phd data science bootcamp

Post Graduate Program in Data Science

Learn to extract meaningful information and predict future patterns with one of the best data science programs. Leverage a high-engagement learning experience with live classes by industry practitioners and hands-on projects.

Learn to extract meaningful information and predict future patterns with one of the best data science programs. Leverage a high-engagement learning ex... Read more

• Admission closes on 8 Nov, 2024
• Learning Format Live, Online, Interactive

Data Science Course Highlights

Unleash your potential with this top-rated online Data Science program. Acquire cutting-edge skills to propel your career in the dynamic field of data science and artificial intelligence.

Purdue’s Prestige and Academic Eminence

• Program certificate from Purdue University Online and Simplilearn

Become eligible for a membership at the Purdue University Alumni Association

Gain Generative AI Mastery

Dedicated course on Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT and more

Gain exposure to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other prominent tools

Real-World Practical Application

Apply concepts to 25+ real-world projects with access to integrated labs

8X higher live interaction with capstone projects in 3 industry domains

GET PROGRAM DETAILS

For enterprise, hear it from our alumni, program outcomes.

• Industry-recognized IBM certificates for IBM courses
• Gain exposure to Generative AI, ChatGPT, LLMs, and more
• Become eligible for a membership at the Purdue Alumni Association

Data Science Course Curriculum

Get started with the Post Graduate Program in Data Science in partnership with Purdue University Online and explore everything about the domain. Kickstart your Data Science journey with the preparatory courses on Statistics and Programming.

In this course, you will develop essential Python skills that are a crucial foundation for your progress throughout the program.

Join this course to gain vital skills for proficiently handling SQL databases in your applications. You'll grasp SQL statements, conditional statements, commands, joins, subqueries, and functions, enabling effective management for scalable growth.

The course provides the necessary skills to leverage Python for data science. By the course's conclusion, participants will be proficient in writing Python scripts and performing hands-on data analysis using a Jupyter-based lab environment.

This course comprehensively explores data science essentials, covering data preparation, model building, and evaluation. Participants will delve into fundamental Python concepts, including strings, Lambda functions, and lists. Additionally, they will gain proficiency in essential topics such as NumPy, linear algebra, and statistical concepts, which include measures of central tendency and dispersion, skewness, covariance, and correlation.

This course comprehensively explores diverse machine learning types and their practical applications. Participants will gain insights into the machine learning pipeline, delving into supervised learning, regression models, and classification algorithms. Additionally, the course covers unsupervised learning, clustering techniques, and ensemble modeling. Participants will also evaluate well-known machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and Keras.

This course equips you with skills to deploy deep learning tools using AI/ML frameworks. It ensures a solid foundation by covering fundamental concepts, neural networks, TensorFlow 2, Keras, CNNs, RNNs, and more. By the end of the course, you'll proficiently build and optimize models with Keras and TensorFlow.

In this course, participants will comprehensively study generative AI models, with a special emphasis on ChatGPT. The curriculum covers essential principles of generative AI, prompt engineering, explainable AI, conversational AI, ChatGPT, and other large language models.

Explore the crucial role of generative AI in data science, spanning various industries from data generation to analysis. Overcome lifecycle challenges, gain insights into leveraging generative AI, and master industry-specific tools for successful data science endeavors.

The data science and machine learning capstone project provides a unique opportunity to apply skills in real-world scenarios. Guided by industry mentors, you'll address industry challenges, from data processing to presenting results. Using Python or SAS, implement regression, decision trees, and AI algorithms for accurate models. Ensure model robustness with k-fold cross-validation. Utilize Tableau for insightful result visualization.

Attend an online interactive masterclass and get insights about advancements in technology/techniques in Data Science, AI, and Machine Learning.

Attend this online interactive industry master class to gain insights about Data Science advancements and AI techniques.

This course helps to gain a comprehensive understanding of the R Programming language. R Programming is a vital tool for data analysis and is essential for aspiring data science professionals. This course teaches you how to write R code, explore R's data structures, and create custom functions. By the end of the course, you will be well-prepared to embark on your first data analysis project.

Leverage Power BI to extract valuable business insights through data analysis. Craft interactive dashboards to facilitate informed decision-making. Streamline operations for enhanced efficiency. Construct dashboards from published reports and utilize Quick Insights for swift data pattern identification. Embrace pragmatic methodologies within Power BI.

