Online Data Science Bootcamp With University of Arizona

Learn the Data Science Method, choose from one of three specializations and build a portfolio-worthy capstone project.

Format:

100% online

Learn on your own time

Duration:

9 months

15-20 hours/week

Apply by:

To be announced

About the Data Science Bootcamp

Data science is experiencing explosive growth, fueled by the exponential increase in data generated daily. From healthcare records to website interactions, the ability to extract meaningful insights from this vast amount of information is a highly sought-after skill. Investing in data science education is a strategic career move, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an expected 35% growth in employment between 2022-2032. This is much higher than the expected growth rate for all occupations of 3%.

The University of Arizona Continuing and Professional Education Data Science Bootcamp is a fully online program featuring a comprehensive 400+ hour curriculum centered around two hands-on capstone projects. You'll master the Data Science Method, a proven framework for successful data science projects. Throughout your journey, you'll receive personalized support from a 1-on-1 industry mentor, a dedicated advisor and career coaches to guide you toward success.

Our curriculum is divided into two parts to ensure a tailored learning experience:

  • Foundations: This preparatory phase covers essential data science concepts, including Python programming, to build a solid foundation for the core curriculum. You'll take a technical skills survey during the application process to determine your starting point.

  • Core: This is the bulk of the coursework. You'll have the option to choose one of three specialization tracks, allowing you to develop specialized skills that set you apart in the competitive job market.

Get Started

Data Science Careers

The Data Science Bootcamp can prepare you for a variety of related roles and specializations. 

  • Data Scientist: $114,432

  • Data Science Manager: $97,500

  • Data Engineer: $108,544

  • Machine Learning Engineer: $147,968

Annual Median Advertised Salary. Source: Lightcast; Jun 2023 - May 2024; 0-3 years minimum experience required. Arizona.

Data Science Bootcamp Curriculum

Each unit of the Core material will cover a key data science concept and the skills associated with that concept. The units feature a mix of materials: projects, lectures, theory, coding exercises, reading/viewing exercises and career-related coursework.

The Data Science Method

The units center around the Data Science Method. This method involves six steps:

  • Problem identification

  • Data wrangling

  • Exploratory data analysis

  • Pre-processing and training data development

  • Modeling

  • Documentation

The Python Data Science Stack

Python has become the lingua franca of data science. In this section of the course, you'll learn how to program in Python, follow best coding practices, and start using an ecosystem of useful and powerful Python-based tools.

SQL and Databases

In this section of the Core material, you’ll learn how to leverage Structured Query Language (SQL) to query relational database management systems. In other words, you'll use queries to understand the data contained in databases.

Data Storytelling

A data story is a powerful way to present insights to your clients, combining visualizations and text into a narrative. Storytelling is an art and needs creativity. This section will try to get your creative juices flowing by suggesting some interesting questions you can ask of your dataset. It will also cover a few plotting techniques you can use to reveal insights.

Statistical Inference

Statistics is the mathematical foundation of data science. Inferential statistics are techniques that help us identify significant trends and characteristics of a dataset. They’re not only useful for exploring the data and telling a good story but for paving the way for deeper analysis and actual predictive modeling. In this module, you’ll learn several critical inferential statistics techniques in detail.

Machine Learning

Machine learning combines both computer science and statistics to extract useful insights and predictions from data. Machine learning lets us make valuable predictions and recommendations and automatically finds groups and categories in complex datasets.

You'll learn and use the major supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms. You'll learn when to use these algorithms, the assumptions they incorporate, their tradeoffs, and the various metrics you can use to evaluate how well your algorithm performs.

Career Units

Each career unit is interspersed between the technical units and follows the progression of a job search. You’ll learn how to:

  • Create a job search strategy

  • Create an elevator pitch and LinkedIn profile

  • Conduct an informational interview

  • Find the right job titles and companies

  • Prepare for and get interviews

  • Interview Effectively

  • Negotiate Salary

Specialization Areas

Within the core curriculum, you’ll be able to choose from one of three specialization tracks, where you can learn specialized skills to help you stand out from other data scientists.

  • The Generalist Track

    This track will prepare you to take on versatile data science roles across a wide variety of business domains and geographical locations. You’ll build on the foundational skills you learned in the core units and tackle more advanced topics like working with Big Data and software engineering best practices.

  • The Business Insider Track

    This track aims to teach you advanced data visualization and business analytics skills to extract actionable business insights. While you will have the ability to build predictive machine learning models, you'll primarily focus on learning how to identify insights and effectively communicate recommendations.

  • The Advanced Machine Learning Track

    This track aims to teach you advanced machine learning skills and concepts, including deep learning and the deployment of machine learning models on standard industry platforms. If you want to broaden your machine learning skills, this track may be the right one for you.

  • Capstone 1: Guided capstone

    For this project, you’ll be given a lightweight introduction to each step of the Data Science Method. You’ll then be guided through each of those steps with helpful tips and instructions. This first capstone builds your foundational understanding of each of these critical steps while also allowing you to practice each step before applying your knowledge to your second capstone.

  • Capstone 2

    This capstone takes place later in the bootcamp and has less guidance. You’ll be asked to:

    • Come up with a project idea and proposal

    • Find and wrangle data

    • Use exploratory data analysis techniques to understand that data

    • Pre-process and create a training dataset

    • Build a working model

    • Document and present your work

  • Get dedicated 1:1 mentor support

    Meet regularly with your personal mentor to receive feedback on projects, discuss blockers and refine your career strategy.

  • Build study plans that work for you

    Complete the course sooner by putting in more hours per week.

  • Plan ahead with 1:1 career coach calls

    Craft your design job search, practice interviews and negotiate offers.

  • Connect with our community

    Get extra help from other mentors in our community, at no extra cost.

Meet Our Mentors

Build your skills faster and advance your personal growth with 1:1 mentorship.

During the application process, you’ll take a technical skills survey to determine your starting line.

  • Learners without prior coding experience with proficiency in math and statistics will be provided units that cover essential data science concepts, including Python, which you’ll need to succeed in the core curriculum.

  • Learners with prior experience in statistics and programming, such as software developers, analysts and finance professionals, will have access to the same introductory units, but they will be optional. You’ll be able to move right into the core curriculum. 

FAQ

More Questions About the Program?

Schedule a call with our Enrollment Team by applying now or email Carolina, our Enrollment Advisor, to aid in your decision.

Request Syllabus