How Certifications Can Unlock your Career in Data Science

To build a career in data science, basic training is available through massively open online courses

Data science is a bouquet of big data, data analytics, business intelligence, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and much more. With a paradigm change in technologies that has made driverless automobiles and voice-controlled chatbots a reality, Data science is becoming an important component of IT. The business application of data science and its components enables business enterprises extract the maximum value through intelligent insights and profitable revenues. Data science has its applicability in multiple domains, in the supply chain, data science helps to understand effective ways to acquire and manage supply components. For financial market followers including those dealing in commodities, derivatives and stocks data science algorithms assists in developing more accurate and insightful financial models. The applications for data science are limited only by our ability to devise intelligent solutions and processes to which the data may be put as input, in other words limitless! To build a career in data science, basic training is available through massively open online courses or MOOCs. The reputed names include courses from Duke (Coursera), MIT, Caltech, Stanford, and many more. Sensing opportunity, Microsoft has since formulated a Microsoft Professional Program in Data Science which includes nine courses on a variety of related topics and a capstone project.

This course aims to instill an introductory curriculum in data science to the applicants. These data science MOOC courses are not free, but gives you an opportunity to learn from the comfort of your office or home, which is not a bad bargain. However, if you're looking for something to "warm up" and get familiar with the data science topic, you can also check out individual instructor-led online courses which can be taken for free on such websites like Udemy or BitDegree by using Udemy coupons.

Here are the top Data Science International Certifications that will help you build career in Data science

1. Post Graduate Data Science Certification Program (IBM – Purdue University):

This postgraduate program will provide you with a thorough understanding of core ideas and techniques of Data Science. Enrolling in the program will help you learn about broad Data Science topics including statistics, key programming languages, Machine Learning methods, and more. Experienced Purdue University professors created the curriculum, which is recognized as one of the top research and teaching institutes in the world. Duration: 12 months, 5-10 hours/week. 

2. Data Science Online (Berkeley Executive Education):

This Berkeley Executive Education Curriculum is an eight-module, ten-week program that will teach you all you need to know about Data Science. Basic mathematics and statistical concepts such as mean, standard deviation, graphs, histograms, and logarithmic functions will be covered in the course, followed by advanced topics such as predicting Machine Learning, advanced regression models, and forming successful Data Science teams. Duration: 10 weeks, 4-5 hours/week. 

3. IBM Data Science Certification (Coursera):

This is one of the greatest Data Science courses you will discover online if you want to pursue a career in Data Science or Machine Learning. This certification is made up of a series of nine courses that will help you learn the abilities you'll need to work on industry projects. Data visualization, analysis, libraries, and open-source tools are among the subjects covered in the courses. Duration: 3 to 5 weeks per course, 2 to 7 hours per week. 

4. Professional Certificate in Data Science from Harvard University (edX):

This Harvard Data Science Certification program will teach you the fundamentals of Data Science, such as R and Machine Learning. R Basics, Visualization, Probability, Inference and Modeling, Productivity Tools, Wrangling, Linear Regression, and Machine Learning are the courses that make up this curriculum, including a Capstone project to put what you've learned to the test. Duration: 9 courses, 2 to 8 weeks per course, 2-4 hours per week. 

5. Applied Data Science with Python Certification (University of Michigan):

This 5-course program from the University of Michigan will teach you how to use the Python programming language to study Data Science. To make sense of data, you'll require a basic understanding of Python and will be taught how to use popular Python toolkits like pandas, matplotlib, nltk, and networkx. Applied Plotting, Charting, and Data Representation in Python, Applied Machine Learning in Python, Applied Text Mining in Python, and Applied Social Network Analysis are among the topics covered in the five courses. Duration: 5 months, 7 hours per week. 

6. Data Science MicroMasters Certification by UC SanDiego (edX):

This is essentially an online version of UC San Diego's master's degree program in Data Science. This program, which takes place over several months, is excellent for students and professionals searching for an intensive learning experience that delves deep into the ideas of Data Science. Python for Data Science, Probability and Statistics, Machine Learning Fundamentals, and Big Data Analytics with Spark are among the courses offered in this program. Duration: 4 courses, 10-15 weeks per course. 

7. Professional Certificate in Applied Data Science (Dartmouth College):

This certification program from Thayer School of Engineering is the ideal option for you if you want to get a professional degree in Data Science. You will be able to gain high-demand skills in today's employment market, such as Data Visualization, Risk Management, Machine Learning, and predictive capacities, by taking this course. It will guide you through live coding sessions and application-based tasks to help you grasp the fundamentals of Python coding. Duration: 6 months