what course should i take for data scientist

by Miss Dawn Dicki III 4 min read

The Ultimate List of Courses for Data Scientists

  • Statistics. This is the most basic course on statistics I could find online, and will really start from scratch, going...
  • Coding. For coding, video lectures won’t be of much help. Instead, I recommend you try a coding platform, such as...
  • Data analysis and visualization. This is a professional certificate offered by...

Full Answer

What degree do you need to become a data scientist?

This article will cover:

  • A little bit about my own journey
  • How I feel about being a master's student currently.
  • Do I still believe that one can be a successful data scientist without a degree?
  • Some hurdles I faced when I was a self-learner.
  • Some suggestion to overcome the problems of self-learning

What are the educational requirements for a data scientist?

  • Advanced Degree – More Data Science programs are popping up to serve the current demand, but there are also many Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science programs .
  • MOOCs – Coursera, Udacity, and codeacademy are good places to start.
  • Certifications – KDnuggets has compiled an extensive list .

More items...

How do I become a data scientist?

  • proficiency in excel;
  • good practical knowledge of statistics and mathematics;
  • confidence in working with visualization tools like Power BI and Tableau;
  • and, of course – experience in scripting languages, such as SQL, Python, and R.

Why to become a data scientist?

  • Understanding the model in and out. The team needs to know data structure, parameters and schemas. ...
  • Understanding the parameters they're working with. ...
  • Understanding how the algorithms work. ...
  • Collaborating closely. ...
  • Knowing if the results are accurate. ...

What course should I take to become a data scientist?

To work as a data scientist, you must have an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as Business information systems, Computer science, Economics, Information Management, Mathematics and Statistics. At different levels, the course eligibility differs.

What majors do you need to be a data scientist?

The in-demand graduate degrees for data science include the exact same specifications for an undergraduate degree: data science (if available), computer science, information technology, math, and statistics. However, many companies also accept STEM degrees such as biotechnology, engineering, and physics (among others).

What is a data scientist salary?

Salaries for junior data scientists tend to start at around £25,000 to £30,000, rising to £40,000 depending on your experience. With a few years' experience you can expect to earn between £40,000 and £60,000. Lead and chief data scientists can earn upwards of £60,000, in some cases reaching more than £100,000.

How can I become a data scientist after 12th?

There is no full-proof way to become a data scientist after 12th, students generally pursue a bachelor's in engineering (BTech) and in the meantime, explore various data science courses online or a diploma in data science programs.

What classes should I take to become a data scientist?

To summarize, here are some the courses you should take to become a data scientist: Natural Language Processing Business Intelligence Machine Learning Operations. The main reason I chose these specific courses is that they are all different enough so where they encompass a wide range of data science.

Is Facebook a data scientist?

For example, Facebook tends to title data scientist positions where the main requirements are the qualities that also define a business intelligence analyst, but with more machine learning algorithm requirements as well. Therefore, having a course explicitly in data science-focused business intelligence can be quite valuable as you become ...

Is machine learning important for data science?

While it is of course critical to understand machine learning algorithms to be a data scientist, enrolling in a machine learning operations course can be quite important. A lot of the education in data science focuses on these algorithms, but fails to apply experiences to the operation of these algorithms.

Do you need to know NLP to be a data scientist?

However, not every data scientist needs to know NLP, so if you want to focus on a different facet of data science, you can explore other specializations like that of business intelligence.

What classes do you need to be a data scientist?

There are numerous classes you can take to become a data scientist that include cloud computing, big data, and a data analytics course. The basic “data science course outline” doesn’t have to be separate courses though, lots of organizations and training platforms have an all-inclusive data science course.

How to become a data scientist?

This includes the following, Earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, physics, math, information technology, and in a related field. Earning a master's degree in data or a related domain.

What does data science mean?

Today, we use the term "data science" to mean "doing stuff with data .". Some data scientists build products, some optimize businesses, others try to understand businesses. Regardless of what a data scientist does, there are three things that a data scientist needs to understand to be effective: (1) Math.

Is a data scientist a machine learning engineer?

As already mentioned, Data Scientist is often split into theoretical and applied (machine learning engineer). However, a Data Scientist is almost always expected to have the skills of a machine learning engineer too for most jobs.

Is data science a computer science?

