How Long Does it Take to Learn Data Science?

Like many aspiring tech pros, you might want to learn data science but worry that it will take too much time. While the data science field is complex, experts agree that most students can learn fundamentals in six months or less. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to find out how you can learn data science and some resources to help speed the process along.

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?

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.

Average Time it Takes to Learn Data Science

Because data science is such a broad field, the time you take to learn it truly depends on factors like your current skill set and how you intend to use the knowledge you gain—estimates for mastering data science range from six months to several years. You can master data science fundamentals in less than a year, but your level of expertise will include various skills and practice in a particular role. Don’t expect to become an advanced data pro in a matter of months. 

One factor to consider is the type of training you choose. Self-guided data science education can take much longer than a targeted bootcamp or certificate, which can take from three weeks full-time to three months part-time.

Other Factors

If you’re planning a career as a Data Scientist, your level of experience and expertise may be much different from that of a Business Intelligence Analyst. Consider your prior experience with complementary skills like Python or R, how you’ll apply your data science training, and whether your learning style is auditory, visual, or kinesthetic (hands-on).

Overall Goal

Your overall goal in data science training is the single most important factor influencing how long it will take you. Any experience you already have in a previous or current position can help you, but data science is an extraordinarily complex and far-ranging field.

If you want to find an entry-level position as a Data Analyst or Python Developer, you might be able to get all the training you need in a few months on a part-time basis. Programs like Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate or Python for Data Science Bootcamp provide a solid education for beginners.

Availability

Another factor is availability. Many course providers offer in-depth bootcamps and certificate programs you can take either full-time or part-time. Do you have the time and energy to devote to such a comprehensive course? Such considerations should be foremost in your mind as you weigh your options.

Take the examples of Noble Desktop’s in-depth Data Analytics and Data Science Certificate programs. These immersive courses run for three to four weeks full-time or three to five months on a part-time basis. Will you have availability during such a run, either full- or part-time? You don’t want to miss sessions, so take a realistic assessment of your availability before you enroll.

Career Transition

Are you transitioning from a development role to a data science role? Or are you brand new to data science? Different students have different needs. These will likely influence not only how long it takes you to learn but also what type of course you’ll choose.

Many students select data science bootcamps to learn Python fundamentals, expand their knowledge of Python libraries and frameworks, or gain SQL proficiency. If you’re in that category, you might prefer an individual bootcamp. On the other hand, students with no data science background may choose a more comprehensive program, like Noble’s Data Science Certificate.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

The biggest challenges in learning data science depend on what field you enter and how you use the skills and knowledge you gain. Data Scientists, Data Analysts, and Business Analysts alike need to know data visualization tools like Tableau or master an object-oriented programming language (OOP) like Python.

Data science prerequisites also vary. A solid background in high-level mathematics—probability, statistics, and algebra—can help but may not be required for every position. And while you may need Python or Tableau skills, you can learn them as part of a broader data science curriculum rather than as prerequisites to study.

Costs vary as well. Some data science novices begin with comprehensive bootcamps or certificate programs which can pave the way to an entry-level job in this growing field.

Read more about how difficult it is to learn data science.

Watch a Free Data Science Online Course

If you can’t currently commit to a full-length data science bootcamp or certificate program, consider the many free online resources you can use to start learning data science. For example, Noble Desktop’s Intro to SQL is a great place to start. Learn why Structured Query Language is essential to data science in this free introductory course. It’s the perfect background prep for a more extended program like Noble’s Data Science Certificate or Data Analytics Certificate.

Other free online classes include Data Science Math Skills from Duke University, Data Processing Using Python from Nanjing University, and Algorithms, Pt. 1 from Princeton University.

Read about more free data science videos and online tutorials.

Learn Data Science with Hands-on Training at 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 broad field encompassing disciplines like math, computer programming, and artificial intelligence (AI).
• Data science roles can take months or even years to master. However, some careers demand less training than others.
• Consider multiple factors when evaluating data science training options, like:
• Your overall goals
• Your schedule and availability
• Whether you are starting from scratch or leveling up to a different role
• Top fields for data science include:
• Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts
• Data Analysts
• Data Scientists
• Enterprise Architects
• Financial Analysts
• Machine Learning Engineers
• Marketing Analysts
• Top skills for data science include:
• Artificial Intelligence
• Jupyter Notebook
• Machine Learning
• NumPy
• Pandas
• Power BI
• Python
• R
• SQL
• Tableau
• You can receive comprehensive data science training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.