Data science is a rapidly growing career field with high salaries and a good work-life balance. The need for qualified data scientists spans a wide range of industries, which means these professionals have a large variety of job options. A quick way to retrain for a data science career is to enroll in one of the best data science bootcamps.
The top data science bootcamps have an up-to-date, comprehensive curriculum that teaches you foundational skills in data science through lectures and hands-on projects. In this article, we’ll share our best picks as well as some advice on what to do after you finish your data science bootcamp program.
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Best Online Data Science Bootcamps
Online data science bootcamps are a great option for prospective students who don’t live near a major city. Most bootcamps offer an online version of their data science programs, but not all courses fit well into the online learning model. Here are some of the best online data science bootcamps:
- Le Wagon Online Data Science Bootcamp
- Simplilearn and IBM Online Data Science Course
- Coding Dojo Online Data Science Bootcamp and Python Machine Learning
- Clarusway Online Data Science Course
- Metis Online Data Science Bootcamp
Why Choose a Data Science Bootcamp?
Data science bootcamps are a proven way to learn data science skills that are essential to the field. Coding bootcamps are a newcomer to the education scene, but they have some advantages over colleges and universities. You can read more about why you should enroll in a data science bootcamp below.
Enter the Job Market in Less Time
Data science bootcamps take less time to complete than traditional university and college programs, usually only a few months to a year. This is because the curriculum is condensed and focuses only on the exact skills you will need on the job.
People choose data science bootcamps because they can go from complete beginners to data science employees in just three to six months. Many of these programs are designed to help people with little to no tech experience. Students train from the ground up for an entry-level career and build a portfolio of projects to help with their job search.
Up-To-Date Curriculum
Data science bootcamps have the freedom to update their curricula and course offerings frequently, ensuring students are always learning the most in-demand skills and modern methods. Some schools work with local employers to make sure they stay on top of what technologies students need experience with to get hired.
Affordability
Attending a data science bootcamp is usually cheaper than getting a four-year degree, and bootcamps tend to have far more payment options. These include deferred tuition plans, income share agreements, installment plans, and scholarships. In many cases, you won’t need to pay for your education until after you have graduated and landed a high-paying job.
What Skills Will I Learn at a Data Science Bootcamp?
Data science bootcamp courses may begin by covering similar material to software engineering and web development bootcamps, such as basic coding concepts. You will then move on to more advanced and specialized skills while tackling one or more real-world projects. Some skills covered in a data science bootcamp include:
- Python. Python is one of the most commonly-used languages in data science, especially in popular fields like machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- SQL. SQL is another programming language that is used to work with large data sets and create data visualizations.
- Pandas. Pandas is a Python library that will allow you to analyze, clean, and organize data. You will likely learn multiple additional Python technologies, like NumPy and SciPy.
- Machine learning. Most data science bootcamps include a module on machine learning, where you will learn how to use statistical models to make predictions about unfamiliar data.
- Data storytelling. Data science students learn how to use data visualization techniques and tools to clearly explain their findings to clients, coworkers, or stakeholders.
Data Science Bootcamp Formats
Data science bootcamps are popular around the country, especially in major cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York City. Most bootcamps cover roughly the same core curriculum, but schedules, learning format, and student support services vary widely. Given the range of available data science bootcamps, there’s likely a program that fits your needs.
Coding bootcamps are available as full-time or part-time immersive programs in an in-person or online format. Full-time programs have the shortest duration and typically run for three months. Part-time programs can last between half a year and one year.
Online bootcamps are the most flexible option. Some programs require full-time or part-time attendance, usually via video chat. However, other online programs offer flexible non-immersive courses, which can be completely self-paced with access to live instructors or mentors.
Will a Data Science Bootcamp Get Me a Job?
Yes, a data science bootcamp will help you get a job. The best data science bootcamps all provide rigorous career services like resume workshops, mock interviews, and personalized career counselling. Most schools also have a comprehensive network of hiring partnerships to help you get your foot in the door.
Data science is a quickly-growing field with a large demand for talent. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts data science has a job growth rate of 36 percent over the next decade. This means your skills will be in high demand.
What Jobs Can I Get After a Data Science Bootcamp?
| Career | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Machine learning engineer | $113,892 | 21% |
| Data scientist | $100,910 | 36% |
| Operations research analyst | $82,360 | 23% |
| Market research analyst | $63,920 | 19% |
| Survey researcher | $59,740 | 6% |
There’s a wide range of high-paying data science careers available for data science bootcamp grads. If you don’t have any prior work experience, you’ll need to start out with entry-level data science bootcamp jobs and work your way up. These are some of the best jobs after data science bootcamp:
- Machine learning engineer. One in-demand role for data science bootcamp grads is machine learning engineer. These professionals design artificial intelligence algorithms, like those used in customer service chatbots.
