14 Best Data Science Bootcamps [2023 Career Guide]

In 2018, the World Economic Forum identified a bunch of roles that are going to become redundant soon and others that are emerging. The redundant roles identified were data entry clerks, administrative assistants, business services managers, accountants, telemarketers, etc. Emerging roles were primarily data-related—including data scientists, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) specialists, big data engineers, information security analysts, and so on.

It is becoming increasingly clear that data and allied fields will hire more and more in 2022 and beyond. However, there is also a significant talent shortage. University programs take three to four years to teach skills that might get outdated in a rapidly evolving field. Self-learning through massive open online courses fails in giving aspiring data science professionals the practical experience and portfolio to land suitable jobs. 

Data science bootcamps are growing to be the solution for this talent gap. Employers see the merit in hands-on, industry-driven short online programs, hiring bootcamp graduates for entry-level roles. Fresh graduates and experienced professionals alike are investing in bootcamps to transition to a data science career.

If you’re considering making the switch, you’ll find in this blog post a comprehensive list of the best data science bootcamps available today. We also offer advice on choosing the right bootcamp and making the most of it.

What Is a Data Science Bootcamp?

Data science bootcamps are intense educational programs that offer foundational skills and experience in data wrangling, statistical inference, machine learning, python programming, and more. The key features of the best data science bootcamps are:

• Short-term courses. A typical bootcamp is 3-6 months long, packing critical skills and experience in a short time.
• Flexibility. With a bootcamp, you can gain skills from anywhere, anytime, even while you’re pursuing a graduate program or holding a job.
• Practical experience. Bootcamps pack several small and large real-world projects as part of the curriculum, giving students hands-on experience.
• Industry-focus. Unlike college degrees, bootcamps are taught by practitioners who are close to the industry. They are focused on preparing students for the future of jobs.
• Career-driven. The best data bootcamps offer mentorships, career coaching, job guarantee, etc., ensuring students make a seamless transition to their careers.

Best Data Science Bootcamps  

According to CareerKarma, there are about 86 data bootcamps available today. Across the curriculum, length of the course, mode of delivery, fees, etc., each bootcamp is unique in its way. To help you choose the right program for your needs, we’ve identified the top thirteen best data science bootcamps. We’ve also curated the ratings for each of these across multiple sources to help you decide.

Springboard Data Science Bootcamp

Rating

• Course report: 4.64 
• SwitchUp: 4.69
• CareerKarma: 4.6
• Average: 4.64

Overview

The Springboard Data Science Bootcamp offers a comprehensive introduction to the field, including 500+ hours of curriculum, featuring a combination of videos, articles, hands-on projects, and career-related coursework. The program covers modules in:

• Python and its standard libraries
• Visualizations with Matplotlib and Seaborn
• Pandas to wrangle and clean data
• CSV, Excel, JSON, SQL, NoSQL, etc.
• Relational and non-relational databases
• Inferential statistics and parameter estimation
• Supervised and unsupervised algorithms
• ML techniques such as linear and logistic regression, naive Bayes classifiers, support vector machines, decision trees, and clustering
• MapReduce for large-scale data manipulation
• Recommendation systems, social network analysis, and time-series analysis
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Deep Learning

In addition to several small projects designed to reinforce specific technical concepts, it also includes two capstone projects. The program offers 1:1 mentorship with weekly calls to explore ideas and overcome challenges. It also provides career coaching and a job guarantee.

Best For

This data science training program is designed for those with prior experience in statistics and programming. So, it requires students to have six months of active coding experience with a general-purpose programming language such as Python, R, Java, C++, and comfort with basic probability and descriptive statistics.

If you do not meet these criteria, you can take the Data Science Prep Course to build the foundational coding and statistics skills needed to start your career in data science.

Clarusway

Rating

• Course report: 4.98
• SwitchUp: 4.96
• CareerKarma: 5
• Average: 4.98

Overview

The Data Science with IT Fundamentals program is a 6-9 month online-only program covering concepts in data analytics, statistics, database design, visualization, insights, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, model deployment, and cloud computing. 