The problem is that contrary to popular opinion, data science does NOT fall under Computer Science. It falls under statistics. If you don't have any experience in statistics or a grounding in math, you can't gain the experience. That's the difference between the two types of data scientists above.

What should a data science course include?

Wanna know more about data science? Make sure to check out my events and my webinar What it's like to be a data scientist and What’s the best way to become a data scientist !

The problem with data science courses

There are many resources, free and paid, for learning data science. However, most of them are not really complete, and they have the wrong focus. The modern data scientist needs to be able to combine various skills, which not many courses take into account.

The right kind of data science course

I have discussed in the past about the best way to teach data science. I have also lots of experience creating data science courses of all kinds: from sports analytics to courses for executive education. However, I felt that something had been missing from the market.

What is the most well-represented degree among data scientists?

With 18.3%, Computer Science is the most well-represented degree among data scientists. This isn’t a complete shock, since good programming skills are essential for a successful career in the field. It’s not all that surprising that a degree in Statistics or Maths is among the top of the list (16.3%).

Is data science hot?

Data science as a degree itself is not really that hot. 21% of current data scientists own a concentration in the field. And, although the percentage is higher compared to 2019 (12%), Data Science is still very new as a discipline. That’s why it isn't widely offered in universities across the globe yet.

5 Online Courses I Recommend as a Self-Taught Data Scientist

A few days ago I wrote a blog giving my story of how I became a self-taught data scientist. You can check out that blog below.

1. Machine Learning A-Z: Hands-on Python & R In Data Science

The first course I would recommend you take is the Machine Learning A-Z: Hands-on Python & R In Data Science course.

2. The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2022: Go From Zero to Hero

The next course I would recommend you take is The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2022: Go From Zero to Hero in SQL.

3. 2022 Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python

The next l course I would recommend you take is the 2022 Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python course.

4. Tableau 2020 A-Z: Hands-on Tableau Training for Data Science

The fourth course I would recommend you take is the Tableau 2020 A-Z: Hands-on Tableau Training for Data Science course.

5. Deep Learning A-Z: Hands-On Artificial Neural Networks

The final course I would recommend you take is the Deep Learning A-Z: Hands-On Artificial Neural Networks course.

Start Learning Today

There are a number of online courses that can help you python, machine learning, deep learning, SQL, etc.

What education do you need to be a data scientist?

Specialized education is a necessity for data scientists. It doesn’t matter how much of a knack you might have for statistics or linear algebra — if you don’t have certain industry skills and theoretical knowledge, no one is likely to hire you.

What states employ data scientists?

States like California, Illinois, and New York are among those that employ the most data scientists. On average, data scientists make above the national average in these states. In Georgia, data scientists can expect to earn less, on average, than the national average, with a mean salary of $81,520.

Is data science competitive?

The demand for data scientists is growing, but the industry is also highly competitive. It’s not enough to have the skills and the will to use them; you also need to stand out among your peers.

What is the best degree for data science?

Four-year undergraduate degrees are arguably the most conventional means of gaining the proficiencies necessary for a career in data science. Those who enroll in college courses commit to a full-time and often in-person schedule and gain a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical principles and practical skills.

Why is it important to be a data scientist?

Due to the complex and technical nature of their work, data scientists often have to shape their own to-do lists and make difficult project decisions without upper-level direction or input. The ability to think critically, proceed prudently, and shift priorities as needed are critical for independent data scientists. These professionals also need to adopt an impact-oriented mentality that helps them focus their efforts on the areas or tasks that will provide the most overall benefit to their employer.

What is the importance of methodology in information science?

Methodology. Understanding the significance and value of methodology is an essential trait for anyone practicing information science. Strict attention to detail and adherence to established methods are crucial skills in both programming and mathematics.

What are the traits of a data scientist?

Curiosity and an insatiable desire to learn are among the most crucial character traits shared by successful data scientists. Even the most well-educated and seasoned professionals need to stay on top of developments in ever-changing fields such as machine learning, programming, and database management ⁠— or they’ll soon find themselves outdated and ill-prepared.

How much will data scientists increase in 2028?

Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that positions for data scientists will increase by a whopping 16 percent between 2018 and 2028 ⁠— a rate more than three times that of the average growth expected for all other occupations. It’s a high-potential profession, to be sure.

What is data science?

Data scientists are a new breed of analytical data expert who has the technical skills to solve complex problems — and the curiosity to explore what problems need to be solved.”. Data science is a field that demands creativity and encourages curiosity.

