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13 Top Data Analytics Courses for Your Career in 2024

18 minute read | January 3, 2024
Sakshi Gupta

Written by:
Sakshi Gupta & reviewed by Karthik R

Sakshi Gupta

Reviewed by:
Karthik R

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Data has the power to shape business decisions, shift global markets, and even predict future trends. So it should come as no surprise data analysts have become essential in our ever-more-digital world. Demand for data analysts is skyrocketing, making it one of the most sought-after professions in recent years. Becoming Microsoft-certified or attaining any other in-demand certification can give you a real edge. All that stands between you and a great career are a few multiple choice questions!

As with any booming domain, there’s an overwhelming number of courses available, and in a variety of formats—from quick online tutorials to intensive bootcamps. For those of you ready to sharpen your data analysis skills, we’ve put together a list of the best data analytics courses in 2024. Let’s check them out!

Following the Data Science and Data Analytics Career Track

Do you want to learn data analysis or data science? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences and commonalities between data science and data analytics. Both involve working with data to gain important insights. 

You may end up working in both fields. A data engineer, for example, is not exactly a data scientist or data analyst, but it sits in a distinct and crucial role within the data processing and analysis workflow. A data engineer focuses on building and maintaining the pipelines and infrastructure that allow raw data collection, data mining, storage, cleaning and data analysis. A data analyst uses existing tools and techniques to analyze data and answer specific business questions, whereas a data scientist focuses on developing and applying statistical and machine learning models to extract insights from data.

Here are some differences:

What Is Data Science?

Data scientists have a broader focus. They focus on developing new methods and algorithms for extracting knowledge from data. The goal of data science is to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and relationships in data, and to build models that can predict future outcomes or optimize processes. To work in data science, you have to have an aptitude for statistics, computer science, and mathematics, with knowledge of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data technologies. In data science, you’ll mostly use programming languages like Python, R, and Scala, as well as statistical software and machine learning libraries.

Typical Data Science Duties:

  • Data scientists are responsible for designing and implementing data collection methods.
  • A data scientist will clean and prepare data for data analysis.
  • Data science professionals will build and train machine learning models.
  • Data science professionals will evaluate and interpret model results and use data visualization techniques to present data to stakeholders. To work in data science, you will need excellent communication skills. 

While data science and data analysis are different, a data scientist will apply data analytics to their world. 

What Is Data Analytics?

A data analyst is focused on using existing tools and techniques to analyze data and answer specific business questions. The goal is to provide insights that can be used to improve decision-making, optimize operations, and identify trends.

To work as a data analyst, you have to be strong in Python data analysis, statistics, and communication, with proficiency in data visualization tools and query languages like SQL (Structured Query Language).

Typical Data Analyst Duties:

  • Presenting complex information in a way that is easy to understand for non-technical audiences.
  • Using data mining to extract patterns and trends from large datasets. 
  • Using data modeling to better understand and analyze data. 
  • Developing and implementing data  processes for collecting, cleaning, transforming, and analyzing information. As a data analyst, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that data is accurate, reliable, and ready for analysis.
  • Working to understand the different data points that make up a dataset. Data points can be quantitative (e.g., sales figures) or qualitative (e.g., customer feedback).
  • Designing and implementing data pipelines that are efficient and reliable. Data pipelines can be complex, and it is important to consider factors such as data volume, latency, and security.
  • Managing data repositories to ensure that data is secure, accessible, and easy to find.

Learning Data Analytics

You can learn data analysis through a number of free courses – all it takes is some discipline, time and spreadsheet software like Google Sheets. While you’ll eventually have to upgrade from spreadsheet software to the real thing, Google Sheets can be a fantastic entry point into the world of data analysis, offering a user-friendly platform to learn foundational skills and explore concepts without needing specialized software.

You can import real-world datasets from free sources like Google Finance or Quandl, or create your own by recording daily expenses or website traffic to Google Sheets as your first project. 