Delve into an immersive course on computer vision, mastering advanced Deep Learning methods. From image processing to CNNs and object detection, explore every facet. Dive into generative models, OCR, and distributed computing. Understand Explainable AI and deploy models adeptly to tackle diverse vision challenges.

Embark on a dynamic course delving into ML applied to natural language data. Learn the intricacies of natural language understanding, feature engineering, and generation. Master automated speech recognition, including speech-to-text and text-to-speech conversion. Create voice assistance devices and Alexa skills. Develop advanced NLP and speech recognition abilities to address complex challenges in language and speech applications.

Immerse yourself in a course on data ethics, covering relevance, legal frameworks, and privacy concerns. Delve into security protocols, biases, and visualization techniques. Grasp decision-making practices and comprehend the societal impacts of data analytics.

Skills Covered

• Computer Vision
• Data Visualization
• Deep Learning
• Descriptive Statistics
• Ensemble Learning
• Explainable AI
• Exploratory Data Analysis
• Generative AI
• Inferential Statistics
• Machine Learning Algorithms
• Model Building and Finetuning
• Model Evaluation and Validation
• Model Training and Optimization
• Natural Language Processing
• Prompt Engineering
• Reinforcement Learning
• Speech Recognition
• Supervised and Unsupervised Learning

Tools Covered

Industry Project

Data science course program advisor, data science course fee.

Pay in Installments

You can pay monthly installments for Post Graduate Programs using ClimbCredit payment option with low APR and no hidden fees. .

Program Cohorts

Next cohort.

18 Nov, 2024

1 Feb, 2025 - 19 Oct, 2025

16:30 - 20:30 MST

Weekend ( Sat - Sun )

Eligibility Criteria

• A bachelor's degree with an average of 50% or higher marks
• Basic understanding of programming concepts and mathematics
• 2+ years of work experience preferred

Best Suited For

• Software Engineers
• IT Professionals
• Aspiring Data Scientists
• Business Analysts
• Data Professionals
• Product Managers

How to Apply For Data Science Course

Tell us why you want to enroll in the Post Graduate Program in Data Science

An admission panel will shortlist candidates based on their application

Selected candidates can start within 1-2 weeks

Demand for Data Science Course in 2024

Organizations, regardless of their size or industry, are increasingly leaning into data-driven insights to inform their strategic decisions. This shift has consequently propelled the demand for adept data science professionals to an unprecedented level. According to the "Jobs of Tomorrow: Mapping Opportunity in the New Economy" report by the World Economic Forum, data science and its associated roles are projected to be among the most in-demand job categories in the coming years.

Our Post Graduate Program in Data Science is strategically designed to prepare you for this data-centric future. With an extensive curriculum encompassing data visualization tools, Python, SQL, and hands-on projects, you'll not only meet industry demands but exceed them. As businesses increasingly rely on data for competitive advantage, you'll become an indispensable asset, poised for a successful and lucrative career in data science. Join this program to embark on your journey to becoming a sought-after data professional.

Data Science Course FAQs

What does a data science professional do.

A Data Scientist identifies the business issues that need to be answered and then develops and tests new algorithms for quicker, more accurate, and large-scale data analytics utilizing a range of technologies such as Tableau, Python, Hive, and others. A professional who has majored in Data Science also collects, integrates, and analyzes data to acquire insights and reduce data issues so that strategies and prediction models may be developed. The applications of data science span many of the top industries of today, including technology, finance and healthcare. For more information on what a data science professional does , refer to our article.

What influence will Data Science have in 2024?

Given the vast volumes of data created today, data science will continue to be an emerging field essential for any company. With advancements in cutting-edge areas like AI and machine learning, data science will increasingly influence business decision-making, particularly in areas of automation, business operations and growth. From personalizing customer experiences to new product development and process optimization, data science will continue to play a critical role. As a result, the need for qualified Data Scientists will continue to increase multifold in today’s biggest industries. Read more about this in our article about the data science trends that are shaping business and industry in 2024.

What are the benefits of enrolling into the PG Data Science Program in collaboration with Purdue University?