Best For

Depending on your comfort with programming and data science concepts, you can choose from the three programs Clarusway offers. The ones with IT fundamentals are best for those with no programming experience. The 6-month data science program is best for those with experience in software development.

Le Wagon

Rating

• Course report: 4.99
• SwitchUp: 4.98
• CareerKarma: 4.8
• Average: 4.92

Overview

The Le Wagon Full-Time Data Science Course promises to take you from data enthusiast to data scientist in 9 weeks. Its comprehensive curriculum includes Python for data science, coding, relational database and SQL, data visualization, statistics, probability, linear algebra, and advanced machine learning. 

This course requires a basic level of Python and mathematics, which will be tested before enrollment. In addition, all students are also expected to complete 40 hours of the data prep course before starting the bootcamp. The course also includes a career week, networking and learning platform, alumni coaching sessions, etc. 

You can also take the same program part-time for 24 weeks, which includes live lectures and coding sessions over the weekends.

Best For

Given the comprehensive preparation that this program demands, it is well-suited for fresh graduates or complete beginners in the field of data science. Depending on your availability, you can choose the part-time or full-time mode.

Metis

Rating

• Course report: 4.89
• SwitchUp: 4.91
• CareerKarma: 4.7
• Average: 4.83

Overview

The Metis Data Science Online Bootcamp teaches fundamentals of data science, exploratory data analysis, linear regression & web scraping, business fundamentals for data practitioners, machine learning classification, NLP & unsupervised learning, and more. You can complete this course in the live online format in 10 weeks, investing 35-40 hours a week; or the flexible part-time format in 20 weeks, investing 15-20 hours a week. 

In addition to a comprehensive curriculum, both modes include five real-world projects, office hours, instruction 1:1s, project presentations, career week, and support until you’re hired. 

Best For

Before enrollment, this program evaluates applicants on programming, math, communication, and other behavioral skills. It is best for those who have some exposure to data science. If you’re not ready, Metis also offers prep courses.

The Tech Academy

Rating

• Course report: 4.85
• SwitchUp: 4.81
• CareerKarma: 4.7
• Average: 4.78

Overview

Tech Academy’s Online Data Science Bootcamp covers the fundamentals of data science with topics such as data visualization, statistical analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, in addition to computer science basics and programming fundamentals. You can complete this course in 16 weeks full-time or 30-weeks part-time.

Best For

This program pays as much attention to software development as it does to data science, making it best for beginners who have no experience in programming.

Flatiron School

Rating

• Course report: 4.57
• SwitchUp: 4.65
• CareerKarma: 4.8
• Average: 4.67

Overview

Flatiron’s Data Science Bootcamp is one of the most flexible courses available today. You can undertake the program on-campus or online, though due to restrictions of the pandemic, all courses are being offered online only.

You can take up the full-time program, attend live lectures, follow a structured schedule, and learn in the community with other students. This would take 15 weeks to complete. You can also take the same course in a flexible mode, studying on your schedule, independently. Typically, students take anywhere between 20 to 60 weeks to complete the program.

The program is broken into five phases—data analysis and engineering, scientific computing and quantitative methods, machine learning fundamentals, advanced machine learning, and data science project, which will add to your portfolio.

Best For

The full-time program is best for fresh graduates who are looking to accelerate their data science careers. The flexible model is best for professionals who have a full-time job and would like to learn data science on the side.

Thinkful

Rating

• Course report: 4.55
• SwitchUp: 4.65
• CareerKarma: 4.8
• Average: 4.66

Overview

The Thinkful Data Science Bootcamp online is a six-month program that offers self-paced lessons, expecting an investment of 15-20 hours per week. The course includes live video mentor sessions, 1:1 mentorships, optional office hours, personalized career coaching, and a tuition refund guarantee.

Best For

This program has no prerequisites, both fresh graduates and experienced professionals can take this program. It is best for those who are looking to build a foundation in data science.