It may be worth enrolling in a bootcamp or data analytics certification program to finetune your skills. Look for options like the CareerFoundry data analytics program, a Python data analysis short course, the Springboard Data Analytics track, a General Assembly course in data science or other other programs that offer flexible payment options and career support. 

Once you’ve boosted your data analytics skills, you can look into data analytics certifications, e.g. becoming a Certified Data Analyst or sitting the CCA data analyst exam. Getting a data analytics certification will give you a real edge over the competition in the field. 

A data analytics certification is a credential awarded by an accredited organization upon successful completion of a training program or passing an exam demonstrating your proficiency in data analysis skills and knowledge.

There are two main types of data analytics certifications:

  • Training-based certifications: These involve completing a series of courses or bootcamps that teach you the essential skills for data analysis, such as data cleaning, manipulation, visualization, and analysis techniques. Upon completion, you usually have to pass an assessment to earn your data analytics certification.
  • Exam-based certifications: These require you to pass a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge of specific data analytics tools, frameworks, or methodologies. Popular examples include Microsoft’s Power BI Data Analyst certification or Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Analyst certification.

Now let’s dive into some of the courses that can help you get started in the field!

13 Best Data Analytics Courses

Let’s explore some of the best data analytics courses available to take your skills and experience to the next level.

SchoolRatingMentorship?Job Guarantee?

Springboard

4.6/5YesYes
Grow with Google4.8/5YesNo

BrainStation

4.7/5NoNo

General Assembly

4.3/5YesYes

IBM

4.7/5NoNo

Dataquest

4.8/5NoNo

Udacity

4.6/5NoNo

MIT Sloan School Of Management

4.8/5NoYes

freeCodeCamp

4.5/5NoNo

CareerFoundry

4.7/5YesYes

Thinkful

4.5/5NoYes

MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence (On Udemy)

4.6/5YesYes

Macquarie University (On Coursera)

4.8/5NoNo

Springboard

The Springboard Data Analytics Bootcamp, which was designed in collaboration with Microsoft, teaches you data analytics and valuable insights straight from the industry leaders in this field.

Unlike other online courses, Springboard has a hands-on learning approach. It successfully blends traditional data analytics frameworks and methodologies with innovative AI learning units and interactive series. It’s ideal for those with a job or a tight schedule, as it offers the flexibility of a part-time, six-month program.

Many Springboard graduates have secured entry-level jobs with companies like Amazon and Samsung, which means that if you want to take serious steps toward a promising career, this course is for you. 

PRICE

Upfront discount: $8,500 (Originally $11,300, save 25%)

RATING

4.6/5 on Course Report

FEATURES

  • Partnership with Microsoft
  • 100% online, project-based
  • AI learning units for advanced insights
  • Access to exclusive AI interactive learning series
  • Personalized mentorship with experienced data analysts
  • 1:1 coaching sessions

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

Grow with Google

As part of the Grow with Google Data Analytics Certificate program available on Coursera, students study data types, information structures, problem-solving, storytelling, and the power of R programming to learn how to transform data into insight. Beyond the huge amount of technical knowledge this course teaches, it’s also very accessible. Anyone can complete this course, regardless of experience or educational background.

Four of five graduates report positive career outcomes within six months of completing Grow with Google, which is an excellent incentive for students to enroll in this course.

PRICE

Free with a Coursera subscription

RATING

4.8/5 on Coursera

FEATURES

  • Emphasis on data storytelling 
  • Incorporation of the R programming language
  • No prerequisite experience or degree required
  • 100% remote, flexible, and self-paced learning
  • Provides access to the Google employer consortium
  • Positive career outcomes were reported by a significant majority of graduates

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

No

BrainStation

With BrainStation, right from the outset, students learn the ins and outs of data analysis, preparing, and visualizing data. Students learn to use industry-standard analytics tools like MySQL and explore relational databases to learn how data powers giants like Netflix and Tesla. Throughout this program, you tackle the different aspects of data analysis, preparing, and visualizing data and are guided and supervised by experts in the field.