Why do data scientists use data?

Data scientists use data to help businesses make better decisions. The description seems straightforward enough ⁠— until you unpack the phrase “use data.”. It encompasses a lot. Data scientists are responsible for collecting, managing, and distilling meaning from enormous quantities of data.

How to become a data analyst?

Get started as a data analyst 1 Build a foundation of job-ready skills with a Professional Certificate. 2 Request more information about earning your data analytics degree online. 3 Try a popular data analytics course to see for yourself if it’s a good fit.

How much does a masters degree make?

In the US, employees across all occupations with a master’s degree earn a median weekly salary of $1,497 compared with $1,248 for those with a bachelor’s degree [ 3 ]. That difference translates into $12,948 more each year.

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Statistics

  • Basic Statistics
    This is the most basic course on statistics I could find online, and will really start from scratch, going through the concepts of median and mean, for example. Do this one if you know almost nothing about statistics.
See more on towardsdatascience.com

Coding

  • For coding, video lectures won’t be of much help. Instead, I recommend you try a coding platform, such as Codeacademy. They have coding learning tracks for all the main languages you will need, and a lot of stuff dedicated exclusively for data science and data analysis. Some of their content is free, but you have to pay a monthly subscription for the more specific “courses” (it is not expe…
See more on towardsdatascience.com

Data Analysis and Visualization

  • Google Data Analytics Certification
    This is a professional certificate offered by Google, comprising 8 courses that will teach you a lot about data analysis and visualization, covering topics from data preparation to how to ask the right questions, and ending with a capstone project. If you are taking only one specialization on t…
  • Information Visualization
    Offered by the New York University, this 4-course specialization will cover a lot of visualization concepts that might be new to data scientists, such as using color, empty spaces, annotations and contrast. It is not about using a specific tool, but more about teaching you how to make you…
See more on towardsdatascience.com

Machine Learning

  • Machine Learning by Stanford
    One of the best courses I have ever taken on Machine Learning, it will go into the details of the main ML algorithms, including the math behind them. Andrew Ng will actually teach you how to code them from scratch using Matlab, which I found painful and instructive at the same time (a…
  • Structuring Machine Learning Projects
    Another one by Andrew Ng, this one will teach you something quite powerful when doing data science in real life: how to structure your ML projects. You might know statistics, coding and algorithms but, when the time comes to actually implement your project, this 2-week course will …
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Conclusion

  • Use this list as a guide if you are drowned in content overload and don’t know where to start. You can also save for later, and come back to it when you need studying material for a specific topic.
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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Natural Language Processing
  3. Business Intelligence
  4. Machine Learning Operations
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Introduction

  • While there are countless impactful courses associated with specific universities, I want to discuss the three encompassing courses you should look for, as well as to make sure are at your data science program. These courses represent key topics of data science. It is important to get experience in these as soon as possible so that you know what type of data scientist you want t…
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Natural Language Processing

  • Take a natural language processing course, also referred to as NLP, if you want to become a data scientist. The main reason is that this facet of data science is so unique, yet important to a plethora of industries. Companies that have an abundance of text data will require you to have this course most likely. You will be able to apply a lot of the...
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Business Intelligence

  • This facet of data science can oftentimes be confused with strictly just a business intelligence analyst role, but you will see some companies that reiterate that a data scientist may be focused purely on business intelligence. For example, Facebook tends to title data scientist positions where the main requirements are the qualities that also define a business intelligence analyst, b…
See more on towardsdatascience.com

Machine Learning Operations

  • While it is of course critical to understand machine learning algorithms to be a data scientist, enrolling in a machine learning operationscourse can be quite important. For example, a lot of the time, data scientists will come out of a program with a plethora of algorithm experience, but then when it comes time to implement the model into production, within the business infrastructure, i…
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Summary

  • Whether you want to be specialized in any of these mentioned courses or facets of data science or you want to be a well-rounded data scientist, all of these courses prove to be important to study and practice at some point. There are several other facets of data science that should be explored and mastered as well, so feel free to discuss the ones that you have emphasized in your educati…
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References

  • Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash, (2018) Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash, (2020) Photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash, (2018) Southern Methodist University, SMU business analytics specialization in data science, (2021) Photo by Maximilian Weisbecker on Unsplash, (2018)
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