By enrolling in Free Data Science Courses with Certificates, you can learn the skills needed to become proficient in your chosen areas and gain recognition through a certificate that comes with it upon completion! Keep reading to know about Free Data Science Courses with Certificates!
Free Data Science Courses with Certificates: Are you looking to level up your skills and career in data science? Good news! There are plenty of free courses available online from top universities and institutions around the world. And with upcoming changes on many aspects shaping Data Science in 2024, getting access to these courses now can put you ahead of the curve.Â
A certification or recognition can also add tremendous value to your profile and show employers that you have taken initiative. In this article, we present our picks for the best free data science courses with certificates in 2024 so you can get started learning new skills or refining old ones!
Free Data Science Courses with Certificates Overview
Embarking on a journey into data science can be both exciting and rewarding. Several reputable platforms offer free data science courses accompanied by certificates. These courses cater to beginners and professionals alike, providing foundational knowledge and practical skills.Â
IBM specialization, hosted by IBM on Coursera, consists of 9 courses covering data science fundamentals, tools, methodology, Python, databases, SQL, and data visualization. The program culminates in a unique project that offers real-world application.
These free data science courses with certificates cover a range of topics, allowing learners to build a solid foundation in data science and gain recognition for their achievements. Always check the specific details and requirements on the official platforms for the most accurate information.
What is Data Science?
Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that involves the extraction of insights and knowledge from structured and unstructured data. It combines techniques from various fields such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge to analyze and interpret complex data sets. The primary goal of data science is to uncover patterns, trends, correlations, and other valuable information that can inform decision-making processes.
Also Read: Foundations of Data Science with PW Skills
Key components of data science include:
- Data Collection: Gathering relevant data from various sources, which can include databases, APIs, sensors, and more.
- Data Cleaning and Preprocessing: Refining and preparing the data for analysis by handling missing values, outliers, and transforming variables.
- Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): Investigating the data to understand its characteristics, distributions, and relationships between variables.
- Feature Engineering: Creating new variables or modifying existing ones to improve the performance of machine learning models.
- Model Building: Developing and training predictive models using machine learning algorithms to make predictions or classifications.
- Data Visualization: Creating graphical representations of data to communicate findings and insights effectively.
- Statistical Analysis: Applying statistical methods to test hypotheses, validate models, and make predictions.
- Machine Learning: Using algorithms and statistical models to enable computers to learn patterns from data and make decisions or predictions without explicit programming.
- Big Data Technologies: Handling and analyzing large volumes of data with tools and technologies designed for big data, such as Hadoop and Spark.
- Domain Expertise: Understanding the specific industry or domain to contextualize findings and generate actionable insights.
Required Skills in Data Science
To excel in data science, individuals need diverse skills that span mathematics, programming, and domain-specific knowledge. Here are some essential skills required in data science:
Data Wrangling
- Skills in cleaning and preprocessing data, handling missing values, and transforming raw data into a usable format.
- Familiarity with tools like SQL for database querying.
Data Manipulation
- Data manipulation involves cleaning and transforming data into a more suitable format for analysis.
Data Visualization
- Ability to create clear and insightful visualizations using tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, ggplot2, or Tableau.
- Effective communication of complex data findings through visual representation.
Big Data Technologies
- Familiarity with big data tools like Apache Hadoop, Spark, and related ecosystems for handling large-scale datasets.
Domain Knowledge
- Understanding the specific industry or domain in which data science is applied (e.g., finance, healthcare, marketing).
- Domain expertise helps in formulating relevant questions and deriving actionable insights.
Communication Skills
- Effective communication of data-driven insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to tell a compelling story using data.
Critical Thinking
- Analytical mindset and the ability to think critically about data and its implications.
- Problem-solving skills to address complex data-related challenges.
Collaboration
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with professionals from various fields.
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
Machine Learning
- Machine Learning is a fundamental skill in Data Science, enabling the construction of predictive models with high accuracy and minimal errors.Â
- A solid understanding of data modeling, Machine Learning Algorithms, and distributed computing is crucial for Machine Learning experts.