By the end of the course, you will have a data analyst portfolio—a collection of your best work showcasing your data analysis skills. It will include projects you have completed during the course, as well as sample reports, data analysis techniques, and datasets you’ve used.

PRICE

Not publicly listed

RATING

4.7/5 on Course Report

FEATURES

  • Live, expert-led online classes
  • Breakout room sessions for collaborative project-based learning
  • Access to BrainStation’s Slack community for updates and support
  • Instructor-led guidance from experienced data professionals
  • Industry-recognized professional certificate

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

General Assembly

General Assembly takes a distinct approach with its Data Analytics Short Course. It teaches you how to use tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau. One of the most compelling reasons to invest in this course is the undeniable market demand for Tableau skills, which has surged by 1,103% in a span of five years.

Students will learn how to translate their data into meaningful insights and go beyond just analyzing data. Instead, they’ll be able to make business decisions and shift strategies based on it. Instructors include both well-renowned professors as well as industry veterans.

PRICE

Not publicly listed

RATING

4.3/5 on Course Report

FEATURES

  • Access to a vast global alum network
  • Flexible study schedules
  • Hands-on experience with the entire data analytics process
  • Pre-course preparatory lessons to solidify foundational knowledge
  • Individualized instructor support

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

IBM

The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera is another great course you can enroll in on this online learning platform that prepares you for a career as a data analyst in less than four months.

As part of this course, you’ll master a wide range of data analysis skills and be able to invoke APIs, manage databases, or master software apps such as Excel or IBM Cognos Analytics. Students also gain proficiency in programming with Python, leveraging libraries such as Pandas and Numbpy.

PRICE

Free with a Coursera subscription

RATING

4.7/5 on Coursera

FEATURES

  • Option to earn up to 12 college credits as the program is ACE® recommended
  • Guidance in data storytelling 
  • Access to IBM’s People and Soft Skills Specialization

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

Dataquest

If you’re a beginner in the R programming language, this course is for you. Dataquest promises that their Data Analyst in R will have you job-ready in 4 months. The course has a pragmatic approach, giving you the chance to implement the techniques you learn through multiple projects based on business scenarios. These projects enhance your portfolio and prepare you for real-life interviews.

What’s great about this R course is the fact that you get access to a feedback system embedded directly in the browser. Mistakes are rectified instantly, and your learning becomes iterative.

PRICE

Free

RATING

4.8/5 on Course Report

FEATURES

  • In-depth projects tailored around realistic business scenarios
  • Exposure to tools and applications like RStudio
  • Training in SQL for exploring and extracting data from databases
  • Web scraping techniques
  • Introduction to predictive modeling and machine learning

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

Udacity

Udacity’s Data Analyst Course is a three-month intensive course that covers all the basics for becoming a data analyst, from libraries such as Pandas and NumPy to advanced data wrangling and data visualization. While the course is at the intermediate level, it has prerequisites, such as a basic understanding of Python and descriptive statistics, for those with a foundational knowledge of data and coding.

PRICE

Free with a Udacity subscription

RATING

4.6/5 on Udacity

FEATURES

  • Guidance from industry-leading professionals
  • Career Services to guide students
  • Completion certificate from Udacity

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

MIT Sloan School Of Management

The MIT Sloan School of Management’s Applied Business Analytics course is a perfect choice for students who want to leverage the power of data in driving business decisions.

At its core, this course teaches students pragmatic frameworks and how to use pertinent datasets. It has a non-technical emphasis; graduates can understand and apply business analytics principles in real-world scenarios, such as posing the right questions (like which algorithm to employ) and discern when human judgment is needed in decision-making.

