The field of data science is rapidly expanding, with opportunities across various industries. For non-tech beginners, breaking into this domain may seem challenging due to its technical nature. However, with the right guidance and resources, anyone can develop the necessary skills. Here, we explore five affordable data science courses that cater specifically to non-technical individuals, helping them build a strong foundation in data analysis, visualization, and machine learning.
1. Data Science & Analytics Courses by LearnTube
Price: Free (with options for premium plans)
Duration: Self-paced, with flexible schedules
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
LearnTube offers a comprehensive Data Science courses, designed specifically for those with no prior technical experience. These courses provide an introduction to key concepts in data science, such as data analysis, data visualization, and basic machine learning, all in an easy-to-understand format.
Key Highlights:
- Personalized Learning Experience: LearnTube leverages AI to assess your existing knowledge and create a personalized learning path that fills in your knowledge gaps. This means you don’t waste time learning things you already know.
- End-to-End Job Assistance: LearnTube Max, their premium plan, includes LinkedIn endorsements, recommendation letters, job readiness certificates, and even direct communication with hiring companies. This comprehensive support system is especially beneficial for those who want to not only learn but also secure a job in the data science field.
- Interactive Learning Experience: LearnTube’s platform offers interactive video lessons, quizzes, and real-world projects to help reinforce the concepts covered. This hands-on approach ensures that learners can apply what they’ve learned in practical scenarios.
- 24×7 Support: With round-the-clock assistance and expert support, LearnTube ensures that no question goes unanswered. The platform also provides access to mentors who can guide learners through difficult topics.
- Flexible Learning Options: These courses are self-paced, allowing learners to complete it on their own schedule. This makes it ideal for working professionals or those with busy personal lives.
LearnTube stands out not just for its quality of education but also for its commitment to supporting learners in their career journeys, making it an excellent choice for non-tech beginners looking to enter the field of data science.
2. Foundations of Data Science by the University of California, Berkeley (edX)
Price: Free (with an option to pay for a verified certificate)
Duration: 6 weeks, 3-5 hours per week
Level: Beginner
The University of California, Berkeley, offers a robust introductory course on edX, perfect for non-tech learners. It covers the essential building blocks of data science, focusing on problem-solving with real-world examples.
Key Highlights:
- Understanding Data Analysis and Probability: This course dives into basic probability and statistics, which are fundamental for data science. It’s presented in a way that’s easy to understand, using relatable examples and straightforward explanations.
- Use of Jupyter Notebooks: While coding is involved, it’s minimal and well-supported. The course uses Jupyter Notebooks to teach Python, and the step-by-step guidance makes it accessible even to beginners.
- Application-Based Learning: The curriculum is designed to be relevant, emphasizing applications of data science in various domains, such as health, business, and social sciences.
By the end of this course, learners will have a solid understanding of how data science can be applied to solve practical problems.
3. Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business by Duke University (Coursera)
Price: Free (with an option to pay for a certificate)
Duration: 5 months, 3 hours per week
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
For those looking to leverage data science in business contexts, this Coursera specialization by Duke University is an excellent choice. It is particularly suited for non-tech beginners, as it starts with Excel before progressing to more advanced tools like SQL and Tableau.
Key Highlights:
- Comprehensive Business Analytics: The course covers a range of topics including data analysis, data visualization, and statistical inference, all within a business context.
- Excel to SQL Transition: Beginning with Excel, the course helps learners get comfortable with data analysis basics. It then moves on to SQL, providing a gentle introduction to databases, which is crucial for anyone aspiring to work with large datasets.
- Real-World Projects: The specialization includes hands-on projects where learners apply their skills to real-world business problems. This practical approach ensures that students are job-ready upon completion.
This course is perfect for those looking to build a career in business analytics or marketing, where data-driven decision-making is crucial.
4. Data Science for Everyone by DataCamp
Price: $12.42/month (Basic Plan)
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Beginner
DataCamp’s “Data Science for Everyone” is a short, concise course designed for absolute beginners. It provides a broad overview of data science concepts without delving into coding, making it a great choice for non-technical individuals.
Key Highlights:
- Interactive Learning: The course is highly interactive, with video lessons followed by exercises that help reinforce learning. This format is ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach over traditional lecture-based learning.
- No Coding Required: This course focuses on the theory and applications of data science, leaving out the technical details of programming and algorithms. It’s an excellent primer for those who want to understand what data science is before committing to a longer, more technical course.
- Skill Assessment: DataCamp offers skill assessments that help learners identify their strengths and areas for improvement, guiding them towards the next steps in their learning journey.
This course is an excellent starting point for anyone curious about data science but unsure where to begin.
5. Introduction to Data Science by Simplilearn
Price: Free (with an option to pay for a certificate)
Duration: 6 hours of self-paced learning
Level: Beginner
Simplilearn’s Introduction to Data Science course is designed to give non-tech beginners a comprehensive overview of the field. It covers essential topics such as data exploration, visualization, and an introduction to machine learning, all without requiring prior experience in coding or statistics.
Key Highlights:
- Fundamentals of Data Science: The course provides a thorough introduction to the field, covering key concepts like data manipulation, visualization, and basic machine learning algorithms in a simplified manner.
- Project-Based Learning: Learners get to work on a project at the end of the course, which helps consolidate their learning and provides a practical example of how data science can be applied.
- Community Support: Simplilearn offers access to a community forum where learners can ask questions, share insights, and connect with other beginners, fostering a supportive learning environment.
This course serves as a gateway to more advanced studies in data science, equipping learners with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue further learning.
Conclusion
Breaking into data science as a non-tech beginner may seem daunting, but these affordable courses provide a solid starting point. Whether you’re looking to transition into a data-centric role or simply gain a deeper understanding of data science, these programs offer accessible, high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of traditional schooling.
When choosing a course, consider your learning style and professional goals. For those looking for a broad overview without coding, Data Science & Analytics courses by LernTube is an excellent choice.
With dedication and the right resources, anyone can learn data science, opening up new career opportunities and the ability to leverage data-driven insights in their current role. So, take the first step, enroll in one of these courses, and start your journey into the exciting world of data science today!
