Data Science

Considering a career as a Data Scientist? We’ve got all the information you need to decide if this career is right for you, including job description, requirements, bootcamp information, and salary/job outlook.
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Last updated August 22, 2024

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 that may be too large for traditional statistics to analyze. This data is often called "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 Learn Data Science

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

  1. Examine the curriculum – Does the bootcamp teach the most modern data science tools, programming languages, and skills?
  2. Ask About Projects – At a good data science bootcamp, you'll build at least 2-3 projects using real-world data sets!
  3. Meet the Instructors – Do the bootcamp instructors have qualifications like quantitative degrees, master’s degrees, or even PhDs? This is much more common in the world of data science bootcamps.
  4. Ask About Outcomes – Ask the school 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.

Data Science bootcamps can cost between $10,000 and $20,000. However, 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.

Types of Data Science Jobs

There are 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 same job titles. Common job responsibilities of data scientists include data engineering, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), data cleaning, and data analysis.

The median yearly salary for a Data Scientist is $108,020. Here is a list of the most frequent data science job titles for bootcampers:

  • Data Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist/Software Engineer
  • Big Data Analytics Consultant
  • Decision Scientist
  • Data/Business Analyst
  • Data Journalist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Product Analyst
  • Database Administrator 

What Does a Data Scientist Do?

In general, a Data Scientist analyzes, organizes, and interprets complex digital data. A Data Scientist’s responsibilities will vary, depending on the type and size of company they work for. For example, a Data Scientist at a startup may be responsible for data engineering as well as data cleaning. A Data Scientist at a larger company, such as a consulting firm, may be directly working with clients to build dashboards for their teams or they may be devising models to better predict trends for shareholders.

What Kind of Skills Do Data Scientists Need?

While math 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.

Hard Skills for Data Scientists

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

Soft Skills Needed by Data Scientists

Data scientists need more than tech skills; they need creativity, foresight, and the ability to communicate their findings to a variety of stakeholders. Other soft skills needed by Data Scientists include:

  • Curiosity
  • Critical thinking
  • Flexibility
  • Problem-solving
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Time management

 Job Market and Salary Insights

The job market outlook for Data Scientists is very positive, with a projected 35% job growth from 2022 to 2032, significantly higher than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 17,700 openings for data scientists over the next decade. Data Scientists can expect a $108,020 median salary as of May 2023. Other factors that may affect the salary earned by a Data Scientist include:

  • Location: Those in larger cities or “tech hubs” may earn more.
  • Experience: The more years you have in your career, the more you'll earn. An entry-level data scientist can earn an average of $86,906, while someone at a senior level may earn, on average, $126,631.
  • Education: Data Scientists with advanced degrees are likely to earn higher salaries.

FAQ Section

How do you start a career in data science?

Many Data Scientists start their careers in academia. If you have a bachelor's degree or PhD in a quantitative field, you're already close to a data science career. A data science fellowship like Insight Data Science would be a fantastic option.

Most data science bootcamps require students to have a degree in STEM and an aptitude for math and statistics. Then, you’ll be ready to apply to data science bootcamps, typically intensive 3- to 6-month programs. Data science bootcamps prepare graduates for entry-level and junior data science jobs, such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Engineer.

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

Is data science a good career?

According to US News and World Report, data science ranks number four on the list of the best tech jobs, largely due to the higher salaries and low unemployment rates. It also offers opportunities for career growth, work-life balance, and a low-to-moderate stress level.

Why is data science a growing field?

With everyone from businesses to non-profits to the government collecting data, there is a high demand for turning that data into smart business decisions. With the increase in AI and machine learning, companies will need people who can collect, analyze and interpret data, and turn it into profitable solutions.

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Data Science Schools
Displaying schools 201-225 of 342 in total
  1. umuzi-academy-logo
    3 Reviews
    4 Courses
    4.33

    Umuzi Academy offers full-time, 1-year paid learnerships in coding, data, and design free of charge in Johannesburg, South Africa. Students can learn a variety of skills including JavaScript, Node,js, Python, SQL, and UX/UI design. Umuzi Academy’s learnership program is human-centered and agile, allowing student recruits to have training in real-world work environments. Throughout the learnership, students undergo on-the-job training, working in various departments with seasoned industry professionals acting as managers and mentors to the recruits. 


