What is Python for data science?

Python is an open-source programming language used in data science that's noted for its beginner-friendly language and versatility. This popular coding language integrates well with multiple software components and works across multiple platforms, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. It also has an impressive community of support and libraries available for programmers. The programming language has a strong following, with 8.2 million developers around the world, according to ZDNet.

Why learn Python for data science?

Learning Python for data science can be beneficial because it’s used in many data science applications. The program is popular because it tends to be easy to learn, and the simplicity of the language makes it possible to write code faster and with fewer lines than you need to use in other coding languages. When you learn Python, you may develop a deeper understanding of the methodologies used to collect and analyze data, which can lead to additional interests and career opportunities.

What are typical careers that use Python for data science?

Typical data science careers that use Python are data analysts, software engineers, developers, and network engineers. However, you don’t have to be a coder or developer to benefit from learning Python. Understanding Python can be beneficial to a variety of individuals who work with data, including mathematicians, researchers, accountants, marketers, and product managers.

How can taking online courses help me learn Python for data science?

Through online courses, you can learn the fundamentals of Python and its applications in the field of data science. Some courses show you how to write code in Python, and others explore how to use the language Python to mine data faster and create data visualizations. Lessons may cover topics like Python Extension Libraries, data manipulation in Python, and model development.

Top Python for Data Science Courses Online [2025]

Explore the Python for Data Science Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Python Programming, Data Structures, Web Scraping, Data Manipulation, Programming Principles, Pandas (Python Package), Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Restful API, NumPy, Application Programming Interface (API), Data Analysis, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
42K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Data Analysis with Python
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Wrangling, Data Transformation, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Predictive Modeling, Regression Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data-Driven Decision-Making, Matplotlib, Feature Engineering, Data Visualization, Data Pipelines, NumPy, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
19K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Fractal Analytics
Python for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Feature Engineering, Data Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Pandas (Python Package), Data Analysis, Jupyter, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Data Transformation, Applied Machine Learning, Data Cleansing, Python Programming
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Wrangling, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Data Visualization, SQL, Unsupervised Learning, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Supervised Learning, Data Transformation, Feature Engineering, Jupyter, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Data Literacy, Data Mining, Generative AI, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
147K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Python Project for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Pandas (Python Package), Web Scraping, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Data Science, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Data Collection
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.7K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, SQL, Descriptive Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Pandas (Python Package), Statistics, Data Visualization, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Web Scraping, Relational Databases, Stored Procedure, Python Programming, Data Science, Data Structures, Computer Programming Tools, Data Visualization Software
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
73K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Google
Get Started with Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Python Programming, NumPy, Pandas (Python Package), Data Analysis, Scripting, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Algorithms, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Relational Databases, Stored Procedure, Databases, Query Languages, Jupyter, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Transaction Processing, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Python for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Data Store, Relational Databases, Data Visualization, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Databases, Web Services, Restful API, Data Modeling, Programming Principles, Application Programming Interface (API), Database Systems, Data Cleansing, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
279K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Crash Course on Python
Skills you'll gain: Scripting, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
40K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Coursera
Python for Data Science (and Version Control with GitHub)
Skills you'll gain: A/B Testing, Pandas (Python Package), Matplotlib, Plotly, Data Visualization, Statistical Methods, GitHub, Data Manipulation, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Version Control, Statistical Analysis, Data Science, Interactive Data Visualization, Python Programming, NumPy, Data Analysis, Git (Version Control System), Jupyter, Data Transformation, Programming Principles
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Introduction to Data Science in Python
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter, NumPy, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Cleansing, Data Import/Export, Probability & Statistics, Python Programming, Programming Principles
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
27K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks