Many aspiring coders overlook one of the most important and in-demand coding skills today—familiarity with SQL databases. Programmers use SQL (Structured Query Language) to access and manipulate data in relational databases. The quickest and most effective way to learn SQL is through enrolling in a course—but with all the options on offer, how do you know which course best suits your needs?
To help you find your match, we’ve curated a list of the 12 best online SQL courses. Read on to see which course is right for you!
How Important Is a SQL Course?
Very. There is a huge demand for SQL skills, and if you’re looking to use SQL in a professional context, then a SQL certification program will validate your skills to employers and help you land a job. A strong command of this programming language can help job-seekers land a wide range of roles.
12 Best SQL Courses
| Company | Course | Rank | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Software Engineering Bootcamp | 4.6 | $9,900 | Learn More |
 | SQL for Data Science | 4.68 | $89 | Learn More |
 | Learn SQL: Nanodegree Program | 4.61 | $399 | Learn More |
 | Introductory Guide to SQL | 3.75 | $16.66 | Learn More |
| Excel to MySQL | 4.68 | $89 | Learn More |
 | Complete SQL + Databases Bootcamp | 4.95 | $39 | Learn More |
 | The Complete Oracle SQL Bootcamp | 4.6 | $109.99 | Learn More |
 | Introduction to Databases and SQL | 4.7 | $27.99 | Learn More |
 | SQL Fundamentals | 4.59 | $49 | Learn More |
 | Complete SQL Mastery | 4.05 | $19 | Learn More |
 | Learn SQL | 3.9 | N/A | Learn More |
| MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence | 4.6 | $16.58 | Learn More |
These online courses cover the fundamentals of SQL as well as more advanced topics.
Springboard: Software Engineering Bootcamp
Rating
Overview
Springboard’s Software Engineering Bootcamp offers 800 hours of content developed with and featuring Colt Steele, a globally recognized coding instructor. Key topics include:
- Front-end development. Students explore web development with standard languages like JavaScript, culminating in a front-end coding project.
- Back-end development. Students learn back-end fundamentals, including Python and SQL, and use those skills to build a full-stack capstone project.
- Node and Express. Students build a REST API using Node, Express, and SQL.
- ReactJS and Redux. Students learn how to harness technologies used to create products at scale and build a second full-stack capstone project.
Related Read: Front-End vs. Back-End Development: What’s the Difference?
Best For
Aspiring software engineers who want to launch a programming career. Springboard’s Software Engineering Bootcamp helps students create a professional portfolio comprised of real-world projects. Springboard also pairs each student with an industry-expert mentor to help you tackle the curriculum, work through projects, and offer career advice.
Related Read: What Does a Software Engineer Do?
Duration
Nine months at a pace of 20-25 hours per week.
Prices Starting From
$9,900
UC Davis: SQL for Data Science
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Overview
Lead by Sadie St. Lawrence, founder, and CEO of Women in Data, this beginner-level course introduces students to the fundamental principles of SQL and working with data. Key topics include:
- Selecting and retrieving data. Students learn basic syntax rules and the difference between one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships with databases.
- Filtering, sorting and calculating data. Students learn to use the wildcard function, logical operators, basic math operators, and aggregate functions.
- Subqueries and JOINs. Students learn when to use subqueries and how to link data together with JOINs.
- Modifying and analyzing data. Students learn to modify strings and apply SQL in a data science context.
Best For
Absolute beginners who want to learn SQL querying basics. This specialization program is designed for students with no coding skills or basic knowledge of SQL.
Duration
Four weeks at a pace of roughly one hour of study per week.
Prices Starting From
$39-$89 per month.
Udacity: Learn SQL Nanodegree Program
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Overview
This course emphasizes the business applications of analyzing data stored in relational database systems. Key topics include:
- Introduction to SQL. Students learn basic SQL syntax, common operators, and core commands used to define, select, manipulate, control access, aggregate, and join data and data tables.
- Relational database management systems. Students learn about database architecture to facilitate efficient and effective data querying and analysis. Students also build performant relational data models and learn about tradeoffs between relational and non-relational databases.
Best For
Udacity has two prerequisites to enroll in the course. First, students need basic computer skills. Secondly, students need a basic understanding of data types (i.e. string, integer). This program is best suited for students who are comfortable identifying types of data held in a data table.
Duration
Two months at 10 hours per week.
Prices Starting From
$399 for pay-as-you-go monthly access to course materials.
Educative: An Introductory Guide to SQL
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Overview
Unlike most online course platforms, Educative offers text-based courses as opposed to video courses. Students learn through text-based instruction and built-in assessments that come with certificates of completion. Students practice executing SQL queries in browser-based live code environments that show results in real time. Topics covered include:
- SQL basics. Students begin the course by creating databases, writing queries, and inserting and updating data. Students also learn about fundamental concepts like multi-table operations, nested queries, and setting up views.