Simplilearn’s PG data science program in collaboration with Purdue University, is one of the most sought-after certifications created by leaders in academia and industry experts. This training program enables you to stand out from the crowd and get the attention of top data science employers. The curriculum provides a great mix of theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. With unique hackathons and project-based learning with Amazon, Uber, and Comcast datasets, to name a few of the exciting features of this program, you will have everything you need to make a strong foray into the field of data science today.

Who are the instructors for this PG Data Science Program in collaboration with Purdue University, and how were they selected?

We have partnered with only the most highly qualified instructors for this PG Data Science program in collaboration with Purdue University. Our rigorous selection process includes profile screening, technical evaluation, and a training demo. We also ensure that only trainers with a high alumni rating remain on our faculty.

How do I enroll in the Post Graduation Data Science Program?

The application process for this Post Graduation in Data Science program involves three steps. 

• First, candidates must submit an application detailing their motivation for the course. 
• Next, an admission panel will review the applications and shortlist candidates based on their submissions. 
• Finally, selected candidates can begin this PG Data Science program within 1-2 weeks. 

Please note that upon selection, candidates must pay the course fee using any preferred payment option available before beginning their learning journey.

What is the salary range one can expect after earning a Data Science Certificate?

Data Science jobs provide many opportunities for success with high-paying incomes. Based on experience, region, and employer, India's typical average Data Scientist compensation is INR 978,217 annually . (according to PayScale). The average annual wage in the United States is $100,507 .

I don't have any technical background. Can I still apply to this Post Graduation in Data Science Program?

Yes, even if you have no technical expertise, you may enroll in this PG Data Science program in collaboration with Purdue University. A rudimentary understanding of programming languages and mathematics, on the other hand, will be advantageous.

Do Data Science Experts need to know how to code?

Programming is an essential aspect of data science. For data science projects, scripting and mathematics are crucial ideas. Gaining foundational knowledge or job experience in the domains mentioned above is strongly recommended for applicants interested in a data science profession. Python and R are widely used programming languages in data research. Our Data Science curriculum will simplify your learning of programming languages.

Will there be any material provided to help you get started with this PG Data Science Program?

You'll have access to a preparatory course once you pay the first installment of the fee. Before attending the first class, you must complete the prescribed learning path. The tutorials will include 8-10 hours of video-based self-paced learning content.

What is covered under the 24/7 Support promise?

We offer 24/7 support through chat for any urgent issues. For other queries,we have a dedicated team that offers email assistance and on-request callbacks.

What is the refund policy for this PG Data Science Program?

To learn more about cancellation and refund, you can view our refund policy .

Are there any other online courses Simplilearn offers under Data Science?

Absolutely! Simplilearn offers plenty of options to help you upskill in Data Science. You can take advanced certification training courses or niche courses to sharpen specific skills. Whether you want to master new tools or stay ahead with the latest trends, there's something for everyone. These courses are designed to elevate your knowledge and keep you competitive in the Data Science field. Similar programs that we offer under Data Science:

• Caltech Post Graduation in Data Science
• Data Science Course
• Applied AI Program
• Free Data Science Course

Will missing a live class affect my ability to complete the course?

No, missing a live class will not affect your ability to complete the course. With our 'flexi-learn' feature, you can watch the recorded session of any missed class at your convenience. This allows you to stay up-to-date with the course content and meet the necessary requirements to progress and earn your certificate. Simply visit the Simplilearn learning platform, select the missed class, and watch the recording to have your attendance marked.

What will be the career path after completing the Post Graduate in Data Science Program?

This PG Data Science Program in collaboration with Purdue University, is one of the top-rated data science certifications globally. Once completed, the certification will pave the path for you to pursue roles such as Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, or Business Intelligence Analyst. This program equips you with skills in data manipulation, statistical analysis, machine learning, and more, making you valuable across sectors like tech, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. With experience and continuous learning, you could move into senior positions like Data Science Manager, Lead Data Scientist, Chief Data Officer, or senior roles in AI and Deep Learning.

Is Data Science a promising career path? Are Data Scientists in High Demand?

Data science is a tremendous professional path with various potential progression opportunities. Data science positions are in high demand and pay well. Indeed, according to certain LinkedIn studies, the Data Scientist is the "most promising career", while Glassdoor calls it the "greatest job in America." Our Data Science Program in collaboration with Purdue University, will provide you with all the necessary skills needed to kickstart a successful data science profession. 