    Bukelwa
    Bukelwa
    Student • Course: Data Science • Johannesburg

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Data Science ”

    I am a Data scientist at Umuzi and I must say my journey here has been amazing. the academy is amazing, I remember the first day I came here to write a test, I was praying to make it in because the...

  2. data-science-for-social-good-logo
    2 Reviews
    1 Course
    5.0

    The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Data Science for Social Good summer fellowship is a program through the University of Chicago that allows aspiring data scientists to work on real world problems in the fields of education, health, energy, and more. The program is 3 months long and features interactions with real professionals and academics. Fellows work in small teams with full-time mentors who offer guidance as advisors and project leads. 


    Reza Fakhrurrozi
    Graduate

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “One of the best experience”

    Sangat seru dan sangat bermanfaat ikut bootcamp disini bersama dengan kakak fasilitator yang membantu banget dan juga teman teman yang dapat membantu pembelajaran dengan baik dan support supportnya...

  3. code-logo
    2 Reviews
    3 Courses
    5.0

    CODE offers full-time, year-long programs in software engineering, interaction design, and product management in Berlin, Germany. Students will have the ability to solve real-world problems by crafting code in multiple environments and languages, identify user needs and create corresponding design interfaces, and develop strategies for digital products. CODE feels there are far better ways to document skills and knowledge than giving out grades; therefore, their special Competence Framework represents 8 main competencies that students can obtain while studying. Students create Individual Competence Profiles and then will be able to choose a course of study that matches their skills and goals. CODE also provides guidance from an academic counselor and helps students develop their soft skills through their Science, Technology and Society program that fosters a broader understanding of the technical and social dimensions of science and technology. Find out full details for the application process here.


    Saidusmon
    Student • Course: Product Management • Berlin

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “CODE student”

    Probably I was in your shoes. Feel free to reach out to me https://www.linkedin.com/in/saidusmon 

  4. digital-creative-institute-logo
    2 Reviews
    1 Course
    5.0

    Digital Creative Institute is a 12-month digital marketing apprenticeship program in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. Digital Creative Institute focuses on giving recent college graduates the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce and provide local businesses in San Antonio and Austin with highly qualified and productive talent. Digital Creative is looking for growth-minded applicants eager to learn. The school then trains, mentors, and coaches apprentices over a 12-month period to boost marketing skills and ensure long-term alignment with their company, and matches them up with companies in need of marketing professionals.

  5. aicore-logo
    2 Reviews
    2 Courses
    5.0

    AiCore is a specialist in online AI & data education, and offers comprehensive online training in specialized fields like Data Analysis, Data Engineering, Machine Learning Engineering, Cloud Engineering, and DevOps. There's no need for traditional classroom attendance at AiCore. Their program is entirely remote, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Support engineers are available for live, one-to-one assistance as needed. AiCore's unique approach involves practical, hands-on learning where students build and deploy production-level systems. The curriculum places students in the role of an engineer, handling real-world cloud infrastructures and developing data pipelines and models through guided instructions.

  6. digital-workshop-center-logo
    2 Reviews
    4 Courses
    5.0

    Digital Workshop Center offers four IT certificate programs: Data Science, Digital Marketing, Front End Development, and UX Design. Digital Workshop Center bootcamps may be completed at the student’s own pace up to 52 weeks. Bootcamp classes are taught in an experiential workshop style. 


  7. Virginia Tech Bootcamps offer full-time and part-time online training programs in in AI & machine learning, coding, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, DevOps, or product management. These bootcamps are taught live online by industry-experienced instructors and are powered by Fullstack Academy. 


    Rob Garcia
    Graduate • Course: Coding Bootcamp (Part-Time) • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Challenged and Supported Throughout”

    I recently accepted a job offer as Software Engineer after graduating from Fullstack Academy's Web Development Bootcamp. Throughout my bootcamp and job search experience, I felt fully supported by ...

