Multiple factors can play a role in your decision process when selecting an online data science course. It is important to remember that no two educational resources are exactly the same. I recommend carefully considering your needs and learning goals, and feel free to give multiple websites a try before making a decision.
Here’s a quick overview of the major components of three educational resources I have been using to learn data science. This is based on my experiences with Codecademy, DataCamp, and Udacity. There are plenty of other educational websites to chose from, including Coursera and Udemy.
| Codecademy | DataCamp | Udacity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Languages for Data Science | Python and SQL | Python, R, and SQL | Python, R, and SQL |
| Format | Interactive Lessons and Exercises | Interactive Lessons, Exercises, and Videos | Videos and Exercises |
| Unique Features | No Videos | Available via Mobile App | Videos Feature Industry Professionals |
| Helpful Resources | Hints, 'Get Help' Live Chat for Pro Users, and Community Forum | Hints, Show Answer Options, and Community Forum | Community Forum |
| Free Content | Free Courses | Free Courses and Access to First Section of All Premium Lessons | Free Courses |
| Premium Program Costs | Codecademy Pro: $15.99 - $19.99 per month | DataCamp Membership: $25 - $29 per month | Data Analyst Nanodegree: $200 per month |
| Features of Premium Courses | Quizzes, Advisers, and Projects | Projects and Course Completion Certificates | Project Review and Career Services |
Pick a Language
Two of the most popular languages for data science are Python and R. Another language called SQL (Structured Query Language) is also helpful to know because you can use it to work with specific data in a database. Python and R are both widely used, so I recommend trying out each language if you’re aiming to focus on just one. Depending on your preferences, the offerings of Codecademy, DataCamp, and Udacity may play a role in your decision. Codecademy offers Python and SQL. DataCamp has lessons in Python, SQL, and R, with career tracks for data scientists with Python and R. Udacity has a selection of courses that cater to all three languages. At the end of the day, choosing a language depends on how you seek to use your data science skills.
Learning Style
Test out different websites and make sure you enjoy the format of lessons before committing to one, and especially before paying for a subscription or program. If video lessons play to your strengths, I recommend using Udacity. Course videos are instructed by a wide range of data science industry professionals. This offers a unique perspective as to how people use data science in specific career areas.
Websites like Codecademy and DataCamp are designed for hands-on, visual learners. Both websites offer a console with instant feedback when you run lines of code. Codecademy, unlike DataCamp and Udacity, does not include video lessons in the curriculum. If you prefer reading at your own pace and executing lines of code without trying to absorb a video lecture, Codecademy might be right for you. DataCamp provides video introductions before coding lessons and tasks. Also, DataCamp offers an app for on-the-go coding lessons. However, the preferred format for learning with DataCamp is on the computer.
Helpful Resources
There are tools in all three websites that help you if you get stuck on a problem. Codecademy and DataCamp offer hints specific to assigned tasks, as well as access to community forums where users can post questions for others to answer. Codecademy also offers live chat assistance for Pro members, where a tutor will review code in real time. DataCamp features an option to show the answer code for an assigned task, if you are still having trouble after reviewing a hint. The format of Udacity does not involve an interactive console, so when your code is incorrect, the best place to find help is on their community forums.
Free Content
Codecademy, DataCamp, and Udacity all offer free courses that can cater to your interests in data science. Free lessons on each website are self-paced and designed to adapt to your schedule and lifestyle.
Premium Programs
Each website offers the option to pay for access to additional content and benefits.
- Codecademy Pro offers three levels of subscription: one month($19.99), six months($17.99 per month), and a year($15.99 per month). There’s also an option for Pro Intensive courses, such as Intro to Data Analysis, that cost $199 each. Membership benefits include quizzes and projects.
- DataCamp membership is in the form of a monthly plan($29 per month) or a yearly plan($25 per month). Members gain unlimited access to all programs.
- Udacity offers a Data Analyst Nanodegree program with 2 three-month terms. Term 1($499) and term 2($699) result in a cost of about $200 per month for six months. Benefits of this program include project feedback and exclusive career services.
DataCamp’s membership offers the most flexibility out of these three platforms because premium lessons are at your own pace. For Codecademy members, the Intro to Data Analysis Pro Intensive has an outlined course time frame of 4 months. You can work ahead as much as you would like depending on your schedule. Udacity’s Data Analyst Nanodegree program is made up of two 3-month terms, for a total of 6 months estimated to complete the program.