Statistical Knowledge
- Understanding statistical concepts is fundamental for data analysis and modeling.
- Knowledge of probability, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis is beneficial.
Business Acumen
- Understanding business objectives and the ability to align data science initiatives with organizational goals.
Free Data Science Courses for Beginners
Learning the basics of Data Science is made accessible through several freely available short courses. While these may not provide certifications, they serve as valuable resources for understanding fundamental Data Science concepts. Here are some of the free data science courses for beginners:
| Free Data Science Courses for Beginners | ||||
| Course Title | Duration | Skill Level | Learners | Description |
| Decode Data Science With Machine Learning 1.0 | 4 Months | Beginner And Advanced | – | Learn machine learning, deep learning, CV, NLP, and quick engineering implementations. |
| Introduction to Data Science | 1 hour | Beginner | 22.9K+ | Foundational overview covering essential Data Science concepts for beginners. |
| Data Science Essentials | 2 hours | Beginner | 964 | Explore fundamental concepts, tools, and techniques necessary for a strong grasp of Data Science. |
| Data Science Foundations | 2 hours | Beginner | 5L+ | Comprehensive foundation covering key topics essential for understanding and applying Data Science. |
| Python for data science free course with certificate | 2 hours | Beginner | 72.7K+ | Learn Python programming essentials and its application in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. |
| R for Data Science | 2 hours | Beginner | 7.8K+ | Introduction to R, a statistical programming language for Data Science, with applications in data analysis. |
| Excel for Data Science for Beginners | 2 hours | Beginner | 8.4K+ | Leverage Excel for Data Science, covering essential functionalities for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. |
| Data Preprocessing | 2 hours | Beginner | 4.3K+ | Master the art of data preprocessing, covering techniques to clean and prepare data for analysis. |
| Data Science Mathematics | 1 hour | Beginner | 7.9K+ | Gain insights into the mathematics behind Data Science, covering fundamental concepts essential for understanding algorithms. |
| Probability Basics | 1 hour | Beginner | 554 | Explore the basics of probability in the context of Data Science, providing foundational knowledge for statistical analysis. |
| Data Visualization With Power BI | 2 hours | (Not specified) | (Not specified) | Learn Data Visualization with Power BI, but additional details about the skill level and learners are not provided. |
Best Free Data Science Courses with Certificates
Below we will list the best data science courses with certificates:
1) Full Stack Data Science Pro Course by Physics Wallah
Dive deep into the world of data science with the Full Stack Data Science Pro Course by Physics Wallah. This syllabus is meticulously crafted to equip learners with end-to-end expertise, covering every facet of the data science lifecycle. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, this course promises a holistic learning experience to master the intricacies of modern data challenges.
- Cost: 10000
- Certificate: Yes
- Time to Complete: 12 Months
- Syllabus: Beginner And Advanced
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros
- End-to-End Expertise: The course takes you on a journey from data exploration and engineering, laying a strong foundation for understanding and manipulating data.
- Machine Learning and Deep Learning: Acquire skills in both traditional machine learning and advanced deep learning techniques. Understand the algorithms and models that power predictive analytics.
- Computer Vision (CV): Delve into the fascinating field of computer vision, where you’ll learn to enable machines to interpret and make decisions based on visual data.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Explore the complexities of language with NLP, understanding how machines can comprehend, interpret, and generate human-like text.
- Prompt Engineering Implementations: Learn to design and implement effective prompts for machine learning models, a crucial skill in optimizing model performance.
- Versatile Skills: Cultivate a broad spectrum of skills to tackle diverse data science challenges. From handling structured and unstructured data to building models for image recognition and natural language understanding, this course ensures versatility.
- Impactful Data-Driven Results: The goal is to empower learners to deliver impactful results through data-driven insights. Bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications, preparing yourself for the dynamic field of data science.
Embark on your data science journey with Physics Wallah’s Full Stack Data Science Pro Course. Develop the skills demanded by the industry and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of data science.
