a path in clinical data science education. You will also learn how to use healthcare data to boost future patients' overall health and vitality.
Introduction to Clinical Data Science includes 4 segments:
- Welcome to the Clinical Data Science Specialization
- Introduction: Clinical Data
- Tools: SQL
- Tools: R and the Tidyverse
Each module features videos, readings and quizzes to ensure you get the most from your online learning experience.
Instructor Laura K. Wiley, PhD., is an assistant professor in the Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine at Anschutz Medical Campus.
9. Spatial Data Science and Applications by Yonsei University
Who it's for: Advanced students
Price: Free
Spatial Data Science and Applications explores spatial data science from a business, data and technology perspective. You’ll also learn about the 4 disciplines of spatial data science and how they can be applied in the field, along with ways to solve real-world problems with spatial data science.
Here’s a quick look at the course syllabus:
- Understanding Spatial Data Science
- Solution Structures of Spatial Data Science Problems
- Geographic Information System (GIS)e
- Spatial DBMS and Big Data Systems
- Spatial Data Analytics
- Practical Application of Spatial Data Science
Facilitator Joon Heo is a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Find the Best Coursera Data Science Course for You
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars or sit through hours of dull lectures at the local college or university to learn data science. Consider 1 of our top recommendations to get started. They’re available for all skill levels and feature world-class instruction from industry experts who cover the basics and demonstrate how the concepts are used in the field. Best of all, you can get started in minutes without spending a dime of your hard-earned money.
Southern New Hampshire University Online
SNHU Online Offers:
- Flexible schedules
- Affordable tuition
- Online tutoring
- Access to electronic research materials
- Specialized academic advising
- Supportive online community