- Advanced SQL concepts. Students learn about triggers, cursors, and how to build more advanced SQL queries.
Best For
SQL beginners learn best through reading and written instruction. Unlike a video course, this program is delivered in the format of text-based tutorials.
Duration
13 hours.
Prices Starting From
$16.66 per month.
Duke University: Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business Specialization
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Overview
This course focuses on using data to solve business challenges. Students learn how data should be collected and managed in business contexts and practice using SQL to manipulate real databases. Key topics include:
- Business metrics. Students learn how data analytics is used in business contexts to make companies more competitive and profitable.
- Data analysis in Excel. Students hone their analytics skills by designing and implementing predictive models based on data. Students build fluency in Excel’s most commonly used business functions.
- Data visualization and communication. Students use Tableau software and other powerful tools to communicate the practical implications of quantitative analyses to all types of stakeholders.
Best For
Beginners who want to develop SQL skills and business acumen in tandem. Business owners, business analysts, and those eager to pivot into business administration will appreciate the emphasis on driving business process change.
Duration
Seven months at a pace of four hours per week.
Prices Starting From
$39-$89 per month.
Zero to Mastery: Complete SQL + Databases Bootcamp
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Overview
From conditional expressions to recursive queries, this course covers a breadth of content. Students first explore fundamental relational database concepts and then progress to advanced concepts and analytic functions. Key topics include:
- Knowledge of databases. Students learn to work with popular databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, SQLite, MariaDB, Amazon Redshift, Presto, and more.
- Complex queries. A SQL query is a request for data. SQL has a rich repository of powerful commands, allowing users to create advanced analytical queries.
- Database design. Students learn how to build databases that optimize for performance, security, and scalability.
Best For
Complete beginners who want to focus solely on mastering SQL. No prior tech experience is required.
Duration
26 hours of video.
Prices Starting From
$39 per month.
The Complete Oracle SQL Bootcamp (2022)
Rating
- Udemy: 4.6/5
Overview
This course trains students to pass the Oracle Database SQL certification exam. Like other database courses, the Oracle SQL Bootcamp introduces students to essential concepts related to database management. Key topics include:
- Database concepts and terminologies. Students learn about database objects, Oracle samples schemas, pluggable databases, and more.
- Retrieving, restricting, and sorting data. These are essential skills for handling any SQL-related task.
- Functions, expressions, and queries. Students learn about built-in functions, single-row functions, conditional expressions, single-table queries, joining multiple tables, and more.
Get To Know Other Software Engineering Students
Pritisha Kumar
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Matthew Dillon
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Geraldo Gomes
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Best For
Students who are interested in database administration and want to build experience with Oracle Database.
Duration
The course offers 32.5 hours of content.
Prices Starting From
$109.99.
Raspberry Foundation & NCCE: Introduction to Databases and SQL
Rating
- Futurelearn.com: 4.7/5
Overview
This course from the Raspberry Pi Foundation explains what databases are and introduces learners to various database applications. Key topics include:
- Searching databases. Students learn how to search databases and manipulate data with SQL.
- Primary keys and table relationships. Students learn how records are defined in a table and create JOINs to search multiple tables.
- Grouping and exporting data. Students learn how to aggregate individual observations of a variable into groups to summarize or analyze data. Students learn how to maintain groupings when exporting data.
Best For
This course is ideal for learners who haven’t want to create a database for the first time using SQL. Students, parents, and teachers delivering lessons up to the GCSE level are encouraged to enroll.
Duration
Three weeks at a pace of two hours per week.
Prices Starting From
$27.99 per month.
Dataquest: SQL Fundamentals
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Overview
As with other beginner courses, the Dataquest SQL Fundamentals course familiarizes students with SQL syntax and common commands. Key topics include:
- Querying data. Students learn how to use string patterns and ranges to query data and how to write queries to extract and analyze real-world datasets from actual SQL databases.
- Sorting and grouping data. Students learn how to filter results based on logical restraints, order results, and define data types.
- SQL subqueries. Students learn how to nest queries inside other queries and scale projects with complex queries.
Best For
Beginners who want a short course that offers direct, in-browser feedback.
Duration
One month at 10 hours per week.
Prices Starting From
$49 per month.
Mosh: Complete SQL Mastery
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Overview
This course is built for anyone who wants to learn how to design and query relational databases—including computer science students who want to better understand SQL, as well as SQL developers who want to brush up on their skills. Students receive lifetime access to course materials. Key topics include:
- Querying. Students learn to write queries with confidence, starting with basic queries and working up to complex queries.
- Database design. Students practice data modeling and learn how to create tables and relationships.
