How to become a Data Scientist
Part of the career change guide — A practical, step-by-step method for moving into a new occupation — how to pick the target, work out the real gap, and prove the missing skills without going back to university.
Get your free Data Scientist roadmap
We turn these skills into a phased plan with free courses, checkpoints and proof you can show employers.
Skills a Data Scientist needs
Ranked by how important employers rate each one. Every skill you prove is stored in your Skill Wallet and used to match you to live jobs.
Your Data Scientist learning path, phase by phase
Phase 1 · Foundations
Weeks 1–6- Critical thinking
- Machine learning
- Problem solving
Phase 2 · Core craft
Weeks 7–14- Python programming
- SQL / data querying
- Statistical analysis
Phase 3 · Applied practice
Weeks 15–22- Data storytelling
- Data visualisation
- Stakeholder communication
Phase 4 · Proof & portfolio
Weeks 23–30- Written communication
- A/B testing
- Cloud computing
This is the shape of the plan. Your own roadmap is sequenced around what you already know — see a full sample roadmap.
Free and low-cost courses for this path
Courses are sequenced into a phased plan with checkpoints. Create a free account to unlock the full list.
Unlock for freeLive jobs for Data Scientists right now
See how close you already are
Create your Skill Wallet and every job here gets a match score, with the exact gaps to close.
Data Scientist jobs by location
Data Scientist by experience level
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Common questions about becoming a Data Scientist
- How long does it take to become a Data Scientist?
- Most people working through a focused plan cover the 12 core skills in roughly six to nine months part-time. Your roadmap shortens automatically for skills you can already evidence.
- Do I need a degree?
- Many employers still ask for a degree, but a demonstrated portfolio plus verified skills increasingly substitutes for one, particularly for career changers.
- What does a Data Scientist earn?
- The benchmark median is $70,000, with entry-level roles below that and senior roles well above it. Pay varies substantially by market.
- Is Freecoursera free?
- Yes. Building your roadmap, tracking progress and applying to matched jobs costs nothing. Courses we recommend are free or low-cost wherever possible.
Start your Data Scientist plan today
Free forever. No credit card. Your first phase is ready in under three minutes.
Occupation data from O*NET and ESCO. Attribution
Sector: Technology