2) Applied Data Science
Future Learn collaborates with Coventry University, the Institute of Coding, and Birkbeck University of London to present the Applied Data Science course. Future Learn, an online learning community, offers diverse courses, ranging from business and professional topics to artistic pursuits like filmmaking and painting. The platform is free to join, and courses remain accessible for free as long as they are available. For an additional fee of $74, participants can receive extra benefits, including a certificate of achievement.
This free online course delves into essential aspects of applied data science, posing critical questions about the widespread use of data science in business. Topics covered include terminology in the data science sector, visualization techniques, geolocation data utilization, feature extraction, clustering text, and the application of machine learning to text and images. By course completion, participants can explore and interpret visualized data, apply clustering to high-dimensional data, and more.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes (With $74 fee)
- Time to Complete: Approximately 2 weeks
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace.
- Provides an introduction to data science and Python
- No prerequisites necessary
Cons:
- Certificate of achievement costs $74
3) IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
IBM, a renowned company in computer history, offers a comprehensive data science specialization in partnership with Coursera. This one of the best Free Data Science Courses with Certificates consists of 9 courses, taking approximately 11 months to complete. Covering topics such as data science fundamentals, tools, methodology, Python, databases, SQL, and data visualization, the specialization concludes with a capstone project to simulate real-world data science challenges. Coursera, a free platform collaborating with leading institutions, provides an excellent user experience. Completing the specialization has led nearly 40% of students to begin new careers. Participants can earn a free shareable certificate upon successful completion of this IBM free data science course.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes
- Time to Complete: Approximately 11 months
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace.
- Learn from one of the most prolific computer companies.
- Culminating capstone project provides practical experience.
Cons:
- Longer course duration, taking 11 months to complete
4) Introduction to Data Science
Alison, an Irish-founded free educational website, primarily focuses on enhancing workplace skills. Geared toward working professionals, the site offers courses in various subjects. The Introduction to Data Science class, with over 34,000 enrolled students and a 3.6-star rating, takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to complete and provides a certification upon finishing.
In this free data science course with a certificate, participants learn to extract information and trends from data using data science-specific methods. The course provides a fundamental understanding of data science processes, machine learning, data models for structuring data, and knowledge extraction from both unstructured and structured data. By the course’s end, participants will be familiar with using scientific methods, algorithms, and systems within data science.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes
- Time to Complete: Approximately 1.5 to 3 hours
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace
- Offers a certification at the end of the course
- Shorter course, suitable for those seeking basic fundamentals
Cons:
- Short lessons, not extremely in-depth on the subject matter
5) Data Science and Machine Learning with Python
Skillshare, an online learning community, offers two membership programs: regular and premium. The premium membership, costing $19 per month or $99 annually, provides access to a broader range of courses and instructors. This free online course, part of the premium offerings, is currently available through Skillshare’s two-week free trial for new members. The course, spanning 10 hours and instructed by Frank Kane, a professional with over 9 years at Amazon and IMDB, covers essential data science topics, including multivariate regression, ensemble learning, and Python fundamentals.
- Cost: Free (With Skillshare Premium free trial)
- Certificate: No
- Time to Complete: Approximately 10 hours
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace
- Taught by an instructor with nearly a decade of experience
- Provides a crash course in Python
Cons:
- No certificate of achievement
- Content is locked behind a paywall after a two-week free trial
6) Introduction to Data Science Using Python
Udemy’s 2.5-hour course requires no prerequisites or prior experience, making it suitable for beginners. Instructor Rakesh Gopalakrishnan starts from scratch, assuming no prior knowledge of Python, and guides students through the essentials of data science. By the course’s end, participants gain a solid understanding of data science, analytics, Python, and Scikit, offering insights into a data scientist’s daily responsibilities. While the course is free, it does not include a certificate of achievement.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: No
- Time to Complete: Approximately 2.5 hours
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace
- Starts from square one, does not assume prior knowledge
- Provides a crash course in Python
Cons:
- No certificate of achievement
- More of a brief overview, does not go in-depth on programming
7) Data Science Specialization
This specialization from Coursera, offered by John Hopkins University, comprises ten courses that equip participants for a career in data science. More than 400,000 students have enrolled, with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. The flexible schedule allows setting deadlines that align with personal schedules. Completing the coursework in approximately 11 months at a pace of 7 hours a week leads to a shareable certificate. Topics covered include GitHub, machine learning, R programming, regression analysis, data analysis, debugging, data manipulation, data cleansing, and cluster analysis.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes
- Time to Complete: Approximately 11 months
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and go at your own pace
- Complete a capstone project at the end of the courses
- Free shareable certificate upon completion
Cons:
- Longer course, requires more focus and attention
8) Become A Data Scientist Specialization
LinkedIn Learning, a branch of the professional networking site, offers the “Become A Data Scientist” specialization. While the platform usually operates on a subscription basis, they provide a 1-month free trial for new users. The specialization includes 8 learning items, totaling over 17 hours of content, covering data science fundamentals, statistics foundations, data governance, and data mining. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of achievement from LinkedIn.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes (Try a free trial for LinkedIn Learning.)