- Securing databases. Students learn how to create users and grant or revoke privileges.
Best For
Complete beginners as well as those with some development experience. No prior knowledge is required, and students who have experience can simply start at the relevant module that fits their current skill level.
Duration
Students receive access to 170 lessons, 11 hours of video, and 40 hours of exercises and solutions that can be completed at any pace.
Prices Starting From
$19 per month.
Codecademy: Learn SQL
Rating
Overview
This short course uses lessons, quizzes, and mini-projects to teach SQL basics. Although the course is free, students do not learn alongside instructors, and the curriculum is fully self-guided. Key topics include:
- Manipulation. Students learn how to use SQL to create, update, and access data stored in a database.
- Queries. Students learn to perform more complex queries with essential query keywords and functionalities.
- Multiple tables. Students learn how to create and manipulate databases with multiple related tables.
Best For
Upskillers who are able to grasp new material without instructor guidance.
Duration
Eight hours.
Prices Starting From
Free.
365 Careers: SQL – MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Rating
- Udemy: 4.6/5
Overview
This course is designed to help students develop business acumen while solving problems with big data. Key topics include:
- SQL in business contexts. Students learn how to use SQL’s aggregate functions to answer business questions.
- Controlling your dataset. Students learn how to insert, update, and delete records from a database.
- Advanced topics. Students learn about triggers, sequences, indexes, and more.
Best For
Learners that are interested in SQL developer, business intelligence, and database administrator roles.
Duration
Students receive access to 10.5 hours of on-demand video, 172 articles, and 96 downloadable resources. The course can be completed at any pace.
Prices Starting From
$16.58 per month.
How Do You Choose a SQL Course?
The SQL course you choose will depend on your goals. Short courses for beginners will cover SQL fundamentals, while longer courses will additionally cover other programming skills that you’ll need to become a software engineer. Here’s what to consider when choosing your SQL course:
Course Structure
Does the course connect students with mentors who can answer questions and offer guidance, or do you need to solve problems on your own? Does the course rely on video or instruction, or is it text-based? Can you move through the course at your own pace? Choose a course structured to suit your learning needs.
Instructor Credibility
Is the curriculum designed by a credible educator with a strong reputation? How much experience does the instructor have?
Schedule
An online, flexible learning structure means that you won’t have to put your life on hold to upskill or change careers. Consider the demands of your current schedule and see how the time commitment of the course might fit into your life.
Fees
Consider your budget and look for courses that have financing options. Some courses offer pay-as-you-go opportunities, and courses like Springboard’s Software Engineering Bootcamp offer deferred tuition—meaning you can pay for the course after you land a job—as well as job guarantees.
Reviews & Ratings
Evaluate reviews and ratings for each course you’re considering. If you have specific concerns, try querying reviews for those search terms. Give the most weight to ratings that are comprised of a high number of reviews—an average rating made up of just a few reviews is more easily skewed.
Making the Most Out of Your SQL Course
SQL is a valuable skill. Whether you’re looking to become a programmer, database administrator, or business analyst, here are some things to consider to get the most out of your SQL course.
How Does a SQL Course Work?
SQL courses introduce students to SQL fundamentals and basic database management tools. Once students develop a strong command of SQL syntax, they explore advanced queries, navigate complex databases, and experiment with real-world data. Some programs award a certificate of completion when students successfully finish the course. This shareable certificate can be an effective way for students to validate their skills during their job search.
Related Read: 10 Best Database Management Courses & Trainings
What Should You Expect To Learn From a SQL Course?
In an effective SQL course, you’ll learn how to query, sort, and group data. You’ll also learn how to create databases and optimize them for performance and scalability. A well-rounded course will also teach you how to apply SQL in real-world contexts, such as business analytics or back-end development.
What Will Your Schedule Look Like?
Programs that teach SQL typically require five to 25 hours of study per week. Your schedule will depend on the structure of your course. Many SQL courses are self-paced and allow students to complete the curriculum at their convenience.
SQL Course FAQs
Wondering if a SQL course is right for your current skill set and career goals? Get answers to frequently asked questions about learning SQL.
Are There Any Requirements To Enroll in a SQL Course?
SQL courses typically do not carry any enrollment requirements, but if they do have prerequisites, they’ll be listed on this course site.
How Much Time Will It Take To Learn SQL?
It depends on how much you already know about data and the course structure, but students who enroll in a mentor-led program with a curriculum designed by a credible instructor will typically learn SQL more quickly.
Can I Get a Job With Only an SQL Course?
If you’re fluent in other programming languages like Python and JavaScript, an SQL course may be all you need to round out your skill set and get hired. But if you have no programming experience, you’ll likely want to enroll in a course that teaches SQL alongside other software engineering skills in order to maximize your hireability.
Since you’re here…
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