PRICE

$2,950

RATING

4.8/5 on Executive.mit.edu

FEATURES

  • Certificate of course completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management
  • Coverage of practical applications of artificial intelligence in business
  • Guidance on when and how to apply human judgment in decision-making
  • Insights into managing data analytics processes efficiently

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

freeCodeCamp

Historically, data and statistical analysis was conducted using pricier, closed-source tools. This freeCodeCamp course focuses on open-source tools, especially Python and SQL.

It covers the end-to-end process, from sourcing data from different formats like CSV, SQL, and Excel to using powerful Python libraries such as Numpy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and Seaborn for data processing and visualization.

PRICE

Free

RATING

4.5/5 on PCMag

FEATURES

  • Coverage of multiple data sources like CSV, SQL, and Excel
  • In-depth Jupyter Notebook course
  • Practical, hands-on projects
  • Earn a data analytics certification

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

CareerFoundry

CareerFoundry has offered various tech-related data analysis courses since 2013. One of their best courses is their Data Analytics program, which promises to make you job-ready in just under ten months.

The program is online, and you can learn at your own pace. You’ll be familiar with tools like Excel, Python, Pandas, and Tableau and be able to specialize in areas like machine learning or data visualization. After graduation, you’ll have lifetime access to the course content.

Students complete a capstone project, and there are opportunities for apprenticeship training with partners like TechFleet, Democracylab, and Digital Product School.

PRICE

$7,505 upfront; $7,900 when paid over the course of ten months

RATING

4.7/5 on Course Report

FEATURES

  • Lifetime curriculum access post-graduation
  • Option to choose specialization courses
  • Apprenticeship training opportunities 
  • 1:1 career specialist guidance
  • Support via the Career Support Center

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

Thinkful

Thinkful’s Data Analytics Bootcamp can be taken both full-time or part-time to accommodate your schedule. It focuses on cultivating your storytelling abilities, teaching you to leverage data analysis tools like Tableau and programming languages like Python and SQL to read through the data and deliver valuable findings.

As a student, you’ll get matched with a mentor from the industry, and you’ll be able to learn from their experience and get constant feedback and reviews on your projects.

PRICE

$13,475 for full-time students; $8,240 for part-time students

RATING

4.5/5 on Course Report

FEATURES

  • Live, personal video consultations with industry professionals
  • On-demand technical coaching 
  • Full-time career support from the first day of enrollment
  • Regular mentorship sessions, including live online lectures, workshops, and feedback
  • Dedicated learning assistants 
  • Exclusive access to open analyst job roles

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence (On Udemy)

SQL – MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence from 365 Careers on Udemy provides students with a foundational understanding of SQL and how it’s an essential tool for data analytics, predictive analytics, and business intelligence.

You’ll learn to engage with real-life databases and get expertise in SQL best practices. Throughout the course, you’ll get access to plenty of downloadable resources, exercises, and quiz questions.

You can enroll in this course if you’re a beginner to programming languages or if you’ve dabbed your toes into data analysis before and want to deepen your knowledge and apply these skills practically.

PRICE

$19,99

RATING

4.6/5 on Udemy

FEATURES

  • Access on multiple devices
  • Full-time access
  • 11 hours of video content
  • Certificate of completion
  • 96 downloadable resources

JOB GUARANTEE?

Yes

MENTORSHIP?

Yes

Macquarie University (On Coursera)

Macquarie University, together with Coursera, brings you Excel Skills for Data Analytics and Visualization Specialization, perfect for those who want to learn how to transform, link, and analyze data in Excel, but also how to develop interactive dashboards and use Excel features like DAX and PowerPivot.

This is an intermediate-level data analyst certification. By the end of the course, you’ll work on an Applied Learning Project, where you’ll handle real-world datasets to create visualizations, dashboards, and reports.

PRICE

Free with a Coursera subscription

RATING

4.8/5 on Coursera

FEATURES

  • Part of the Coursera Plus subscription
  • Includes practical and hands-on learning projects
  • HIgh focus on learning advanced Excel functions
  • Options for financial aid are offered

JOB GUARANTEE?

