Start Your Data Scientist Career

Data scientists collect, analyze, and decipher data to identify insights that help organizations improve their decision making. Learn how to get started in this high-paying, in-demand profession* with these entry-level data science resources.

Coursera logo C cutout
[Video Thumbnail] 7 Must-Have Data Science Skills
Status: Featured

7 Must-Have Skills for Becoming a Data Scientist [VIDEO]

Dreaming of a career in data science? It's a hot field with high demand and even higher salaries, but it requires a unique blend of technical expertise and soft skills.

January 23, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] Coworkers discuss the roles of data science vs. computer science in determining company processes and decisions.
Status: Featured

Data Science vs. Computer Science: What’s the Difference?

Both data science and computer science are prominent technology fields today. Discover the similarities and differences between data science vs. computer science.

March 18, 2025

Article

[Featured image] A smiling businesswoman in a white suit holds a laptop displaying a pie graph as she and her colleague stand in an office and discuss big data vs. small data.
Status: Featured

Big Data vs. Small Data: What’s the Difference?

Explore the distinct worlds of big data versus small data, including what they are and why companies benefit from them. Discover how they contrast and complement each other in the digital age.

February 10, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] Two data scientists work together on a desktop computer.

Data Science in Business Guide: Benefits, Uses, and More

Explore the benefits of using data science in business. Learn about certifications you can achieve in data science and how to apply them to your business.

November 7, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A data scientist points to a large monitor displaying charts that visually represent data.

7 Skills Every Data Scientist Should Have

The essential skills that you should have if you’re thinking about a career as a data scientist.

October 20, 2022

Article

[FEATURED IMAGE] Two data science professionals perform their data science jobs, looking at a desktop computer in an office.

Data Science Jobs: Resources and Career Guide

Learn about jobs in data science and find resources for your next career move.

July 21, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Two data scientists work together on a desktop computer.

Data Science in Business Guide: Benefits, Uses, and More

Explore the benefits of using data science in business. Learn about certifications you can achieve in data science and how to apply them to your business.

November 7, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A data scientist points to a large monitor displaying charts that visually represent data.

7 Skills Every Data Scientist Should Have

The essential skills that you should have if you’re thinking about a career as a data scientist.

October 20, 2022

Article

Build foundational data science skills

Johns Hopkins University

Skills you'll gain: Shiny (R Package), Rmarkdown, Exploratory Data Analysis, Model Evaluation, R (Software), Regression Analysis, Leaflet (Software), Version Control, Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Data Science, Statistical Inference, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Visualization, Knitr, Machine Learning, GitHub

4.5 stars, 51K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months
Category: Bestseller
Status: Free trial

Multiple educators

Skills you'll gain: Dashboard Creation, Dashboard, Web Scraping, Pseudocode, Jupyter, Algorithms, Data Literacy, Data Mining, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Correlation Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, R Programming, Predictive Modeling, Python Programming, Machine Learning Algorithms, Data Science, Machine Learning, Project Management

4.6 stars, 118K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months
Category: Bestseller
Status: Free trial

IBM

Skills you'll gain: SQL, Data Cleansing, Jupyter, Data Literacy, Data Mining, Data Manipulation, Data Preprocessing, Business Analysis, Model Deployment, Model Evaluation, Database Management, Relational Databases, Stored Procedure, R Programming, Data Science, Big Data, Data Analysis Software, Computer Programming Tools, Cloud Computing, Python Programming

4.6 stars, 102K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months
Status: Top AI program
Status: Free trial
[Featured Image] A data scientist degree student studies on a laptop.

8 Jobs You Can Get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science

There are many opportunities worth exploring once you’ve graduated with your bachelor’s degree in data science.

June 30, 2022

Article

[Feature image] Person examining data on two separate devices.

Data Science vs. Machine Learning: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between data science and machine learning? Which potential career path is right for you? Find out more here.

June 6, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A worker makes copies at a copier in an office setting for their data science internship.

How to Land a Data Science Internship: Your 2026 Guide

You can gain professional experience with a data science internship. Learn more about what you can do to find one with this guide.