- Data scientist. Data scientist is the job most people have in mind when they think about high-paying data science jobs with a bootcamp certificate. Many grads start off as data analysts to gain experience before progressing into a data scientist role.
- Operations research analyst. If you are more interested in solving problems and optimizing processes than in analyzing markets, a job in operations research could be a good fit for you. These researchers use their knowledge of business and data science to propose solutions to complex issues that a business is facing.
- Market Research Analyst. When you think about data science bootcamp jobs, you probably don’t think about market research. However, this is one of the fastest-growing fields that use big data. In this role, you will accumulate and analyze customer data.
- Survey Researcher. This is generally an entry-level position, which makes it a great first data science bootcamp job. Survey researchers collect responses from participants and analyze the data to find useful insights for their clients.
Companies Hiring Data Science Bootcamp Grads
Data science bootcamp graduates work at some of the biggest companies in the world and at thousands of high-tech startups. Other industries outside of tech also hire data scientists, like mining, manufacturing, and finance.
Big companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon are known to hire data science bootcamp graduates, although working for a big company fresh out of bootcamp isn’t common. What’s more likely is getting hired by a small or medium-sized company. Then, graduates gain experience and earn the qualifications required for their dream job.
How to Pay for a Data Science Bootcamp
Even though data science bootcamps are designed to be affordable, they still require a significant financial commitment. Luckily, most schools accept a range of payment methods, ensuring all students have access to training. Popular ways to pay for a data science bootcamp include:
- Upfront payment. Making an upfront payment before classes begin is the most straightforward method of paying. Some schools provide discounts to students who choose this method.
- Installment plan. An installment plan allows you to pay tuition in multiple smaller chunks, often spread throughout the course of your program.
- Bootcamp loans. Many data bootcamps partner with providers to allow students to pay tuition with private student loans. In some cases, students are also able to receive additional cost of living funds.
- Deferred tuition plan. Under a deferred tuition plan, you will be able to attend classes before making any payments. Then, after graduation, you will repay the school in set installments.
- Scholarships. Most data science bootcamps have scholarship options available to lower the cost of tuition. Many of these opportunities are specifically designed for students from underrepresented communities in tech.
How to Choose the Right Data Science Bootcamp
There are a wide range of data science bootcamps available, and choosing the right one for your career goals might seem overwhelming. Below, we discuss some of the most important criteria to consider when you are selecting a data science bootcamp program.
Format
Before you enroll in a data science bootcamp, you will first need to decide if you want to study in-person or online. And if you do want to study online, would you prefer an immersive program with a set schedule and live classes, or a self-paced program that allows you to progress through the materials on your own schedule?
Consider your learning preferences and schedule carefully before applying for schools. There are enough options available that there is a good chance you can find a data science bootcamp that perfectly aligns with your needs.
Curriculum
Although most data science bootcamps cover similar skills and technologies, make sure you carefully review the curriculum before applying, especially if you already have an idea of what you want to learn.
For example, if you are hoping to become a machine learning engineer, you will want to choose a bootcamp that covers advanced machine learning techniques and programming languages like Python.
Level of Support
Different data science bootcamps offer varying levels of support to students. For example, some offer limited office hours or live workshops, which can work perfectly for students who enjoy working independently.
Other bootcamps feature small cohorts and allow you to interact regularly with your instructors. Make sure you understand what resources will be available to you throughout the program while you are reviewing schools.
Job Placement
Career services are a very important part of any bootcamp program. While the average data science bootcamp job placement rate is quite high, make sure you look beyond that number and get an understanding for what services are offered to graduates.
Cost
Data science bootcamps have a wide range of tuition costs. For example, self-paced programs are often cheaper than full-time, in-person programs. Before you enroll in a school, make sure you have a plan for how you will pay tuition and that you fully understand the details of whatever payment method you choose.
Is a Data Science Bootcamp Worth it?
Attending one of the best data science bootcamps is a great way to transition to a high-paying tech job. A bootcamp certificate is most effective for people who already have a college degree, either in a related or unrelated subject. Bootcamps are intensive programs, and in order to maximize their benefits, you’ll need to spend between 10 to 30 hours a week on your program.
Top data science bootcamps have strong career services to help students get a job after graduation. The best bootcamps for data science also offer one-on-one tutoring or mentorship opportunities. Student reviews can also help you determine whether a particular data science bootcamp program is worth it.