Brain Station

Rating

• Course report: 4.7
• SwitchUp: 4.73
• CareerKarma: 4.4
• Average: 4.61

Overview

The Brain Station Data Science Course Online is a 10-week program covering data science foundations, data cleaning, visualization, analytics, statistics, modeling, machine learning, and more. The course is taught through real-time, interactive classes in an engaging classroom environment. You will join breakout rooms for hands-on projects and collaborative assignments. You will also work on portfolio projects that showcase your job readiness. 

Best For

This course is best for learners looking to upskill. It helps if you already have some exposure to programming and data science fundamentals.

Dataquest

Rating

• Course report: 4.76
• SwitchUp: 4.85
• CareerKarma: 4.2
• Average: 4.60

Overview

Dataquest’s Data Scientist Training in Python course offers a foundation in Python, SQL fundamentals, statistics, machine learning, deep learning, Apache Spark, and more. You can also take individual courses in specific skills like data visualization, data cleaning, APIs, web scraping, etc. 

Best For

All of Dataquest’s courses are beginner-friendly, making them suitable for students from all backgrounds.

Simplilearn

Rating

• Course report: 4.56
• SwitchUp: 4.52
• CareerKarma: 4.3
• Average: 4.46

Overview

Simplilearn offers two data science training programs—one with Python and the other with R programming. Both programs include modules in data analysis, visualization, web scraping, natural language processing, machine learning, and more. The curriculum comprises 68 hours of blended learning, four projects, interactive learning, and dedicated mentoring sessions.

Best For

This program expects students to have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts and Python programming. So, it is best for professionals with some experience. If you don’t feel ready, you can also begin by taking free companion training programs in data science, math refresher, statistics essentials, etc.

Coding Dojo

Rating

• Course report: 4.41
• SwitchUp: 4.56
• CareerKarma: 4.4
• Average: 4.45

Overview

Coding Dojo’s Data Science Bootcamp teaches the fundamentals of data science and machine learning with Python. This program’s curriculum covers Python programming, data modeling, machine learning, statistical inference, decision tree, logistic regression, K-Means clustering, hierarchical clustering, using SQL, deep learning, etc.

You will complete the curriculum and some hands-on projects in 12 weeks, spending an average of about 20 hours a week. 

Best For

This program is best for beginners and experienced professionals alike. Given that it does not require a four-year degree, Python knowledge, or experience, it is truly welcoming of complete beginners. If you have some experience in the field, you can upskill yourself by taking on more challenging projects.

General Assembly

Rating

• Course report: 4.33
• SwitchUp: 4.29
• CareerKarma: 4.5
• Average: 4.37

Overview

General Assembly offers full-time, flexible, and part-time programs in data science. While the full-time and part-time programs are offered in various parts of the world, the flexible program is online. The curriculum includes:

• Data science fundamentals
• Exploratory data analysis
• Classical statistical modeling
• Machine learning models
• Advanced topics and trends

In this program, you will get expert instruction, community collaboration, industry-ready portfolio projects, and career coaching. 

Best For

This bootcamp is an intermediate-level course with specific prerequisites. It expects students to have some experience in mathematics and Python programming. Therefore it is best for those who already have done some self-learning or have some experience in the field.

BloomTech

Rating

• Course report: 4.26
• SwitchUp: 4.46
• CareerKarma: 4.3
• Average: 4.34

Overview

BloomTech (formerly known as Lambda) offers a 6-month online data science course covering statistics fundamentals, predictive modeling, data engineering, machine learning, Python programming, and more. At the end of this program, you will complete a 4-week fellowship at a real company to gain work experience. BloomTech also offers career coaching, with help in job sourcing, preparing for interviews, building your network, negotiating your salary, etc.

This rigorous program needs you to invest 40 hours a week, including mandatory live instruction, daily projects, Friday sprint challenges, and optional support hours every day.

Best For

The BloomTech data science course is best for those who can invest their entire time learning data science. While parts of it can be flexible, it is not suitable for those who have a full-time job or are in college.

