Online Bootcamps
Upgrade your skills or prepare to launch a new career with a highly rated data science bootcamp. Find out if one of these courses is right for your personal journey today.
What Is An Online Bootcamp?
Data science is a growing field that explores the use of data for a range of purposes. Studying data science can help you learn to capture, process, maintain, communicate, and analyze data in important ways. This short-term training format is growing in popularity and can be a helpful way to learn essential skills without investing time and money in a traditional degree program.
As a data science student, you’ll study some or all of the following topics:
- Coding
- Data structures
- Mathematics
- Business intelligence
- Machine learning
- Statistics
A bootcamp may strengthen your application for a position as a data scientist, engineer, instructor, applications architect or related position. While a bootcamp doesn’t offer a degree, it focuses on the practical skills and hands-on learning opportunities that many employers in these fields are seeking.
How Long Are Data Science Bootcamps?
Data science bootcamp programs are typically around 14 to 18 weeks long, but program lengths vary widely. Some bootcamps offer shorter programs that run for eight to 12 weeks, while others offer programs designed for part-time participation and can take two years or more to complete. It’s important to keep in mind to consider your current time commitments and career goals when comparing programs.
How To Pay For An Online Bootcamp?
Most bootcamps are conducted online and cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $30,000. There aren’t as many scholarships related to bootcamp courses as there are related to degree programs, but you may still be able to find a scholarship or grant to cover your training. Ask your employer for any tuition reimbursement opportunities, particularly if you’re already working in the field of data science.
Some bootcamp program providers offer financing options that allow you to pay in installments. It’s advisable to do some research about tuition plans for different programs to learn about loan options and available discounts.
Is An Online Bootcamp Worth It?
If you’re looking to fast-track your career and receive in-demand skills in as little as a few weeks, then a bootcamp may be a great opportunity for you. Data science is a skill-based industry that requires highly specialized skills in mathematics, computer technology, and related fields. Instead of spending four years studying a range of topics to receive a general education, you may be able to improve your application for less time and cost.
Most bootcamps last around three to six months. They rarely include general courses or electives but are typically targeted specifically to the skills you need. Here are some specific skills you may focus on during your course:
- Predictive analytics
- Data visualization
- Programming
- Statistical analysis
- Data analysis
Is Data Science Right for Me?
You can study online and on a flexible schedule in most cases. This helps you go through the course at your own pace and continue to work as you study. Thanks to the affordable nature of a bootcamp when compared with a traditional four-year degree, you can often pay for the bootcamp by working as you study.
A data science bootcamp can help you prepare for the next step in your career. It can strengthen your application for a position as a data scientist to earn more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists earned a median annual salary of approximately $98,200 in 2020, while some data scientists earned up to $165,200 per year.
Applying to Data Science Bootcamps
You can find a list of bootcamps at the beginning of this article. Some schools accept students on a rolling basis, so you can enroll even if it’s not your first choice. Others require you to submit your application prior to a certain deadline. For those data science bootcamps with an early application period, it is advised that you apply as soon as possible.
Data Science Bootcamps vs. Traditional Degree
For some, data science bootcamps offer an alternative to earning a master’s degree in data science. Traditional degrees are still valuable and relevant, but many believe bootcamps provide a faster, more affordable way to gain employment and hands-on experience. For example, General Assembly offers an immersive, online data science program that allows you to earn a certificate in 13 weeks.