Career Tracks

Data Science

101 What Is Data Science?

Data science is a multidisciplinary field that combines computer science and math. The objective of data science is to pull insightful and useful knowledge out of datasets to make smart business decisions. The average salary of a data scientist is $80,265.

Jump to a list of all Data Science Bootcamps

What Is Data Science?

Data science is a multidisciplinary field that combines computer science and statistics. With so much data being produced every day, data science makes it possible to draw useful insights from datasets which may be too large for traditional statistics to analyze. This data is often referred to as “big data,” and can include anything from analyzing complex genomic structures to interpreting handwriting to optimizing a marketing strategy. And data science is not limited to just numbers! Data science finds patterns in all unstructured sets, including text, images, and audio files. 

How to Become a Data Scientist

Many Data Scientists start their careers in academia – if you have a bachelor’s degree or PhD in a quantitative field, then you’re already close to a data science career. A data science fellowship like The Data Incubator or Insight Data Science would be fantastic options. 

Most data science bootcamps require students to have a degree in STEM and an aptitude for math and statistics. If you don’t have a quantitative degree, then you should sharpen your math skills like linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability. Then, you’ll be ready to apply to a data science bootcamp. 

Master’s in Data Science vs Data Science Bootcamps

While a Master’s in Computer Science with a specialization in Data Science typically takes 3 years to complete, data science bootcamps are typically intensive 3- to 6-month programs. Data science bootcamps often offer career assistance, and prepare graduates for entry-level and junior data science jobs, such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, and Data Engineer.

A data science bootcamp is not a traditional coding bootcamp. In addition to learning programming languages, such as Python and/or R, data science bootcamps teach students how to extract valuable knowledge from large datasets using analytical and programming skills. 

How to Choose a Data Science Bootcamp

The best data science course for you depends on your own learning style, career goals, availability, etc. Here's our advice for choosing the data bootcamp:

  1. Narrow down your options – you can rule out some bootcamps based on location, cost, and time commitment.
  2. Examine the curriculum – does the bootcamp teach the most modern data science languages (Python or occasionally R), tools (Hadoop, Spark, Tableau etc), and topics (machine learning, data engineering, etc).
  3. Ask About Projects – communication is so important in data science, and projects are a great way to walk a hiring manager through your thought process and experience. At a good data science bootcamp, you'll build at least 2-3 projects using real-world data sets!
  4. Meet the Instructors – do the bootcamp instructors have qualifications like quantitative degrees, masters degrees, or even PhDs? This is much more common in the world of data science bootcamps. Pro-Tip: Take an intro course or free workshop hosted by the bootcamp to really understand the teaching style.
  5. Ask About Outcomes – do past bootcamp graduates get jobs in data? Ask the school directly for their CIRR report or job outcomes report, read data science bootcamp alumni reviews, and even reach out to alumni on LinkedIn to ask questions.

Red Flags – instructors don't have enough experience or qualifications, projects don't use real-world datasets, or the bootcamp can't tell you about past student career success. 

Are Data Science Bootcamps Worth It?

 “I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat. It was definitely worth the money. The learning environment, having the type of classmates that you can learn from, the instructors — you definitely couldn’t have gotten it just by learning on your own.” – Itelina, graduate of Metis

“I can say that, for me, 100% it was worth it – but I will say the boot camp is also about the work you’re putting in and the goals that you have. I really wanted to sponge off of the people around me – not just the teachers, but also all these PhD students around me. It was the most intelligent group of people I’ve been around in such a small space before. I’ve never had such an amazing opportunity.” – Sumanth, graduate of NYC Data Science Academy 

“I definitely think I needed Galvanize. Because I wanted to break into the tech industry, having Galvanize on my resume along with the skills I learned there, bolstered my ability to get a job.” – Rosie, graduate of Galvanize

“For me, It was totally worth it. I would do it all over again. IE in particular taught me a lot more than how to use Python and SQL. It teaches the technical skills, but at the same time it gives you access to professors that are going to make the process a lot less frustrating and more fun so that you have the motivation to keep going. Plus all of the extras. You get to network with companies and those companies come to give talks. I made a lot of friends in this bootcamp, too.”Inna, graduate of IE Data Science Bootcamp

How much does a data science bootcamp cost? 

Full-time, immersive data science bootcamps typically cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Many data science bootcamps offer scholarships and financing options to make tuition affordable. There are also fellowships and free data science bootcamps, such as Insight Data Science and The Data Incubator.