Data Science Virtual Academy by Entity Academy

Rating

• Course report: 4.91
• SwitchUp: 4.91
• Average: 4.9

Overview

The Data Science Virtual Academy is an online program designed to help you master the skills you need to land an entry-level position in data science and analytics. The curriculum includes data science topics such as statistical programming, coding foundations, data wrangling, visualization, machine learning and modeling, and business analytics. You will use a range of tools and languages including SQL, Python, R, MapReduce, PySpark, Jupyter, and Tableau.

In the program, you will participate in group projects, using data science to solve real-world problems. You will have access to 1-on-1 career coaching, mock interviews, support for building a resume and portfolio, soft skills training, mentorship, leadership development lessons, and a vibrant professional community of data scientists.

Best For

This program is beginner-friendly and does not require you to have any background in technology or data science. 

How Do You Choose a Data Science Bootcamp?

Included in this list are only the thirteen best data science bootcamps. There are dozens more online programs teaching a wide variety of data science skills. Choosing one can become overwhelming. To help you make the right choice, we’ve curated the top parameters to consider while evaluating data bootcamps.

Remember that one bootcamp might not be objectively better than the next. So, make your decision depending on your availability, financial situation, comfort with data science concepts, experience in programming, etc.

Curriculum

Evaluate the curriculum thoroughly. Check if it covers all the concepts, practices, techniques, and tools that are in demand. For instance, if you’re already a software engineer, choose a course that focuses entirely on data science. If you’re a data analyst, pick one that gives you wider programming experience. 

Instructors

The biggest differentiator in a bootcamp is that it’s taught by practitioners. So, look for data science bootcamps that have instructors who have wide-ranging experience. Also, check if the program offers you mentorships. A good mentor can be the difference between just acquiring skills and leveraging them to land the right job.

Cost

Bootcamps can cost anywhere between $5,000-15,000. This is a significant investment. So, it is important to ensure that the returns are worth it. While evaluating programs, look for flexible payment plans, deferred tuition, etc. 

Job support

The primary goal of anyone who joins a bootcamp is to make a career transition. So, the career services and job support the bootcamp offers are critical. First, check how long a bootcamp offers career coaching. Verify what all is included. Most importantly, examine the depth of the coaching services—do they help define your job strategy, will they help draft your resume/LinkedIn, will they train you on negotiation skills, etc.

Reputation

The success of a bootcamp is in the success of its alumni. So, before making the decision, look for alumni stories. See the ratings past students have given across platforms like Course Report, SwitchUp, Career Karma, etc. Read the testimonials as well.

Making the Most Out of a Data Science Bootcamp

If you’ve made the decision to join the best data science bootcamp for you, congratulations on taking the first step. Your next few weeks will be intense. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

How Do Data Science Bootcamps Work?

The best data science bootcamps are a combination of theory and practice. You will watch a few video lectures and apply your skills to hands-on projects. Over time, the complexity of your projects will increase, preparing you for industry-ready assignments. You will also have regular calls with your mentor or cohort to help address any challenges you might be facing.

What Should You Expect To Learn in a Data Bootcamp?

A bootcamp is a short course, which can only give you a foundational understanding of data science concepts. However comprehensive the curriculum, it can not cover the entire length and breadth of data science. So, calibrate your expectations. 

You will learn the basics of data science, including popular tools and techniques. You will work on hands-on projects. You will build a portfolio. You will have calls with mentors or instructors. You will also have career services to support you through your transition.

You will not have the opportunity to do all the projects you want to. You might not have mentors with skills in the industry you’re in. For instance, if you’re from the healthcare industry, you might not have a mentor who has experience in healthcare. 

What Will the Schedule Look Like?

Most part-time bootcamps expect you to invest 15-20 hours a week. This will be broken into live/video lectures and hands-on assignments. Most bootcamps offer you the flexibility to choose your hours. However, it is important to have a consistent schedule and put in the hours necessary. Even if you miss one week, you might have a lot of coursework piling up.

FAQs About Data Science Bootcamps

Since you’re here…Are you a future data scientist? Investigate with our free guide to what a data scientist actually does. When you’re ready to build a CV that will make hiring managers melt, join our Data Science Bootcamp that guarantees a job or your tuition back!