- Time to Complete: Approximately 17 hours
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace
- More than 17 hours of on-demand content
- Teaches fundamentals of statistics to provide a solid math foundation
Cons:
- Content is locked behind a paywall after a one-month free trial
9) Data Science: R Basics
Harvard University, a prestigious institution, offers a free data science course on edX. The course, taught by Harvard professors, focuses on data science using the R programming language. The self-paced course spans approximately 8 weeks, requiring 1 to 2 hours per week. For a fee of $149, participants can obtain a verified certificate to showcase on resumes or professional networking sites.Â
This beginner-level course provides a solid foundation for further study and practice, covering fundamental R commands, vectors, sorting, “for loop” commands, and data wrangling and analysis. Professor Rafael Irizarry, an expert in biostatistics at Harvard, leads the instruction.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes (With $149 fee)
- Time to Complete: Approximately 8 weeks
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace.
- Offered by one of the US’s most prestigious universities
- Learn the fundamentals of R programming.
Cons:
- Certificate of achievement costs $149
10) Big Data and Data Analytics Training Course
Shaw Academy, an online educational platform based in Ireland, provides access to pre-recorded courses. The full Big Data and Data Analytics is one of the best Free Data Science Courses with Certificates, normally spanning 16 weeks, offers advanced proficiency in data analytics.Â
However, the platform currently offers the first four weeks (Module 1) for free, granting a diploma in data analytics upon completion. The course covers starting the data analyst journey, engaging with concepts like probability and hypothesis, and testing for differences in categorical and numerical variables. Participants gain basic statistical skills, an introduction to Tableau, and data interpretation skills.
- Cost: Free (For four-week module)
- Certificate: Yes
- Time to Complete: Approximately 4 weeks
- syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace
- Earn a diploma in data analytics upon finishing
- Solid foundation in Excel and Tableau
Cons:
- Content is locked behind a paywall after the four-week period
11) Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science
MIT Open Courseware, offering courses from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, provides access to thousands of public-use courses. This free online data science course is ideal for beginners with little to no programming experience, starting with Python 3.5. While self-paced, it takes participants from the basics to understanding the role of computing in problem-solving. The course is structured with syllabus, lecture, and assignment information sourced from real MIT courses.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: No
- Time to Complete: Approximately one semester
- Syllabus: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
- Start anytime and progress at your own pace
- Learn from one of the USA’s most preeminent institutions
Cons:
- No certificate, not a structured course
- Requires you to be fully self-paced, no instructor
Also Check: Data Science Course Duration: Planning Your Learning Journey
Google Data Science Certification Free Courses
The table below shows the best data science free course Google with certificates:
| Course Number | Course Title | Description |
| 1 | Data Science Foundations | This course provides foundational knowledge in data science, covering essential concepts and techniques used in the field. |
| 2 | Python Basics for Data Analysis | Learn the basics of Python programming tailored for data analysis tasks, a fundamental skill for data scientists. |
| 3 | Basics of Machine Learning | Explore the fundamental concepts of machine learning, laying the groundwork for more in-depth studies in this domain. |
| 4 | Machine Learning Crash Course | This crash course offers a quick and intensive overview of machine learning principles, suitable for beginners and enthusiasts. |
| 5 | Google Cloud Computing Foundations: (Networking and Security in Google Cloud) | Understand the networking and security aspects of Google Cloud Computing, essential for data science applications. |
| 6 | Google Cloud Computing Foundations: (Data, ML, and AI in Google Cloud) | Delve into the use of data, machine learning, and AI in Google Cloud, exploring practical applications and solutions. |
| 7 | Google Cloud Computing Foundations | Gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of Google Cloud Computing, covering various aspects of the platform. |
