Data science involves creating strategies to prepare data for analysis, analyze it, visualize the findings, and create models using programming languages that can then be deployed into various applications.Once you’ve decided to learn data science, the next important question is deciding how you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of available options for students to receive guidance in their data science training. Read on to learn more about the different data science training options, as well as the various advantages and disadvantages they carry with them.

What is Data Science?

Data science is a broad field that encompasses the disciplines of mathematics, computer programming, and artificial intelligence (AI). Data professionals such as Data Scientists and Data Analysts use advanced techniques like machine learning algorithms to find patterns in a vast amount of information. This process can provide actionable insights to stakeholders, from Product Managers to C-suite executives.

Today nearly every sector requires data science expertise, whether public or private. Among the top sectors where data science is critical are health and wellness, retail, web and application development, banking and finance, and governmental agencies. The field continues to project dramatic growth over the next decade; Glassdoor even listed Data Scientist as number three in its 50 Best Jobs in America in 2022.

Read more about what Data Science is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Data Science Skills?

Data science has so many applications in different industries that a comprehensive review could fill a book. Professionals as diverse as Business Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, and Enterprise Architects use data science in their day-to-day activities.

Top sectors for data science include banking and finance, marketing and advertising, and healthcare:

• Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) - Business Analysts and Data Scientists use data for everything from fraud detection to customized financial advice. Machine learning algorithms can assist with risk analytics, stock trading, and other tasks.

• Marketing & Advertising - Data Analysts and Marketing Analysts use data science in advertising to create targeted ad copy, recommend products and services, and leverage social media platforms. Programming languages like Python and R, often key to data science positions, help experts analyze data and make recommendations.

• In healthcare, Data Scientists create algorithms to create care plans and improve patient services. Using data analysis in medical imaging can help care providers with diagnoses and treatment decisions.

Data science has proven crucial to many other sectors, from retail and manufacturing to the public sector. If you want to combine challenging work with job security, start with data science.

Why Training Format Matters

The training format you select for studying data science will play a significant role in how quickly and effectively you learn information and skills. In-person coursework provides students with access to a computer lab as well as an expert instructor, which makes it an excellent option for extroverted learners. Live online data science classes offer the same access to an instructor in real time but offer the added flexibility of allowing students to complete all lessons and coursework remotely. On-demand classes are also available in data science. These courses offer pre-recorded content, which can be completed from any location at any time. In addition, free data science courses are also offered by many educators, which provide a low-stakes way for beginners to get started studying data science.

Types of Training Formats

When deciding which data science training format is best for you, there are many factors to consider, such as course length, cost, format, and content. The following sections will briefly explore some of the most popular options for learning data science:

Live In-Person Classes

Live, in-person data science classes are an effective and engaging way to learn how to work with data. Students receive expert instruction from someone with industry experience working with data. Classes take place in a computer lab, which is stocked with the most up-to-date software and programs needed for data science. In-person study offers interactive, hands-on training in data science skills and provides students with the opportunity to ask questions as they arise, receive support and guidance on difficult concepts, and receive professional development.

One consideration of in-person coursework is that it requires commuting to and from campus for regularly scheduled classes. Typically, in-person data science study is the most expensive learning option, costing as much or more than live online classes. With the additional cost comes many benefits; students not only have the chance to connect with their instructor but also can network with other learners. Many students consider this learning format the most effective way to absorb data science concepts.

Live Online Classes

Live online data science classes are another great way to study this topic. Live online coursework has many of the same benefits as in-person study. Students receive the same expert instruction from someone with real-world data science knowledge and training. They can ask questions as necessary, and even request that the instructor share their screen for additional help. Unlike in-person study, which requires that students spend time and money commuting to class for every scheduled meeting, live online data science classes can be completed entirely remotely from the comfort of your home or office space. 

Even though live online data science coursework does require attending class at regularly scheduled times, this learning option provides more flexibility than in-person classes. It also saves students money on commuting, parking, and other transportation-related expenses.

On-Demand Classes 

The most flexible learning format for studying data science is on-demand coursework. Unlike in-person and live online study, asynchronous data science material is pre-recorded. This means it can be watched from any location, any day, at any time. Students can pause lessons as often as necessary to take notes or rewind and rewatch them to facilitate greater comprehension. Because of how flexible this learning environment is, students can take as much or as little time as needed on one data science concept before moving on to the next. The flexibility of on-demand classes makes them a great option for those whose schedule prohibits attending recurring classes or who may need to balance their data science study with travel, full-time work, or other personal obligations. Another appealing aspect of asynchronous data science material is that it is often an affordable way to study this topic. 

If you’re interested in self-paced data science study, there are several important considerations to be aware of. Because on-demand coursework is recorded ahead of time, students don’t have access to a live instructor in these classes. This can make it difficult to receive support on complicated data science concepts. In addition, since not all on-demand content is created equally, it can be challenging to know which classes are the most relevant and current and which have content that is already dated.

Free Courses

Free data science courses are a great way to get started learning this topic. Since they don’t require monetary commitment, they provide a low-stakes option for learning basic data science concepts and tools. Many top educators, such as Coursera and Udemy, provide free data science classes. Often, these training options include video tutorials, written materials, and other relevant content that’s pre-loaded and available. Students can select from courses devoted to data science in general or more specific content pertaining to one specific tool, such as Python or Tableau. 