Read More: The Future of Data Science

Will I become an alumni of Purdue University after completion of this Purdue Data Science Program?

Based on successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for the Purdue University Alumni Association membership.

Does Simplilearn have corporate training solutions?

Yes, Simplilearn for Business offers learning solutions for the latest AI and other digital skills, including industry certifications. For talent development strategy, we work with Fortune 500 and mid-sized companies with short skill-based certification training and role-based learning paths. We also offer a learning library with unlimited live and interactive solutions - Simplilearn Learning Hub+, which is accessible to your entire workforce. Our team of curriculum consultants works with each client to select and deploy the learning solutions that best meet their teams’ requirements.

Are Simplilearn’s courses eligible for reimbursement by my employer?

Yes, Simplilearn’s Post Graduate Program in Data Science, offered in collaboration with Purdue University, is eligible for employer reimbursement. We'd recommend confirming the specific terms of educational benefits or tuition assistance programs with your HR department or employer. Purdue University also accepts tuition vouchers, which can streamline reimbursement. To claim your reimbursement, Simplilearn offers completion certificates, detailed receipts, and course breakdowns, which can be submitted to your employer or HR department.

Other Programs you may be interested in

Purdue and simplilearn partnership.

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last four years as one of the 10 Most Innovative Universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and discovery. Purdue University Online has partnered with Simplilearn to deliver various online professional programs. Simplilearn’s award-winning immersive learning model focuses on applied learning experiences intended to create immediate impact.

Other Programs

• Post Graduate Program in AI & ML
• Post Graduate Program in Data Analytics
• Post Graduate Program in Business Analysis
• Post Graduate Program in Digital Marketing
• Applied Generative AI Specialization
• Generative AI for Business Transformation
• No Code AI and Machine Learning Specialization
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The Best Data Science Bootcamps Out There

The big data market is growing exponentially—as is the demand for data scientists. If you’re thinking about becoming a data scientist , a good bootcamp can help you to learn the necessary skills and gain hands-on experience. But what are the best data science bootcamps made of? And can a bootcamp really equip you for such a technical field?

In this post, we’ll compare twelve of the best data science bootcamps on the market right now. We’ll then explore the role of the data scientist and provide an overview of the data job market. We’ll also weigh up whether or not a data science bootcamp is worth your time.

If you’re completely new to the field of data, you might want to give this free data short course a go first.

Want to skip ahead? Just use the clickable menu.

• What is data science?
• CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program
• Flatiron School Online Data Science Bootcamp
• General Assembly Data Science Immersive Online
• Thinkful Data Science Flexible
• BrainStation Online Data Science Bootcamp
• Springboard Data Science Career Track
• Dataquest Data Science Learning Path
• INE Data Science Courses
• NYC Data Science Academy Data Science Bootcamp
• Udemy Complete Data Science Bootcamp
• Practicum Data Science Bootcamp
• Data Science Dojo Data Science Bootcamp
• Is a data science bootcamp worth it?
• Data science bootcamp vs. data science degree—which is better?
• How much does a data science bootcamp cost?
• How to pay for your data science bootcamp
• Best data science bootcamps FAQs

Are you ready? Then let’s begin with a big question.

1. What is data science?

In very broad terms, data science is the art (or science!) of making sense of big data . With huge volumes of data being generated all the time, it’s essential that businesses and organizations are able to leverage it—and this requires expertise in specific domains.

Perhaps the best way to define data science as a discipline is to consider what a data scientist actually does, as well as the skills and tools they utilize. Data scientists draw upon their computer science, mathematics, and business expertise to run complex, custom data analyses, to build predictive models and algorithms, and to design new processes for data modeling—to name just a few.

In a nutshell, they use a variety of tools, programming languages, and machine learning principles to optimize the way companies harness and learn from their data, enabling them to make smarter business decisions.

Learn more: What Is Data Science? A Comprehensive Introduction

Want to know the difference between data analytics and data science? Check out the following video:

The data science job market

It’s estimated that the big data market will be worth a whopping $229.4 billion USD in 2025—that’s a compound annual growth rate of 10.6%.

With such rapid growth, the need for data experts is continuously on the up. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the  data science job outlook to be 35% between 2022–32, way above the average for all jobs of 2%. I f you’re thinking about becoming a data scientist, now is a great time to join the field.

