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

IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Automation, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Scripting, Data Structures, Data Processing, Data Collection, Application Programming Interface (API), Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
41K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Fractal Analytics
Python for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Feature Engineering, Data Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Pandas (Python Package), Data Analysis, Jupyter, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Descriptive Statistics, Data Transformation, Data Cleansing, Python Programming, Matplotlib
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
44 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Data Analysis with Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Wrangling, Data Cleansing, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Regression Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Pandas (Python Package), Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data-Driven Decision-Making, Statistical Modeling, Machine Learning Methods, Feature Engineering, Python Programming, NumPy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
19K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, SQL, Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Jupyter, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Mining, Data Cleansing, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Generative AI, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
142K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Get Started with Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Data Structures, Jupyter, Python Programming, NumPy, Pandas (Python Package), Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Scripting, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Technical Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Applied Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Network Analysis, Feature Engineering, Plot (Graphics), Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Pandas (Python Package), Applied Machine Learning, Supervised Learning, Text Mining, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Network Model, Jupyter, NumPy, Graph Theory, Data Manipulation, Natural Language Processing, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Unstructured Data
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
34K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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), Data Visualization Software, Statistics, Data Visualization, Relational Databases, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Web Scraping, Databases, Stored Procedure, Automation, Software Development Tools, Data Science, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
71K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Python Project for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Web Scraping, Jupyter, Data Analysis, Data Science, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Data Collection
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.6K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Python for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Databases, Web Services, Restful API, Interactive Data Visualization, Programming Principles, Data Cleansing, Data Structures, Data Collection, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Development Environment, Computational Thinking
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
277K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
Google
Google Advanced Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Storytelling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Ethics, Data Visualization Software, Sampling (Statistics), Regression Analysis, Feature Engineering, Data Transformation, Descriptive Statistics, Data Visualization, Tableau Software, Data Manipulation, Probability Distribution, Statistical Methods, Data Cleansing, Applied Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.9K reviews
Advanced · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Python 3 Programming
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, JSON, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, Object Oriented Design, Data Processing, Web Scraping, Unit Testing, Program Development, Python Programming, Data Import/Export, Restful API, Image Analysis, Data Manipulation, Jupyter, Maintainability, Data Structures, Software Engineering, File Management, Functional Design
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
23K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months