No

MENTORSHIP?

No

What Makes a Good Data Analytics Course? Our Criteria Explained

At Springboard, we understand the importance of choosing the right course, and our unique process involves chatting with our panel of data analytics experts to come up with the best criteria for selecting a course.

We pinpointed the exact components that make a course stand out. In the next section, we’ll walk you through these five criteria: curriculum, quality, and experience of instructors, reviews, flexible learning options, and practical learning.

Curriculum

When you evaluate a course, pay strong attention to its curriculum. A curriculum should cover both technical and theoretical knowledge and practical application. Besides covering the basics, it should incorporate current industry trends and innovative tools, preparing you for real-world challenges.

While foundational knowledge in areas like data preprocessing, visualization, and fundamental statistical analysis is essential, more specialized topics, such as machine learning integration, predictive modeling, or even ethics in data analytics, set a course apart.

For example, while many courses might teach students how to use Python libraries like Pandas for data manipulation, those exploring advanced topics, such as deploying models with tools like Flask or Django or using TensorFlow for deep learning, offer a broader skill set. 

Quality and Experience of Instructors

Evaluate the course instructors and look at their credentials and experience. Ideal instructors possess a combination of academic expertise and industry experience, teaching you actionable insights and methodologies that textbooks alone can’t offer. Their background should match the course material. Look at their:

  • Specialized expertise. The instructor shouldn’t only have academic knowledge of machine learning and apply these principles in real-world scenarios.
  • Proficiency with tools. If the course teaches specific tools like Tableau or SQL, make sure that the instructors have a track record of using these in professional settings.
  • Interdisciplinary background. If you’re particularly interested in statistical analyses in a specific industry (i.e., healthcare), look for instructors with experience in those particular fields—perhaps someone who has worked on medical data projects.

Reviews and Ratings

When reviewing courses, take the time to read the ratings and opinions from graduates. Make sure you know what you’re looking for—if your goal is to master practical Python skills, try to look for reviews that discuss hands-on aspects of the course. 

Flexible Learning Options

If you’re on a tight schedule, opt for courses that offer asynchronous learning options, modular content, or self-paced structures. A good course has both full-time and part-time schedules and the option of self-paced learning. 

Practical Learning

The theory is what provides your foundation, but it’s practical experience that helps you build that knowledge. 

Your chosen course should prioritize hands-on projects, experiences, or real-world scenarios. You can then apply your knowledge by testing and refining your in-demand skills in these specific scenarios. 

Get To Know Other Data Analytics Students

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Sarah Savage

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Cana Curtis

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Making the Most out of Your Data Analytics Course

While the above criteria are essential in choosing the right course, it’s equally important to know how to prepare yourself. Ask yourself these questions to understand the dynamics of how a course operates because setting realistic expectations amplifies your learning experience.

How Does a Data Analytics Course Work?

A well-structured data analytics course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. You should be introduced to core concepts, statistical methods, and frameworks via video lectures, reading materials, and quizzes. 

A significant part of your learning should involve hands-on exercises and projects. This can mean working with real data sets, using tools to analyze data, and utilizing visualization tools to present your findings to your mentors.

What Should You Expect From a Data Analytics Course?

You should expect to be challenged. You’ll be tasked with solving problems, sometimes without clear-cut solutions, pushing you to think outside the box. This actually mirrors the reality of the industry, where data often gifts us with more questions than answers.

Then, anticipate a variety of learning methodologies. Beyond lectures, you’ll likely engage in group discussions, case studies, and capstone projects. Many courses also introduce you to guest speakers from the industry. 

Finally, be prepared to commit to the course. Quality data analytics courses demand time and effort. There will be readings, assignments, projects, and assessments. The depth of your understanding and the technical skills you hone will depend on the effort you invest.

Which Is the Best Data Analytics Program To Follow?