2. What are the best data science bootcamps on the market right now?

So without further ado, here’s our selection of the best data science bootcamps.

1. CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program

• Mode of study: Online
• Duration: 5 months full-time or 8 months part-time
• Price: $7,505–7,900 USD
• Ideal for: Career-changers with no prior experience

While this isn’t a data science bootcamp, the CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program does teach many of the fundamental concepts crucial to data science—making it a great starting point if you’re completely new to the industry.

In fact, many professionals in the field start out as data analysts before transitioning to data science . You’ll start from the very beginning, learning how to prepare and analyze data, before moving on to SQL, Python, and interactive dashboards. In addition to a project-based curriculum with a strong focus on portfolio building, students benefit from a unique dual mentorship model.

CareerFoundry’s offering comes in at $7,505 for the entire program, b ut the cost of the tuition is dependent on your location and is competitively priced. A range of flexible payment options include paying upfront to get a small course discount. Contact one of our Program Advisors to find out your local pricing and if there are any partial scholarships available.

You’ll work with both a mentor and a tutor, as well as an expert career coach—and, if you don’t find a job within six months of graduating, you’ll get your money back. You can try a free introductory short course .

2. Flatiron School Online Data Science Bootcamp

• Duration: 5 months full-time, 10 months part-time or self-paced
• Price: $16,900 USD for the full-time and part-time options
• Ideal for: Career-changers on a higher budget

Throughout this bootcamp, you’ll cover core data science topics such as Python and SQL , machine learning, big data, and natural language processing , culminating in a data science advanced project.

You don’t need any prior experience to apply, but you will need to demonstrate some data science knowledge in order to be accepted onto the course. Prospective students are also required to complete a pre-work course before the bootcamp begins.

In addition to a robust curriculum, Flatiron School offers extensive career support, including individual career coaching and access to a vast network of employers. This is a pricey but strong contender, good if you’re looking to build a career in data science and have a bigger budget to spare.

3. General Assembly Data Science Immersive Online

• Mode of study: Online, in real-time
• Duration: Around 3 months full-time
• Price: $16,450 USD
• Ideal for: Career-changers with some existing data science knowledge

If you’re looking for an intensive, immersive learning experience, you’ll want to consider the General Assembly online data science bootcamp.

You’ll connect with instructors and fellow students in real-time via the interactive classroom, delving into topics such as Python, statistical modeling, decision trees , random forests , and more. Over the course of three months you’ll tackle five projects,building a professional data portfolio in the process. And, to help you with your career-change, you’ll work one-on-one with a career coach.

It’s important to bear in mind that this is an intermediate-level course with some prerequisites; it’s recommended that you already have a strong mathematical background, as well as familiarity with Python.

4. Thinkful Data Science Flexible

• Duration: 6 months part-time
• Price: $9,500 USD
• Ideal for: Career-changers looking for flexible study

One of the more affordable options on our list, the Thinkful data science bootcamp offers a flexible pathway into the industry.

You’ll learn at your own pace on a part-time basis, building up your knowledge over the course of six months. You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship throughout, graduating with a professional data science portfolio.

And, if you can’t find a job within six months of graduating, you’ll get your money back. With a range of payment options available, this is a good option if you’re keen to kick-start your career change without investing upfront—although the price rose sharply in 2023.

5. BrainStation Online Data Science Bootcamp

• Duration: 12 weeks full-time
• Price: $16,500 USD
• Ideal for: Career-changers looking for a collaborative learning experience

The BrainStation online bootcamp covers (almost) everything you need to start your career as a data scientist: a project-based curriculum, extensive career coaching and interview prep, as well as the opportunity to network with industry experts.

You’ll attend live classes and lectures through the virtual classroom, exploring data fundamentals, machine learning techniques, and big data. This is an especially good option if you’re looking for an online bootcamp that still offers a collaborative element; as part of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to split out into breakout rooms and work together with your classmates.

However, bear in mind that, despite being one of the pricier options on the market, this bootcamp doesn’t come with a job guarantee.

6. Springboard Data Science Career Track

• Price: $13,900 USD
• Ideal for: Career-changers with experience in statistics and programming

The Springboard Data Science Career Track spans six months on a part-time basis, promising a project-based curriculum, unlimited one-to-one mentorship, and a job guarantee (or your money back). The curriculum is split into 18 units, covering topics such as data wrangling , storytelling with data, statistics, and machine learning.