  8. sparka-academy-logo
    2 Reviews
    5 Courses
    5.0

    Sparka Academy offers part-time Digital Marketing (4 weeks) and UI/UX Design (5 weeks) bootcamps with multiple locations in Hong Kong. Bootcamp instructors have experience working in the tech industry, and are prepared to help students seamlessly pivot their careers.


  9. UMass Global Online Bootcamps offers online, part-time, 24-week bootcamps in Cybersecurity and Software Engineering. These bootcamps are self-paced, so it’s possible to complete them before the finish date with extra work. Bootcamp students are matched with a personal industry mentor who they will meet with on a weekly basis to receive feedback and support. The bootcamp offers students access to an online community for live Office Hours and connecting with fellow bootcamp students. 

  10. genspark-logo
    2 Reviews
    1 Course
    5.0

    GenSpark offers an 84-week, full-time Java full stack bootcamp as well as programs in DevOps, L1 Support, AWS, Data Science/Analytics, and more. During the first 6-12 weeks of the program, GenSpark invests in its students by providing paid comprehensive technical and soft skill training.This time is used to prepare students for the 18-month job placement component of the program. The training covers topics like Java, Agile, and Waterfall models, MySQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and AWS fundamentals. GenSpark places an emphasis on team-based projects to simulate a working environment.


    Eric S Brister
    Student • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “GenSpark is Winning... A Sure-fire Way into Your Tech Career!”

    Let me first say that when I first found out about GenSpark that I was impressed with the way that they were positioned to help both tech companies looking to hire new employees, and students or o...


  11. Manhattan Institute of Management (MIM) is a New York-based business and tech training provider offering a full-time, on-site, hybrid, or online Data Analytics bootcamp. The Data Analytics bootcamp covers topics like Python, R, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. MIM’s campus is located in the heart of Wall Street in NYC, and aims to give students job-relevant experience.

  12. google-career-certificates-logo
    2 Reviews
    6 Courses
    5.0

    Google is a multinational technology company offering Career Certificates, which are 24-week, online, self-paced bootcamps covering topics like cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing & E-commerce, IT support, user experience, and project management. Google Career Certificates also offers advanced career training for students that want to further their knowledge. Students that complete a career certificate may be eligible to receive up to 12 hours of college credit.


  13. Chico State, Professional & Continuing Education offers non-credit online bootcamps in Cloud Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Visualization, and Software Engineering. Online students can choose from full or part time programs and will complete real-world IT projects, collaborate with their peers, and develop a portfolio highlighting their career readiness.


    Jura B.
    Jura B.
    Student • Course: Data Science & Analytics • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Production Bulletin UC Chico”

    The UC Chico Production Bulletin System class is a great tool for all upcoming prod coders. The production unit series of courses (TFDP 173) provides instruction and felt like an effective boot cam...

  14. sapalogy-training-logo
    2 Reviews
    2 Courses
    5.0

    Sapalogy Training is an India-based tech training provider offering a variety of bootcamps, including data science (24 weeks) and data analytics (16 weeks). The Data Science bootcamp covers topics like R, Python, Linux, SQL, natural language processing, statistics, Excel, machine learning, deep learning, cloud computing, and Git. The Data Analytics bootcamp covers topics like Python, R, MySQL, Excel, data visualization, Tableau, PowerBI, and machine learning. Students will complete real world projects throughout the bootcamp to reinforce the concepts they learn. 

  15. pluralsight-logo
    2 Reviews
    4 Courses
    3.0

    Pluralsight is an online learning platform to help technologists keep up with changing technology and build skills in cloud, mobile, security and data. Pluralsight Paths range in length from 9 hours to 50 hours, and combine multiple courses and tools to teach specific skills from start to finish in the right order. Pluralsight offers Paths in Web Development, IT Ops, Creative, Security.

  16. fourthbrain-logo
    2 Reviews
    1 Course
    1.5

    FourthBrain is a 15-week online Machine Learning Engineer bootcamp with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Students should expect to dedicate 15-20 hours per week to a combination of live and independent work. Students complete work at their own pace during the week, and then meet every Saturday for live instruction with an instructor. FourthBrain is part of the AI Fund, founded by Andrew Ng.  

