Explore short courses in Data Science and Big Data in the US to enhance your skills

Data science is at the forefront of the rapidly changing field of technology, propelling innovation and changing entire industries. Short courses have become essential resources for learning every aspect of data science for those who are eager to get started. We explore eleven prestigious short courses in data science and big data that are offered in the US in this extensive guide, each providing a different route to expertise.

1. Data Science MicroMasters Program by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

Duration: Approximately 10 months

This MicroMasters program, orchestrated by the University of California, San Diego, unfolds a comprehensive curriculum spanning machine learning, data science fundamentals, and statistical concepts. Delivered through the edX platform, it serves as a foundational stepping stone for aspiring data scientists, offering a holistic view of the field.

2. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

Duration: Around 10 months

Coursera hosts the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, a robust program designed by IBM to cover essential data science tools and techniques. Emphasizing practical skills, the curriculum integrates hands-on projects, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking real-world applicability in data science.

3. Harvard University's Data Science MicroMasters Program

Duration: Approximately 1 year

Harvard University, a stalwart in education, presents its Data Science MicroMasters Program on edX. This rigorous curriculum spans R programming, statistical concepts, machine learning, and more.

4. Big Data Specialization by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

Duration: About 6 months

Another jewel from UCSD, the Big Data Specialization, is hosted on Coursera. Focused on big data techniques and technologies, this program immerses learners in hands-on experiences with tools like Hadoop and Spark.

5. Microsoft Professional Program in Data Science

Duration: Approximately 6 months

Microsoft's foray into data science education is manifested in the Professional Program in Data Science, available on edX. Tailored by Microsoft, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of data science concepts and tools.

6. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Duration: Around 6 months

Coursera hosts the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, a program offered by Google itself. Focused on the foundations of data analytics, learners acquire practical skills in data cleaning, visualization, and analysis.

7. Data Engineering with Google Cloud Professional Certificate

Duration: Approximately 6 months

Google makes a second appearance on our list with the Data Engineering with Google Cloud Professional Certificate, hosted on Coursera. This certificate zeroes in on data engineering using Google Cloud Platform, covering essential concepts such as big data processing, machine learning, and data pipelines.

8. MIT Sloan's Big Data Technologies: Real-Time Data Processing in Action

Duration: About 6 weeks

For professionals seeking insights into real-time data processing using big data technologies, MIT Sloan's short course on GetSmarter is a compelling choice. This succinct program explores the practical applications of big data in various industries, providing a focused perspective.

9. Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp with R by Udemy

Duration: Approximately 3 months

Udemy, a renowned online learning platform, offers an intensive boot camp focusing on data science and machine learning using the R programming language. This comprehensive program covers statistical concepts, machine learning algorithms, and their practical applications.

10. Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp by Udemy

Duration: Around 2 months

Tailored for Python enthusiasts, Udemy's Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp covers Python programming, data visualization, and machine learning concepts. This concise yet comprehensive bootcamp is designed for individuals seeking to leverage Python in their data science endeavors.