Admission to the Springboard bootcamp does come with some prerequisites: you’ll need six months of coding experience under your belt, and you’ll need to be comfortable with basic probability and descriptive statistics. Although pricey, this is a good option for software developers and analysts looking to move into data science.

7. Dataquest Data Science Learning Path

• Duration: Flexible, self-paced
• Price: $29 – $49 USD per month
• Ideal for: Beginners on a budget

Unlike many of the bootcamps on our list, Dataquest works on a subscription basis, allowing you to learn affordably and flexibly at your own pace. The “Data Scientist in Python” learning path contains a variety of different courses, each teaching a crucial data science skill.

Course topics include Python fundamentals, data cleaning with Python, SQL, statistics, and machine learning—to name just a few. If you’re keen to get hands-on and are happy to learn independently without the guidance of a mentor, this is a worthwhile route to consider. And, with no prior knowledge or experience necessary, you can jump straight in.

8. INE Data Science Courses

• Duration: Self-paced
• Price: $39 USD per month, or $299 per year
• Ideal for: Flexible hands-on learning

INE is best described as a content library, offering an extensive database of data science courses. Through video lessons, projects, exercises, and quizzes, you’ll get a solid introduction to data science with a heavy focus on Python.

Learning is entirely self-paced, but the courses lay out a logical path for you to follow—starting with an introduction to programming with Python before moving on to topics like functional programming , scientific computing with NumPy, and data cleaning with Pandas.

This is a flexible, affordable option if you want to try your hand at data science before committing to a complete career change.

9. NYC Data Science Academy Data Science Bootcamp

• Mode of study: Online and in-person
• Duration: 12 weeks full time, 4-6 months full/part-time with the online-only program
• Price: $17,600 USD 
• Ideal for: Career-changers with a large budget

The NYC Data Science Academy offers two flexible routes of study. The first is a 12-week intensive, with daily classes that are taken either in-person on campus, or remotely through live Zoom classes. The second option is distance-learning-only, which is completed either full or part-time over 4-6 months.

Both types of the data science bootcamp involve the student completing four big projects, with the final project often being sponsored by companies located within New York City. This provider also boasts lifelong career support, which includes one-on-one resume reviews, interview preparation, and more.

This is a good option for those who are changing careers and are keen to work on the east coast of the U.S., as many of the networking and job opportunities provided through the program will be located there.  

10. Udemy Complete Data Science Bootcamp

• Duration: 29 hours self-paced
• Price: $130 USD (approx)
• Ideal for: Complete beginners looking for a self-paced course

The Complete Data Science Bootcamp is part of the Udemy for Business collection. The course promises to provide “the entire toolbox you need to become a data scientist”—including on-demand video lessons, articles, and downloadable resources. You can work through the curriculum at your own pace, starting with a broader overview of the data science field before honing in on the specifics such as statistics, Python, and deep learning.

The course has been designed for complete beginners, making it an excellent starting point if you’re looking for a flexible and affordable introduction.

11. Practicum Data Science Bootcamp

• Duration: 9 months part-time
• Price: $16,200
• Ideal for:  Those balancing career-change with a full-time-job or family commitments

Though it’s one of the longer data science bootcamps on this list, that is a good thing. Over the course of nine months you’ll work on 16 portfolio projects, meaning you’ll leave with an impressive portfolio for perspective employers.

On top of that, Practicum promise that all of their students do “externships”, which are essentially internships at companies, although it doesn’t look like these are paid ones. Add career support to this, and it’s an impressive package, albeit at a high price.

12. Data Science Dojo Data Science Bootcamp

• Mode of study:  Online and in-person
• Duration:  16 weeks online at 5–6 hours per week, in-person bootcamps one week
• Price: $4500
• Ideal for:  Those wanting to either learn the ropes intensively, or to pay for access to a data science mentor

Despite this Western school’s use of problematic language, naming itself and its course levels borrowed from Eastern culture (“dojo”, “guru”, and “sensei”), it’s a solid online data science bootcamp.

The highest level of payment plan crucially comes with 5 hours of mentoring as well as a mentored project. Access to a professional data scientist is a valuable opportunity if you’re trying to break into the industry. It’ll give you industry insights and practical advice to plan your career. The course itself takes you across topics such as data vizualisation, predictive modeling, Random Forest, and big data engineering.

