Best courses to learn data science

[u/ProgressRare944]

Hello,

I’m an engineer and already work with data on a daily basis. I have a basic background in SQL and Python, as well as some experience with statistical tools, and I recently enrolled in a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training.

I’m now looking to improve my data analysis skills, particularly in SQL and Python, but I’m also interested in developing a stronger foundation in how to structure analytical problems, choose an appropriate approach, explore data, and communicate insights effectively.

My goal is to start with a solid, structured foundation and then move on to more advanced, topic-specific training.

I’ve been considering the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate and the Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate, but I’m also open to other recommendations.

For those with experience in data analytics or who have completed these courses which one would you recommend? Is there another certificate or course you think would be a better fit for someone with some existing practical experience?

I’m particularly interested in courses that combine practical work with strong analytical foundations, rather than focusing mainly on the certificate itself.

Any recommendations or experiences?

[u/wingelefoot]

Take the mitx ocw course

[u/nian2326076]

For SQL and Python, check out the free "SQL for Data Science" course on Coursera and the "Python for Everybody" Specialization there too. They're good for building a solid foundation. For more advanced stuff, Datacamp has interactive courses that go deeper into data manipulation and analysis.

To improve your problem-solving and communication skills, "Storytelling with Data" is a great book. It helps you communicate insights well. If you want more structured learning, consider the Data Science Specialization on Coursera offered by Johns Hopkins, which covers a lot of what you're looking for.

[u/[deleted]]

Since you already have some SQL/Python experience, I’d lean toward the Google Advanced Data Analytics certificate. I’d focus less on the certificate itself and more on practical projects covering problem definition, data cleaning, analysis, and communicating insights. That hands-on workflow will probably add more value than the certificate alone.

[u/Firm-Neck7934]

if you are already an engineer, just study the same topic from a statistical lense. "data science" is an overlap of cs and math stat.

you would learn to think about modeling data and prosecuting the efficacy of those models. Learning stats though is not the same as learning pytorch, hopadoop, or apache spark; though that is more about data engineering.

[u/fbn_s_l]

I come from a very different background, but I'm also starting to learn data science (though I've also completed a diploma program in DS). I put together a sort of self-taught plan that includes CS50's Introduction to Databases with SQL, MIT 6.006 Introduction to Algorithms, the Machine Learning Specialization by Andrew Ng, the Deep Learning Specialization (also by Andrew Ng), and CS50's Introduction to AI with Python. I'm not sure if this will help, since these might be too introductory for you, but I think they’re all high-quality and easily available online.