Data Science Jobs

With everyone from businesses to non-profits to the government collecting data, there is high demand for turning that data into smart business decisions. There is a wide variety of data science jobs, and if there’s one thing that we’ve learned after interviewing so many data science bootcamp graduates, it’s that no two companies use the exact same job titles. Common job responsibilities of data scientists include data engineering, data cleaning, and data analysis. Here is a list of the most frequent data science job titles for bootcampers:

  • Junior Data Scientist
  • Senior Data Scientist
  • Data Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist/Software Engineer
  • Big Data Analytics Consultant
  • Data Science Instructor
  • Decision Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Data Journalist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Product Analyst
  • Database Administrator

Data Science Salaries

Data Science Job Average Salary
Data Science Analyst $80,265
Senior Data Scientists $105,909
Data Engineers $105,909

Data Science Skills

According to Josh Wills, Director of NYC Data Science Academy, a data scientist is a “person who is better at statistics than any software engineer and better at software engineering than any statistician.” While math skills and coding skills are an essential part of data science, business intelligence and a scientific approach are key to making sense of data. Most data science students have a previous background in STEM, but overall, data science students and professionals are detail-oriented and excel at problem-solving, logical reasoning, and communication.

Here is a quick list of data science skills and technologies used in the field and often taught at data science bootcamps:

  • SQL - SQL stands for Structured Query Language. SQL is designed for managing data in relational database management systems. SQL extracts data for data analytics and reporting. 
  • Hadoop - Hadoop is a suite of technologies used to manage data and execute programs in a cluster. Hadoop includes a file system designed for large datasets, the MapReduce system which allows for running programs in parallel, the SQL-like Hive database for querying data in a cluster, and other components.
  • Spark - Spark is a system for writing parallel programs to run in clusters. Spark has a powerful machine learning library, mllib, and can be used with R. 
  • Python and R - Both languages are equally important in data science! Python is used for computer science components of a data scientist’s job. R is used for building statistics packages and visualizations. Combining both Python and R greatly increases their range of capabilities.
  • Machine Learning - Machine learning is a set of algorithms that is put in place to analyze large sets of data. Many of these algorithms are built so that the machine learns to feed better data into later models, and ultimately make predictions about future events. 
  • Natural Language Processing - Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a method for pre-processing text to turn it into numerical data. NLP is also known as computational linguistics.
  • Data science math includes linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability.

FEATURED SCHOOLS

Schools may compensate Course Report for featured placement.

 

Showing 1 - 25 of 350

  1. 3037
    Reviews
    16
    Courses

    Le Wagon is a global tech training provider that offers full-time, in-person and online bootcamps in Web Development, Data Science, and Data Analytics. Le Wa... Read More

    Wey Lon Quek

    5Graduate - Course: Data Science Bootcamp - Full-time - Singapore

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Excellent Bootcamp!

    The Le Wagon Data Science bootcamp was extreme and intense over 2 months. I had no prior experience in programming nor data science, but the course is designed ... Read More
  2. 1884
    Reviews
    33
    Courses

    BrainStation offers full-time and part-time courses in data science, design, development, marketing, cyber security and product in New York City, Miami, Lond... Read More

    Stephen Setzer

    5Student - Course: Data Analytics Course - New York City

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Data Analytics Course Review

    If you're on the fence about enrolling in Brainstation's Data Analysis course, let me offer a gentle nudge in that direction based on my recent experience.The c ... Read More
  3. 1502
    Reviews
    11
    Courses

    Springboard is an online learning platform that prepares students for the tech industry’s most in-demand careers with comprehensive, mentor-led online progra... Read More

    Binta Iteogu

    5Graduate - Course: Cyber Security Career Track - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Wonderful Online bootcamp

    Overall, I had a great experience with Springboard career track program.  The Springboard staff (student advisor, mentor, and career coaches) was very supportiv ... Read More
  4. 1070
    Reviews
    8
    Courses

    Ironhack offers full-time and part-time bootcamps in Web Development, UX/UI design, Data Analytics and Cyber Security in Miami (Florida), Madrid and Barcelon... Read More

    Tomás Maria

    5Student - Course: Web Development Bootcamp (Full-time) - Lisbon

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Ironhack Full Time Web Development in Lisbon

    Hello everyone!Before starting the bootcamp I was super scared that I wasn't going to be able to follow the classes and understand the content but it turned out ... Read More
  5. 917
    Reviews
    9
    Courses

    Thinkful, a Chegg service, provides every adult learner with a pathway to a rewarding career. This online bootcamp offers fast-paced, career-focused programs... Read More

    Lindsey

    5Student - Course: Engineering Immersion - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Software Immersion

     Thinkful was so helpful and I believe it was the solid foundation and starting point of my software development journey. I enjoyed studying with them and I fel ... Read More
  6. 859
    Reviews
    15
    Courses

    Correlation One offers a part-time, live online Data Science For All bootcamp taught by instructors from universities, such as Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. Bo... Read More

    Fritz G Laurent

    5Graduate - Course: C1 Training - Software Development - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Valuable! Outstanding! Recommended!