April 28, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A data science major in a blue shirt and holding goggles works on a computer.

Data Science Major: What You Need to Know Before Declaring

The rise of big data has created more demand for data science careers and degrees. If you’re considering a data science major, find out what you need to know before declaring.

April 26, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Two workers discuss statistical modeling while looking at data on a chart.

What Is Statistical Modeling?

Statistical modeling is like a formal depiction of a theory. It is typically described as the mathematical relationship between random and non-random variables.

April 25, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person works on a laptop at an office table.

What Is Data Wrangling? Definition, Steps, and Why It Matters

Data wrangling is an important piece of the data analysis process. Learn what it is and why it matters.

March 8, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person works at a computer.

How to Choose a Data Science Bootcamp

A data science bootcamp is an intensive and immersive program designed to prepare you for a job in the field of data science. Some programs take only a few months, and they can help you prepare for some of the most in-demand jobs in the US.

February 22, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person stands outside a building holding a to-go coffee and listening to a podcast on their phone.

17 Data Science Podcasts to Listen to in 2026

Find your next data science listen from this list of current podcasts.

June 30, 2021

Article

[Featured image] A data analyst wearing a yellow tank top and eyeglasses sits in front of a laptop in an office analyzing Python vs. R.

Python or R for Data Analysis: Which Should You Learn?

Is it better to learn R or Python for a career as a data analyst? Learn more about how to choose the best statistical programming language for your career goals.

April 16, 2021

Article

[FEATURED IMAGE] Two data science professionals perform their data science jobs, looking at a desktop computer in an office.

Data Science Jobs: Resources and Career Guide

Learn about jobs in data science and find resources for your next career move.

July 21, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A data scientist degree student studies on a laptop.

8 Jobs You Can Get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science

There are many opportunities worth exploring once you’ve graduated with your bachelor’s degree in data science.

June 30, 2022

Article

[Feature image] Person examining data on two separate devices.

Data Science vs. Machine Learning: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between data science and machine learning? Which potential career path is right for you? Find out more here.

June 6, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A worker makes copies at a copier in an office setting for their data science internship.

How to Land a Data Science Internship: Your 2026 Guide

You can gain professional experience with a data science internship. Learn more about what you can do to find one with this guide.

April 28, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A data science major in a blue shirt and holding goggles works on a computer.

Data Science Major: What You Need to Know Before Declaring

The rise of big data has created more demand for data science careers and degrees. If you’re considering a data science major, find out what you need to know before declaring.

April 26, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Two workers discuss statistical modeling while looking at data on a chart.

What Is Statistical Modeling?

Statistical modeling is like a formal depiction of a theory. It is typically described as the mathematical relationship between random and non-random variables.

April 25, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person works on a laptop at an office table.

What Is Data Wrangling? Definition, Steps, and Why It Matters

Data wrangling is an important piece of the data analysis process. Learn what it is and why it matters.

March 8, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person works at a computer.

How to Choose a Data Science Bootcamp

A data science bootcamp is an intensive and immersive program designed to prepare you for a job in the field of data science. Some programs take only a few months, and they can help you prepare for some of the most in-demand jobs in the US.

February 22, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person stands outside a building holding a to-go coffee and listening to a podcast on their phone.

17 Data Science Podcasts to Listen to in 2026

Find your next data science listen from this list of current podcasts.

June 30, 2021

Article

[Featured image] A data analyst wearing a yellow tank top and eyeglasses sits in front of a laptop in an office analyzing Python vs. R.

Python or R for Data Analysis: Which Should You Learn?

Is it better to learn R or Python for a career as a data analyst? Learn more about how to choose the best statistical programming language for your career goals.

April 16, 2021

Article

As a data scientist, you’ll use your knowledge of data concepts, tools, and structures to pose original research questions, build high-quality data sets, uncover trends and patterns, and communicate your insights to key stakeholders. Explore these free resources as you start your data science career: 

Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of data science courses for beginners or accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

*US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data Scientists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm.” Accessed September 18, 2025.