The best analyics pogram to follow is one with a proven track record at producing working data analysts and data scientists! If you are already on the data analytics career track, look for courses that will help you achieve a data analytics certificate. Data analytics certifications or bootcamps with credits like the CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program or Springboard’s bootcamp can teach you basic skills (like data modeling or analyzing data) while prepping you for your data analytics certification.

Data Analytics Course FAQs

We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Is Data Analytics in High Demand?

Yes. Every online interaction generates data, so companies are in need of data analysts who can successfully interpret this data. If you’re considering a career in data analytics, you’re looking at a landscape full of opportunities.

What Are the Best Free Data Analytics Courses?

For starters, Coursera and edX have collaborations with top universities and institutions, providing a range of data analytics courses at no cost (though a fee might be required for a data analytics certification). Websites like Khan Academy and Udacity also offer foundational courses to set you on the right path. Investing in a paid course might eventually be worthwhile if you want in-depth training or specialized knowledge.

Is the Google Data Analytics Certification Worth It?

For someone looking to get their foot in the door or validate their data analysis skills, the Google Data Analytics Certification can add significant value to your resume. The program covers the basic principles of data analytics without going in-depth on any specific programming language or methodology. This means it’s perfect as a starting point.

Can I Become a Data Analyst Without a Degree?

Yes, it’s possible to become a data analyst without a degree, as long as you have a foundational understanding of data analytics concepts and can demonstrate proficiency in several analytics tools and techniques. Make sure to take online courses and certifications, enroll in data analytics bootcamps, and build your portfolio to showcase your skills. Networking, attending workshops, or even starting with internships can also open doors

What Is the Wharton Business Analytics Program?

The Wharton Business Analytics program actually refers to several different high-demand programs offered by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, each catering to different needs and levels of experience. Some take a few hours a day and a few weeks to complete; others take much longer. All the courses are listed on their website. 

For example, the Undergraduate Concentration in Business Analytics/Introduction to Data Analytics is best for aspiring data analysts and data scientists that want to learn data analysis and other in-demand skills from scratch. It’s a broad introduction that helps students identify trends, visualize data, make strategic decisions, and master the programming languages and new processes they’ll need to start working. For individuals that are job-ready and already have the necessary skills and professional experience to work in the field, there’s the option to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Data Analytics. This top course takes two years to complete and can help you achieve your professional goals and boost your job prospects. Keep an eye on their site for start dates if you’d like to enroll – these are some of the best courses if you want to enter the field.

What Tools Do You Use in Data Analysis, e.g. Microsoft Excel, PowerBI, Google Analytics?

It depends on your specialization. Google Analytics is a crucial tool in the marketing and SEO industry. Think of Google Analytics as a treasure trove of insights into website and app user behavior, providing invaluable data that informs website optimization, marketing strategies, and overall strategic decisions. If you want to work in digital marketing you’ll need to master Google Analytics.

Where Do Data Analysts Work?

Data analysts work in almost every field imaginable.  Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and countless other tech companies rely heavily on data analysts and their technical skills to understand user behavior, optimize platforms, etc. But smaller start-ups, banks, government agencies and many other companies are looking for data analysts, so don’t limit your job search to the tech space!

How Can I Gain a Competitive Edge as a Data Analyst?

A data analytics certification is a good place to start. A certification demonstrates your skills but there are many advantages to completing a bootcamp or Introduction to Data Analytics course first. You’ll learn new processes, complete a capstone project and other practical projects that test your problem-solving skills, master data manipulation and technical skills, and add portfolio projects to your CV in one go. Look for comprehensive programs that can support your job hunt. 

Since you’re here…
Switching to a career in data analytics is possible, no matter your background. We’ve helped over 10,000 students make it happen. Check out our free data analytics curriculum to gauge your interest, or go all-in with our Data Analytics Bootcamp.

About Sakshi Gupta

Sakshi is a Managing Editor at Springboard. She is a technology enthusiast who loves to read and write about emerging tech. She is a content marketer with experience in the Indian and US markets.