What is Data Science?
Do you want to know why data science has been labeled the sexiest profession of the 21st century?
What is Data Science? is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Data Science. It is structured in 4 modules with 4 stated learning outcomes, over 11h 53m. Learners rate it 4.7/5 from 77.8K ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Data Science courses collection, where we compare it against 26 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 11h 53m |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.7★ (77.8K reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
Data science turns raw information into decisions. This beginner course from IBM on Coursera introduces the field in under twelve hours. You start by defining data science and its role in a data-driven world. The syllabus then maps the topics data scientists work with, from data processing and mining to big data and cloud computing. You also see the range of careers the field supports and hear advice from professionals who are just starting out.
The course walks through the core skills listed in the module: data processing, mining, digital transformation, big data, cloud computing, data storage, data analysis, and data-driven decision-making. By the end you can summarise what data scientists do, describe the paths into the field, and explain why data science is the most in-demand job of the 21st century. The material is self-paced, so you can complete the 11 hours 53 minutes whenever your schedule allows.
This course does not teach programming or deep learning techniques. It is an orientation for anyone who wants to understand the scope of data science before choosing a technical path. Learners who want hands-on coding should look at the freeCodeCamp Python course or a Udemy bootcamp that covers machine learning. Those seeking a credential focused on analytics can consider the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. IBM’s own Deep Learning Specialization is available for intermediate learners ready for neural networks.
No prior experience is required. The prerequisites list states the course is suitable for everyone. A certificate is available for purchase, but the audited version is free.
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
- This self-paced course is suitable for everyone! No prior experience or degree required.
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
4 modulesThe 4-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 11h 53m.
Module 1 · Defining Data Science and What Data Scientists Do
Module 2 · Data Science Topics
Module 3 · Applications and Careers in Data Science
Module 4 · Data literacy for Data Science (Optional)
What learners rate it
Rated 4.7/5 by 77.8K learners on Coursera (checked 10 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 10 August 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is Data Science? This |
 Coursera
|
4.7★ | Check price | 11h 53m | Quickest to finish (11h 53m) |
| Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | ₹3,999 | 6 months | Highest rated (4.8★ from 181.6K reviews) |
| Deep Learning Specialization |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | ₹4,299 | 3 months | For learners past the basics · 3 months |
| Python for Data Science | Learn Python Online | Udacity | Udacity | 4.8★ | Check price | 3 months | Beginner-friendly · 3 months |
Where Data Science leads
Roles we map to Data Science on CoursesGlobal. This is our own mapping of subject to job, not a placement claim by Coursera.
Browse every course we track for one of these — courses for data scientists.
Common questions
How much does What is Data Science? cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does What is Data Science? come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does What is Data Science? take?
Coursera lists it at 11h 53m. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is What is Data Science? suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does What is Data Science? cover?
It is organised into 4 modules, starting with Defining Data Science and What Data Scientists Do and going on to Data Science Topics, Applications and Careers in Data Science, Data literacy for Data Science (Optional). The full outline is on this page.