| 8 | Data Science with Python | This course focuses on applying Python to real-world data science scenarios, enhancing your practical skills in the field. |
| 9 | Google Analytics for Power Users | Explore advanced features of Google Analytics, empowering you to extract valuable insights and make data-driven decisions. |
| 10 | Google Analytics for Beginners | This course provides an introduction to Google Analytics, guiding beginners through the basics of web analytics. |
Free Data Science Course with Job Guarantee
Below table shows the best free data science courses with job guarantee:
| Course Title | Platform | Duration | Certificate | Job Guarantee | Description |
| Full Stack Data Science Pro | Physics Wallah | 12 Months | Yes | Yes | Dive deep into data science with our Full Stack Data Science Pro curriculum. Acquire end-to-end expertise – from data exploration and engineering to machine learning, deep learning, CV, NLP, and prompt engineering implementations. Develop versatile skills for modern data challenges. Cultivate a full spectrum of skills for impactful data-driven results. |
| Decode Data Science With Machine Learning 1.0 | Physics Wallah | 4 Months | Yes | Yes | A comprehensive data science, machine learning course with a job guarantee. Learn essential skills, including data exploration, machine learning, and more. Gain practical experience and get job-ready. |
| IBM Data Science Professional Certificate | Coursera | Approximately 11 months | Yes | No | Hosted by IBM via Coursera, this specialization includes 9 courses covering data science fundamentals, tools, methodology, Python, databases, SQL, and data visualization. Complete a capstone project for real-world experience. |
| Data Science Specialization by Coursera | Coursera | Approximately 11 months | Yes | No | Dive into data science with a series of 10 courses covering GitHub, machine learning, R programming, regression analysis, data analysis, debugging, data manipulation, data cleansing, and cluster analysis. Complete a capstone project and earn a shareable certificate. |
| Data Science: R Basics by Harvard University | edX | Approximately 8 weeks | Yes (With $149 fee) | No | A free course from Harvard University on edX, focusing on teaching data science using the R programming language. Learn basic R commands, vectors, sorting, “for loop” commands, and data wrangling and analysis. Add a verified certificate for a fee. |
Also Read: Data Science Course Syllabus and Subjects
FAQs
What are free data science courses with certificates?
Free data science courses with certificates are online learning programs that cover various aspects of data science and offer a certificate upon completion.
Why should I consider taking free data science courses with certificates?
Free data science courses with certificates provide an opportunity to acquire valuable skills in data analysis, machine learning, and other data science domains without incurring any expenses. The certificates earned can enhance your resume and demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers.
Are the certificates obtained from free data science courses recognized by employers?
While free data science course certificates may not carry the same weight as those from accredited degree programs, they still hold value. Employers often recognize certificates from reputable platforms as evidence of practical skills and commitment to continuous learning.
Do I need any prerequisites for free data science courses?
Prerequisites vary depending on the course. Many introductory courses assume basic mathematical and programming knowledge, while advanced courses may require more in-depth skills. Check the course descriptions for information on prerequisites.
Can I include the certificates from free data science courses on my resume?
You can include certificates from free data science courses on your resume. This demonstrates your dedication to professional development and showcases specific skills relevant to data science roles.
How do I enroll in free data science courses with certificates?
Enrollment processes vary by platform, but typically, you must create an account on the respective online learning platform, browse available courses, and enroll in the desired data science course. Follow the platform's instructions to complete the registration process.
Can I access course materials at any time, or are there specific schedules?
Many free data science courses offer flexible schedules, allowing learners to access course materials at any time that suits them. However, some courses may have set start and end dates. Check the course details for information on the schedule.