3. Is a data science bootcamp worth it?

The short answer is yes—a data science bootcamp can set you up for a career in the field.

However, not all bootcamps are created equal, so it’s essential to find one that suits your individual needs and objectives. If you’re a complete beginner, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive, mentored bootcamp with a strong focus on career change. If you’ve already got some experience and are looking to upskill, you’ll likely be looking for a bootcamp with a slightly different approach.

Regardless of your skill level or career goals, data science bootcamps offer many advantages. They are generally more flexible and affordable than traditional university or higher education programs, and they tend to take a more hands-on approach to learning—a major benefit for aspiring data scientists.

Gone are the days when traditional bricks-and-mortar institutions were viewed as superior to online programs or intensive bootcamps. As remote work increasingly becomes normalized, attitudes towards education are also changing.

S o, if a data science bootcamp is more feasible or simply more appealing to you than a university degree, go for it! With a solid portfolio and a reputable certification, you can confidently enter the data science job market.

So now to the crux of why we’re here: which data science bootcamps are actually worth your time and money?

4. Data science bootcamp vs. data science degree—which is better?

So, you’re weighing up the options between data science bootcamps and degrees. While neither are “better” than the other, you may find that some of the pros outweigh the cons for either option. We’ll look at some of these pros and cons now, starting with a traditional data science degree:

Pros of a data science degree

• You’ll receive expert instruction from lecturers with extensive academic experience.
• Some prefer the formal approach to learning, as courses are structured with lectures, seminars, exams, and graded feedback.
• You’ll have options to specialize for your interests through elective study, which can benefit future job prospects.
• You’ll be able to hone those all-important soft skills through collaboration with other students.
• Opportunities to make invaluable connections.
• Some data degrees incorporate internship placements as part of the curriculum, allowing you to apply your skills in the workplace.

Cons of a data science degree

• The application can be difficult and lengthy.
• Degrees are expensive. They often include tuition fees as well as course texts and other hidden costs, meaning you’re likely to graduate in debt.
• You may have to relocate to study your preferred data science course if the university isn’t in your home city.
• The rigid nature of larger academic institutions means it can take time for industry changes to trickle into degree programs, so materials may be outdated. This is especially problematic in a field like data science, which is fast evolving.
• Working your way through a degree is a big time investment—usually three or four years.

Pros of a data bootcamp

• You’ll learn from industry professionals with relevant, current experience in the field of data science.
• Data science bootcamps are much more flexible than degrees. Learning is usually online, meaning there’s no commute, and you’re more likely to be able to fit it around other arrangements.
• Data science bootcamps are generally much cheaper than the cost of a degree.
• The curriculum will be focused on practical skills you’ll actually use on the job, including data science tools like Excel, Python, and SQL.
• Many data science bootcamps are career-focused, encouraging you to use capstone projects as part of your portfolio.

Cons of a data science bootcamp

• The learning atmosphere of a bootcamp is intense—you’re learning a lot in a short amount of time, especially compared to a data degree!
• You may feel isolated working on projects alone.
• Some employers may insist on a formal qualification rather than a bootcamp certificate. However, with an accredited certificate from an established bootcamp provider, this is less of an issue.
• There are fewer opportunities to specialize with a data science bootcamp—but not impossible! Ask your program advisor about opportunities to specialize before committing to a bootcamp.

Want to learn more about the difference between a data science bootcamp and a degree? Check out our full list of pros and cons for each option .

5. How much does a data science bootcamp cost?

Many of the bootcamps we’ve listed here have considerable tuition fees, costing thousands—if not tens of thousands—of dollars. In paying these costs, students have access to world-class education, as well as usually benefiting from:

• Qualified teachers and mentors with industry experience
• Networking opportunities 
• Interview coaching and job-search assistance

Of course, there are also programs we’ve listed that are much lighter on the pocket, being a self-paced or subscription-based model. These are great options for total beginners, those low on time, and those who are simply looking to upskill in a few areas (as opposed to learning about the field of data science as a whole).

However, with the lower price tag comes a more scaled-back education—that is, without the additional benefits we’ve already mentioned. 

