How to Learn Data Science

The number of options for learning data science might be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from; it all depends on your learning style and personal preferences. Thanks to its rapid growth throughout numerous industries, data science has become a top field worldwide. Consider data science if you plan to start a career over the next decade.

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning data science so you can make an informed decision about how you’d like to begin.

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.

In-Person Data Science Training

Training in the traditional classroom is often the most effective method for many data science beginners. The option of learning in person, networking with peers, and working on course provider equipment are all advantages. While some students prefer not to travel to a class, this tried-and-true method boasts the highest level of engagement overall.

Noble Desktop offers multiple data science training options, including their Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate. Additional Noble programs include their Python for Data Science Bootcamp, FinTech Bootcamp, and Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp.

You can also learn data science through in-person options like General Assembly’s Data Science Immersive, Flatiron School’s Data Science Bootcamp, or Thinkful’s Data Science Immersion.

Live Online Data Science Training

While some students prefer to learn in a classroom setting, others turn to live online bootcamps or certificate programs to learn data science. These immersive courses offer in-depth training in a condensed time frame, preparing attendees to begin new careers or level up from current roles. Online courses provide face-to-face training via teleconferencing: you can learn from the comfort of your home. Student engagement may be slightly lower, but many find the tradeoff worthwhile.

You can find a host of live online data science classes using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me search tool. They offer many of them at the NYC campus on Madison Avenue. However, participants outside the area can attend these programs from anywhere via teleconferencing. Consider the following data science bootcamps:

• Data Science Certificate - Noble’s Data Science Certificate program covers data science in detail, with topics like Structured Query Language (SQL) and Python programming for automation and machine learning (ML). The course is open to beginners and includes training in popular libraries like NumPy and Pandas. Check listings for more information. 

• Data Analytics Certificate - The immersive Data Analytics Certificate is the perfect launching pad for data sciences novices looking to qualify for entry-level data analytics or business intelligence analytics positions. It combines bootcamps in Excel, SQL, and Tableau with Python programming for data science, automation, and machine learning.

• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp - As a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning has quickly become a top skill set for data science pros of all types. This immersive course includes a Python for Data Science Bootcamp, a Python for Automation module, and a Python Machine Learning Bootcamp. 

Other live online options include a Data Science Bootcamp from NYC Data Science Academy, Thinkful’s Data Science Immersion, and Online Data Science from Flatiron School.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

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.

On-Demand Data Science Classes

On-demand classes, also known as self-paced classes, provide another way to begin learning about data science. They typically fall into three categories: Free, fee-based, or subscription-based.

Data science courses on demand vary and include beginner, intermediate, and advanced training options. While some on-demand courses require payment, a few are free. But most require subscribing to a provider’s platform, like Udacity or Skillsoft. Current on-demand data science classes include Get Started in Data Science from Noble Desktop, Google’s Data Analytics Professional Certificate, and the ML Engineering Career Track program from Springboard.

The on-demand learning model offers certain advantages, but there are drawbacks as well. While many students choose to learn data science fundamentals on-demand first, the need for instructor guidance usually leads them to enroll in a classroom setting to move to the next level.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

Because there are so many different resources available to help beginners learn data science, many students find the prospect of choosing one overwhelming. It’s understandable: data science is a broad field. The training you need to become a Data Scientist differs from that of a Machine Learning Engineer. While your learning style and preferences may not be exactly like everyone else’s, you should consider all your options before choosing your first data science class.

The three main learning styles are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Most people’s style combines one or more, but you might be a strong visual learner or a primarily auditory learner. Consider these factors when weighing remote training against a high-engagement option like in-person coursework.

Other important factors may include your current schedule, family obligations, and other commitments. If you have a full-time career, children in school, or provide care for a loved one, you might find it challenging to devote time to a structured data science course that requires you to attend at the same time every night. 

In cases like these, an on-demand course or video seminar might be the best way to begin, as you can access them when time permits. On the other side of the equation, students with greater flexibility in their schedules often prefer a structured course either in-person or live online. 

Why Learn Data Science?

Your path to learning data science tools and languages depends heavily on how and where you plan to use your knowledge and skills. A Data Scientist or Data Analyst will need comprehensive training in math, computer science, probability, and statistics. However, a Back End Developer may need only a few tools applicable to data science, like Python and Django REST.

The most significant benefit to learning data science skills and tools is the breadth of their applicability. A top programming language like Python will be crucial in fields like machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, data visualization tools like Tableau can be essential for everyone from Business Analysts to SQL Server Developers.

Whether you plan a role as a Cybersecurity Analyst, a Machine Learning Engineer, or a Business IT Analyst, data science skills will prepare you to analyze information, gain insights, offer conclusions, and even make predictions.

Read more about why you should learn data science.

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.

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).
• Top sectors for data science professionals include:
• App Development
• Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI)
• Government
• Health & Wellness
• Marketing & Advertising
• Web Development
• Top data science roles include:
• Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Financial Analyst
• Enterprise Architect
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Marketing Analyst
• Data science pros typically learn multiple programming languages like Python and R to analyze data and make recommendations.
• Data science training options include:
• In-person bootcamps and certificate programs
• Live online bootcamps and certificates
• Free video tutorials and seminars
• On-demand or self-paced courses

• You can receive comprehensive data science training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.