Beginner Data Analysis courses by platform (with certificates)

In today's data-driven world, the ability to harness the power of data analytics has become a game-changer in nearly every industry.

From making informed business decisions to predicting future trends, data analysis skills are in high demand. Whether you're looking to start a new career or enhance your existing skill set, mastering the fundamentals of data analytics is essential.

In this article, we will introduce you to 6 beginner-friendly data analysis courses that will equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in this dynamic field.

1. Data Analysis using Excel and Tableau - EntryLevel

EntryLevel’s Data Analysis using Excel and Tableau is beginner-friendly and provides students with an opportunity to build their own portfolio.

The course equips them with essential skills to manipulate and visualize data using Excel and Tableau, as well as apply critical thinking through Root Cause Analysis to solve data problems.

Institution: EntryLevel

Cost: Visit their website for most updated pricing.

Duration: 6 weeks with a time commitment of 5-10 hours per week.

Portfolio: Yes

Certificate: Yes

Key Topics:

Introduction to Data Analysis
Data collection and cleaning
Descriptive statistics and pivot tables
Data visualization using Google Sheets and Tableau
Root cause analysis and data storytelling

2. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate - Coursera

The Google Data Analytics course, available through Coursera, aims to equip students with the essential analytical skills and tools to excel in the field.

Learn how to clean, analyze, visualize, and present data findings with commonly used platforms, such as SQL, spreadsheets, and Tableau.

Institution: Coursera

Cost: $49 USD per month after the initial 7-day free trial period.

Duration: 6 months with a time commitment of 10 hours per week.

Portfolio: No

Certificate: Yes

Key Topics:

Fundamentals of Data Analysis
Spreadsheets, query languages, and data visualization tools
Best practices for data collection, organization, and presentation
Problem-solving road maps and decision-making processes
R Programming
Case study

3. IBM: Data Analytics Basics for Everyone - edX

IBM’s Data Analytics Basics course aims to teach students the fundamentals, as well as the process and lifecycle of data analytics. Through this course, students will also learn more about career opportunities and learning paths in becoming a Data Analyst.

Institution: edX

Cost: Enroll for free or upgrade to the paid Verified track for $99 USD.

Duration: 5 weeks with a time commitment of 2-3 hours per week.

Portfolio: No

Certificate: Yes, for Verified track learners who earn a passing score.

Key Topics:

Key steps in the Data Analytics process
Different types of data structures, file formats, and data sources
Different types of data repositories, the ETL process, and Big Data platforms
Process and tools used in data gathering, wrangling, analysis, and visualization

4. Data Analysis in Excel - DataCamp

DataCamp’s beginner-friendly Data Analysis course equips students with the skills needed to analyze data with PivotTables and logical functions.

Tools such as Excel’s built-in What-If Analysis tool and forecasting are also introduced, teaching students how to make informed predictions and anticipate future trends.

There are plenty of exercises provided in each chapter for practice.

Institution: DataCamp

Cost: $29 USD per month

Duration: 3 hours

Portfolio: No

Certificate: Yes

Key Topics:

Introduction to Data Analysis
Exploratory data analysis in PivotTables
Intermediate logical functions in Excel
What-if analysis
Forecasting

5. Introduction to Data Analytics - Udacity

Udacity’s Introduction to Data Analytics course teaches students the step-by-step process to analyzing data. The course will discuss the fundamentals of data analytics, such as the data analytics lifecycle, data integrity, and the four kinds of data analysis.

Students will also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects to put into practice everything they will have learned.

Institution: Udacity

Cost: $249 USD per month

Duration: 4 weeks

Portfolio: No

Certificate: Yes

Key Topics:

Introduction to Data Analysis
Problem-solving using the data analytics life cycle
Data integrity
Types of data analytics and statistics
Microsoft Power BI

6. The Data Analyst Course: Complete Data Analyst Bootcamp - Udemy

This Data Analyst Bootcamp, offered by Udemy, aims to prepare students for a career as a data analyst. The program covers the essential fundamentals and equips students with the practical skills needed to succeed in the field.

Institution: Udemy

Cost: Price depends on your local currency.

Duration: 20.5 hours total length

Portfolio: No

Certificate: Yes

Key Topics:

Introduction to Data Analytics
Basic and advanced Python
Data collection, cleaning, preprocessing, and visualization
NumPy
Pandas
Working with text files

Summary

To excel in the field of data analytics, you need a strong foundation, and the right courses can provide just that.

By investing in your education and acquiring these essential skills, you position yourself for success in a rapidly evolving job market. You can also read on our latest compehensive guide on how to become a data analyst to start with.

Here are 6 beginner-friendly Data Analysis courses to consider: