2023 Best Online Data Science Bootcamps
Data science is a hot commodity in today's technology-driven economy. Completing a data science bootcamp online might give you a relatively quick way to access this growing field. Online programs also tend to be more convenient than campus-based data science bootcamps. Graduates often go on to pursue careers gathering and packaging data to help their employers make decisions.
Since SwitchUp began ranking bootcamps in 2014, we've become a reliable resource for those who want to identify their best online bootcamp options. Every program on our ranked list below has been thoroughly reviewed by at least 10 students, and only those that have earned a minimum of four out of five stars have made the cut. You can read about our full rankings methodology if you're interested.
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What Is an Online Data Science Bootcamp?
An online data science bootcamp is an intensive technology training program that takes place over a virtual learning management system. Online enrollees sign in at convenient times to build their data skills from their preferred location.
Full-time learners typically complete an online bootcamp in 3-12 months. Some institutions require students to attend full time and work a set number of hours each day. Others offer part-time pathways or a choice of full- or part-time programs.
Bootcamp students learn data science through lessons and practical projects about statistics, database creation, programming languages like Python, and machine learning. The fields of data science and data analysis have a lot of crossover, but data science focuses more on creating tools to extract data than it does on interpreting the findings. Check out our list of best data analytics bootcamps if data analysis and visualization sounds more appealing.
Do bootcamps sound right for you? Read our guide to choosing a bootcamp to figure out what you're looking for.
FAQs About Online Data Science Bootcamps
Are There Any Free Online Data Science Bootcamps?
You're more likely to find a short online data science course for free rather than a complete bootcamp. For example, some bootcamps offer free preparation courses to familiarize students with data science programming tools and help them prepare for an immersive program.
Other bootcamps offer income share agreements. Under these arrangements, you agree to pay a portion of your salary once you're hired rather than pay tuition upfront. It's also worth applying for bootcamp scholarships or choosing a bootcamp that accepts the GI Bill if you're eligible.
What Jobs Can You Get After an Online Data Science Bootcamp?
Data scientist is the most relevant role you might qualify for once you've finished a bootcamp. Some alternative occupation titles include data analyst, data architect, data specialist, and data management scientist. You might also pursue work as a database administrator or architect or as a business intelligence analyst.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 36% growth rate for new data scientist jobs from 2021-2031. This growth rate is much faster than the U.S. average (5%), but it doesn't necessarily mean that bootcamp graduates will land more jobs than candidates with bachelor's or master's degrees.
How Much Can I Make After an Online Data Science Bootcamp?
Are Online Data Science Bootcamps Worth It?
An online bootcamp for data science is most likely worth the cost in money and time. Employers often hire knowledgeable data science workers from both bootcamps and colleges, so a bootcamp's lower cost and shorter time to completion might pay off.
But online bootcamps aren't for everybody. The workload is intense, and the lack of in-person interaction can feel isolating if you're not used to remote education or work. You'll also need to make an effort to take advantage of the career services your bootcamp offers to make up for the lack of in-person networking opportunities.