  17. codecademy-pro-logo
    2 Reviews
    6 Courses
    1.0

    Codecademy is an online resource for learning to code. Many bootcampers start with Codecademy to get familiar with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Rails before applying to an immersive coding bootcamp. For students interested in a career-change, Codecademy offers the self-paced, online Codecademy Pro. 

  18. fireblaze-ai-school-logo
    1 Review
    2 Courses
    5.0

    Fireblaze AI School offers a 12-week, live virtual Data Science and Machine Learning Specialization bootcamp. The bootcamp curriculum covers Python programming, Numpy, Pandas, visualization, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI as well as data wrangling, data extraction, and exploratory data analysis. Students will gain insight into the roles played by a machine learning engineer and will discuss the implementation of machine learning algorithms. The bootcamp includes training on the latest advancements and technical approaches in machine learning, such as descriptive statistics, predictive statistics, supervised learning, and unsupervised learning. Students will have access to 70+ hours of interactive online learning with two industry-based use cases, specific assignments, and other resources. 

  19. amagi-academy-logo
    1 Review
    3 Courses
    5.0

    Amagi Academy offers immersive, live online, 12-week Software Development, DevOps, and Data Science bootcamps. Amagi Academy uses traditional class instruction, individual and group projects, classwork and homework with mentor feedback, and 24/7 Q&A. Amagi Academy bootcamps are designed for working professionals. Live instruction takes place in the evenings (EST) and on weekends. 


  20. Emory Tech Bootcamps offer full-time and part-time online training programs in coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, DevOps, or product management. These bootcamps are taught live online by industry-experienced instructors and are powered by Fullstack Academy. 


  21. The University of Illinois Chicago Tech Bootcamps offer full-time and part-time online training programs in coding, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, DevOps, or product management. These bootcamps are taught live online by industry-experienced instructors and are powered by Fullstack Academy. 


  22. Institute of Product Leadership is an Asian technical skills provider that offers online programs in product management, product leadership, data science, design, strategy & leadership. Institute of Product Leadership also offers online certificate courses and accredited degree programs. The institute was founded in 2012 with a singular mission of creating 10,000 product leaders in the country. The organization has since designed and delivered programs in collaboration with various institutes, universities, corporations, and senior working professionals to help them make career transitions into Product Leadership. The institute has developed a community of over 3,300+ successful alumni leading the product, data, and design teams across the world.


  23. Washington University in St. Louis Tech Bootcamps provides online, part-time bootcamps covering data engineering (24 weeks) and data science (36 weeks). The Data Engineering bootcamp covers topics like Python, SQL, Azure, data pipelines, Spark, and AWS. The Data Science bootcamp covers topics like Python, SQL, statistical inference, and machine learning.


    Gabriel Maanibe
    Student • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Testimonial”

    After working in the non-profit sector for over a decade, I was considering a career switch. The only area that appealed to me was cybersecurity even though I am a novice when it comes to computers...

  24. european-tech-school-logo
    1 Review
    1 Course
    5.0

    European Tech School is a Barcelona-based blockchain training provider offering a live online, part-time, 10-week Certified Blockchain Expert bootcamp. The Certified Blockchain Expert bootcamp covers topics like Bitcoin, Ethereum, blockchain platforms, blockchain use cases, Web3, NFTs, DeFi, architecture, security, developing cryptocurrency, smart contracts, and DAOs. European Tech School also offers a 5-week bootcamp covering blockchain fundamentals. Class sizes are limited to 25 students to ensure quality of education. 


    Rabie Muffarrej
    Graduate • Course: Certified Blockchain Expert • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “An Outstanding Journey ”

    I am truly delighted to join European Tech School, and be a part of its 6th Cohort. As a Banking and Finance specialist, I see that blockchain technology is currently the future investment tool whi...


  25. BridgeValley Community & Technical College Bootcamp is an online tech training provider offering part-time bootcamps covering topics like back end development (18 weeks), data engineering (26 weeks), and digital marketing (16 weeks). Programs feature a project-based curriculum to give students hands-on experience with the concepts they learn. Each student receives weekly one-on-one meetings with a mentor to help keep them on track.

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