    I just graduated from the Correlation One/Amazon Career Choice Software Development Program. At Correlation One, we learn a lot! Suppose someone wants to make a ... Read More
  7. 774
    Reviews
    53
    Courses

    Simplilearn’s Masters Programs are intensive, online bootcamps for Full Stack Web Development, Data Science and Analytics, AI and Machine Learning, Big Data ... Read More

    Geetanjali Orpe

    5Student - Course: Business Analyst - Master's Program - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Course Name: Tableau Certification Training (Simplilearn)

    Course Name: Tableau Certification Training (Simplilearn)Trainer Name: Amit GoyalExcellent Teaching and amazing experience of learning. The method of teaching i ... Read More
  8. 718
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    Edureka offers instructor-led, live online bootcamps in Full Stack Web Development (8 weeks) and AI & Machine Learning (44 weeks). The Full Stack Web Dev... Read More

    Aaditya Sankara

    5Student - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Great Learning Experience

    I enrolled for the Power BI course and the journey from the start till the end of the course was simply best. The instructor had very good industry experience a ... Read More
  9. 654
    Reviews
    19
    Courses

    General Assembly is a technical education provider that teaches students the skills, career advice and networking opportunities needed to make a career chang... Read More

    Juvone Freeman

    5Graduate - Course: 3. User Experience Design Immersive Bootcamp (Full Time) - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Life Changing Transition

    My experience with GA was amazing! My instructors were all incredibly knowledgable, welcoming, and always available for my cohort. I was able to grasp the skill ... Read More
  10. 626
    Reviews
    39
    Courses

    Udacity offers Nanodegrees which are online immersive full-time and part-time programs, ranging from 12-24 weeks in length for students worldwide. Nanodegree... Read More

    Eslam Mustafa

    5Graduate - Course: Full Stack Web Developer - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: very nice program

    It's a very nice program, but also challenging 🌹There are useful references and professors who explain well, when I submit the projects I catch what I've been ... Read More
  11. 623
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    Founded in 2012, Coding Dojo is a global technology education company that offers programs in Software Development, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. Students... Read More

    Lee DeJonge

    5Graduate - Course: Software Development Online Full-Time - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: this is a BOOTCAMP

    As an individual coming from NO computer background what-so-ever, I want to  share my experiences.First of all, I have a great support system at home that allow ... Read More
  12. 568
    Reviews
    4
    Courses

    Flatiron School offers immersive on-campus and online programs in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and product design (UX/UI design). Flati... Read More

    Matthew L

    5Graduate - Course: Software Engineering - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Great Bootcamp experience

    I had a great experience at Flatiron. I met some really great people in my cohort. The bootcamp is very high pace and requires discipline. The course is not for ... Read More
  13. 393
    Reviews
    33
    Courses

    The Tech Academy is a trade school headquartered in Portland, Oregon that offers full-time and part-time bootcamps online and in-person at their Portland cam... Read More

    Tina Morlock

    5Graduate - Course: Online Software Developer Boot Camp (full-time) - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Best Educational Experience I'd Had

    It had been a dream of mine to be a developer for years, but I never felt confident enough to go after it. However, the perfect opportunity came to me with The ... Read More
  14. 376
    Reviews
    5
    Courses

    NYC Data Science Academy offers 12-week, accredited data science and data analytics bootcamps in New York City and live online. NYC Data Science Academy is a... Read More

    Baptiste Mokas

    5Graduate - Course: 12-Weeks In-Person/ Remote Live Data Science with Machine Learning Bootcamp - New York City

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Amazing

    I am a french mathematician and the bootcamp was exactly what i was looking for : A good way to learn and apply datascience ! The staff is amazing, the location ... Read More
  15. 372
    Reviews
    9
    Courses

    KnowledgeHut offers a flexible, online full-time and part-time bootcamps in Full Stack Development, Front End Development, and Back End Development. Knowledg... Read More

    Chandika Lakshmi Pravallika

    5Graduate - Course: Full Stack Development - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Good , Easy , Best to learn new skills

    I completed the course in UpGrad which is a Full Stack Development Bootcamp, It was a great learning experience. The course is designed in such a way any beginn ... Read More
  16. 366
    Reviews
    26
    Courses

    Clarusway is an IT training school based in Virginia, offering a variety of specialized programs in fields such as Cloud Engineering, DevOps Engineering, Dat... Read More

    selahattin unlu

    5Student - Course: AWS Solutions Architect/DevOps Engineer - Premium Full Time/Part Time without ITF - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: An Excellent Bootcamp

    Until I started the Clarusway course, there was uncertainty and hopelessness in my life. Although I have an IT background, I did not know what to do because I d ... Read More
  17. 361
    Reviews
    16
    Courses

    Great Learning offers online, career-relevant programs from world-class universities in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, management, ... Read More

    Craig Campbell

    5Student - Course: Post-Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Actually Learning - real courses and content.