Because most free courses are available as on-demand study options, they are a good option for learning the basics of data science rather than more complex topics. Students in most free courses won’t have access to a live instructor, which can make it hard to master advanced data science skills. This is why free data science classes are a great starting point in your learning journey, but if you’d like to really break into this field, more structured learning options may be beneficial.

Depth of Training Formats

When choosing which data science training format is best for you, an important consideration is the depth of study available in each option. The following sections will briefly explore three of the most common data science training formats, certificate programs, bootcamps, and introductory classes, so you can decide which one is most suited to your learning needs:

Certificate Programs

One of the most effective and engaging ways to learn data science is to enroll in a certificate program. These extended programs generally span several weeks or months and provide students with a range of professional and practical learning outcomes. Not only do certificates offer in-depth training on core data science skills, but many of these courses also include professional training options as well, such as career counseling. Certificate study is a great option for those interested in learning data science to prepare for a new career. Most data science certificates cover a range of skills and programs needed to work in this field, such as instruction on visualizing data using Tableau, querying databases with SQL, or organizing data in Excel spreadsheets.

Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate provides in-depth training on the tools needed to become a Data Scientist. Students receive instruction from industry experts on how to use Python, design machine learning models, create data visualizations, and use SQL to query databases. One-on-one mentoring is included for all participants as part of tuition.

Training Bootcamps

Training bootcamps in data science are available for those who want to focus more on specific data science skills rather than study a range of topics. Bootcamps are generally shorter in duration than certificate programs. Some span just several days, whereas others may require weeks to complete. Often, bootcamps are a more affordable option than certificate study. Whereas certificates can cost tens of thousands of dollars, bootcamps often cost several hundred to several thousand.

Noble Desktop offers several bootcamp classes that provide relevant data science training. If you’re interested in learning how to visualize data, you may consider enrolling in Noble’s Tableau Bootcamp. If you’re looking to study programming languages, you can select Python for Data Science Bootcamp or SQL Bootcamp. All participants receive hands-on training from expert instructors and have the option of retaking the bootcamp for up to one year to brush up on class materials. 

Introductory Courses

If you’re just getting started learning data analytics, an introductory-level class is an excellent place to begin. These courses are generally short, spanning several hours or days instead of weeks or months. They also provide a relatively low-stakes way for students to become familiar with a data science tool or concept, such as data analysis or visualization, without committing to an in-depth program. Introductory classes are available in many data science topics and tools, such as beginner-level SQL or Python study, introductory-level Excel or Tableau courses, or even statistics. 

Noble Desktop’s Tableau Level 1 is a great option for those who are new to analyzing and visualizing data. Those enrolled in this short course learn how to work with Tableau, the industry-standard tool for data visualization. Instruction is provided on creating visual data representations, such as maps, charts, and graphs, as well as interactive dashboards.

Learn Data Science Skills with Noble Desktop

Because data science is a broad field, targeted training can prepare you for a data-centered position or even help you choose a specific role. You might think you’ll need a four-year data science degree, but this isn’t necessarily so. The bootcamp or certificate educational model has become increasingly popular for data professionals, thanks to features like small class sizes, hands-on training from industry experts, and individual mentoring. Noble Desktop offers a wide range of data science programs to help get you started.

• Data Science Certificate - The comprehensive Data Science Certificate provides all the skills required for entry-level data science, data analytics, or software engineering roles. Students learn how to write complex queries and build machine learning models while preparing a portfolio on a real-world basis. Skills covered include Python, SQL, NumPy, Pandas, and Jupyter Notebook, to name a few.

• Data Analytics Certificate - The comprehensive Data Analytics Certificate program offers the perfect training ground for Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, and Marketing Analysts. With a heavy emphasis on Tableau data visualization software, you’ll learn skills like Python programming, SQL, and machine learning, among others. Registrants of the Data Analytics Certificate or Data Science Certificate can also attend Noble’s Power BI Bootcamp at no additional charge.

• Python for Data Science Bootcamp - The Python for Data Science Bootcamp covers everything from programming fundamentals to data visualization. Students can save by taking this course as part of Noble’s Data Science Certificate, Data Analytics Certificate, or FinTech Bootcamp.

Check out all the Noble data science classes and bootcamps for additional options, like the Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp, Python for Data Science Bootcamp, or Python Machine Learning Bootcamp.

Key Insights

• Data science is a versatile skill set with applications in various industries and fields, such as marketing and advertising, banking and finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
• If you want to study data science, many excellent learning options are available. In-person and live online coursework allows you to connect in real time with an expert instructor. Self-paced study and free coursework options are also available. These typically involve pre-recorded materials that can be accessed anytime and from any location.
• When deciding which training format is best to help you learn data science, you can select from a range of options. Introductory-level classes generally span several hours or days; bootcamps often require a week or more of study; certificates typically span several weeks or months and provide the most rigorous training.
• You can receive comprehensive data science training through Noble Desktop. Coursework is available for those who are new to data science, as well as more advanced learners, in the in-person and live online format.