For data science bootcamps that are hosted in-person, you may need to consider the costs of travel, accommodation, and living expenses, if the education provider is located in another area that isn’t local to you. 

Some of the data science bootcamps we’ve listed will have specific hardware requirements in order to take the course. This is to ensure that your computer is capable of processing the complex applications that are included in the course. For example, Thinkful requires that you have a personal computer with “at least 4GB RAM, at least 1.8 GHz processor (above 2 GHz recommended), and at least 100 GB HD.” If you don’t already have this equipment to hand, it could be costly to acquire, on top of tuition costs.

6. How to pay for your data science bootcamp

While the listed price for a data science bootcamp may look intimidating at first, you’ll find that many bootcamp providers on the market give different options for payment. We’ll list a few of those options here, but do be sure to get in contact with your desired data science bootcamp providers to see if they have other options available.

Paying upfront

If you’ve got the money to hand, it can be useful to pay for your data science bootcamp upfront, as many providers will give discounts for doing so. You can also save money when paying upfront—as opposed to taking out a loan—as this will avoid interest accruing and other potential fees.

Paying in instalments

Some providers give an option for partial payment, or paying in instalments, which is great for students who may have sporadic sources of income. It also avoids having a big chunk of money coming out of your account at one time, which can be stressful to some! The main downside to this method of payment is that data science bootcamp providers will often tack on extra costs.

Deferred payment

This option will delay tuition payments until you find a job after graduating. Some providers may even have a salary threshold that you must meet before the payment cycle activates, which takes some of the pressure off, especially if you’re new to the field. It should be noted, however, that once you meet this threshold, your salary does not impact the monthly payment amount.

Income share agreements (ISAs)

Similar to the deferred payment model, income share agreements delay tuition payments until you find a job after graduating. However, with income share agreements, your loan repayments are made up of a percentage of your salary, set to a fixed term.

Some of the data science bootcamp providers we’ve listed work together with loan providers, to give another payment option to their students. These work just like any other loan you might take out for education or any other purpose that are subject to bank approval, and may accrue interest.

Money-back guarantee

Some of the providers we’ve mentioned are so confident in your ability to find work after the bootcamp that they’re able to provide a money-back guarantee if you don’t land a job in the data science field within a specified time frame after graduating.

Many of the courses that offer a money-back guarantee will also offer interview coaching and networking opportunities, to help you land the job you want.

7. Best data science bootcamps FAQs

How helpful are data science bootcamps in finding a job if you have no experience in the field.

When it comes to entering the job market, the helpfulness of a data science bootcamp will depend primarily on the level of support included, coupled with your own job search efforts. For example, some bootcamps will offer one-to-one career coaching, while others will simply help you expand your network. Luckily, many of the providers we’ve listed have a career services team who will work directly with you to provide assistance with your portfolio , interview skills, and networking opportunities.

What skills do you learn on a data science bootcamp?

Each data science bootcamp will have its own unique curriculum. But, in general, you will cover some or all of the following topics:

• How to use databases and SQL
• How to write in programming languages, such as Python
• How to prepare and analyze data 
• How to create different types of visualizations , as well as what they’re used for
• Visual design principles for creating visualizations
• How to create interactive dashboards, using tools such as Tableau
• Understanding data mining, big data analysis, machine learning , and ethics

If there’s something specific you would like to learn on a data science bootcamp, get in touch with the course advisors for your desired program to see whether they teach it or not.

Are data science bootcamps worth it?

If you’re looking to change careers into data science or simply looking to upskill, data science bootcamps offer an efficient and thorough option for people seeking to understand the fundamental skills and tools of the field. Many of the data science bootcamps we’ve listed provide collaborative, practical training, as well as career services that will be useful once you’ve graduated.

8. Next steps

In this post, we’ve highlighted some of the best data science bootcamps on the market right now. So, what next?

Hopefully you’ve found a few options that resonate with your needs and objectives. Now it’s time to conduct further research. Find out more about what each bootcamp has to offer, read through student testimonials, and get in touch with your chosen providers to ask any questions you might have.

If you still just want to try out working with data, then try out CareerFoundry’s free data short course to see if it’s for you.

And, if you’d like to learn more about the data industry, check out the following:

• 15 Data Science Podcasts for Data Enthusiasts
• 23 Must-Read Quotes About Data
• These Are the Best Data Bootcamps for Learning Python