    When I signed up I was afraid this was going to be another certificate site where you just watch videos but not actually learn anything. The content is actually ... Read More
  18. 356
    Reviews
    11
    Courses

    Devmountain is a coding bootcamp that offers short, full-time in-person and online programs designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the tec... Read More

    Caleb Daniel Beazel

    5Student - Course: Python Software Engineering - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: A good decision

    I really enjoyed attending DevMountain. Personally, I felt like the structure of things were much better in the first half, and that the online content during s ... Read More
  19. 320
    Reviews
    7
    Courses

    Coding Temple is an online tech training provider that offers bootcamps in Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Blockchain Development, and Front-End Develo... Read More

    Connor Anderson

    5Graduate - Course: Software Engineering Full-Stack | Part-Time Online - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Learned so much in such a short time

    I had a great experience at Coding Temple. While the pace was challenging for me at times the support they provide is exceptional from pre-work all the way thro ... Read More
  20. 305
    Reviews
    3
    Courses

    Henry Harvin Education offers interactive online Post-Graduate Digital Marketing (48 weeks), Post-Graduate Data Science (48 weeks), and Post-Graduate Data An... Read More

    Shalu

    5Student - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Content Writing course...

    One of the top destinations for the Content Writing course in Noida is Henry Harvin. The components of this course helped me gain a complete understanding of th ... Read More
  21. 286
    Reviews
    7
    Courses

    LearningFuze offers web development, data science, and UI/UX design bootcamps through live, virtual classrooms and in Irvine and Orange County, California. S... Read More

    Sarah You

    5Graduate - Irvine

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: HIGHLY recommend, effective software engineering career kickstarter

    If you're reading these reviews, it's likely you're in the process of doing your due diligence researching all the bootcamp options to start/transition your car ... Read More
  22. 280
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    Careerist is a US-based career accelerator offering online courses in Manual QA, QA Automation, Tech Sales, UX Design, Data Analytics, and Systems Engineerin... Read More

    Melanie Fernandez

    5Student - Course: Manual And Automation QA Bundle bootcamp - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Amazing and Wonderful Experience!

    Careerist has already changed my life for the better! I have amazing teachers, mentors and coaches. Everyone has been very supportive throughout the whole journ ... Read More
  23. 273
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    Bitlabs is an Indonesian-based tech training academy that offers 20-week intensive bootcamps in Data Analytics, Data Engineering, and Full-stack Web Developm... Read More

    Elfandi Deva Nugraha

    5Student - Course: Bootcamp | Data Analytics for Business - Jakarta

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Bitlabs Academy Cool!

    Bitlabs Academy memberikan kemudahan untuk belajar dari segi materi yang mendasar, mentor yang ahli dan ramah, serta student success yang sangat membantu. Tidak ... Read More
  24. 257
    Reviews
    7
    Courses

    HyperionDev offers part-time and full-time bootcamps in software engineering (6-12 months), data science (3-6 months), and web development (3-6 months) avail... Read More

    Paulus Jacobus Bruwer

    5Student - Course: Full Stack Web Developer Bootcamp - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Best online course experience

    HyperionDev Full Stack development is incomparable to any other online learning experience I have been exposed to so far. The course materials is solid and cove ... Read More
  25. 250
    Reviews
    17
    Courses

    Interview Kickstart is a part-time, 12-15 week online interview training platform that helps software engineers nail technical interviews at FAANG (Facebook,... Read More

    Volodymyr Oros

    5Applicant - Course: Technical Program Manager Interview course - San Jose

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Best fit for my need

    I've moved to Silicon Valley and figured out that competition to FAANG companies is very high, so my interviewing skills need to be improved. It turned out that ... Read More

Get our FREE Ultimate Guide to Paying for a Bootcamp

By submitting this form, you agree to receive email marketing from Course Report.

Get Matched in Minutes

Just tell us who you are and what you’re searching for, we’ll handle the rest.

Match Me