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Python is an in-demand skill in a host of industries. The popular programming language is used heavily by computer programmers, developers, security consultants, financial analysts, data miners, statisticians and many others.
If you’re considering a career in any of these professions, an online Python course can equip you with the necessary skills to excel. You won’t spend a fortune, and it’ll take a fraction of the time you’d otherwise spend sitting in a lengthy course at the local university. Already use Python and want to advance your knowledge? There are options for you as well.
Ready to learn Python from the ground up or become a subject-matter expert? We’ve done the legwork to bring you the top Coursera Python courses for all skill levels.
Benzinga’s top picks for Coursera Python courses:
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by the University of Michigan
- Python Programming: A Concise Introduction by Wesleyan University
- Crash Course on Python by Google
- Python Programming Essentials by Rice University
- Applied Social Network Analysis in Python by the University of Michigan
- Machine Learning with Python by IBM
- Accounting Data Analytics with Python by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
What Makes Coursera Python Course Great?
A quick search for Python classes on Coursera produces hundreds of results. But with so many to choose from, how do you know which is ideal? The best Coursera Python should have the following qualifications.
1. Led by Knowledgeable Instructors
Your instructor doesn’t have to be the Bill Gates of Python, but the individual or team should have programming experience and be able to communicate essential knowledge you’ll need to learn the basics or hone your Python skills.
2. Supplementary Resources
You can’t go wrong with a Python course that offers supplementary resources like interactive activities, real-life examples, readings and quizzes.
Real-life examples and bonus readings can help you put all the pieces together to fully understand the content. Interactive activities are an excellent way to sharpen your new skills in a practice setting, and quizzes spotlight areas where you excel or may need work to fully master the content.
3. Self-Paced Deadlines
Avoid courses with stringent deadlines. You’ll be forced to rush through the material — you could then leave the course without fully understanding what you’re being taught. Instead, only consider self-paced courses that allow you to work at any time of the day or night.
Our Top Picks
We’ve analyzed several Python courses on Udemy to bring you our top picks. Below, you’ll find the class description and enrollment fee to help you make an informed decision.
Best Coursera Python Course
Can’t decide between all the stellar options on Coursera? This Python course is an excellent place to start. It’s straightforward, interactive and covers everything you need to know to master Python.
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by the University of Michigan
- Who it's for: All skill levels
- Price: Free
If you want to learn how to program computers from scratch, consider this popular course. It’s the first component of the Python for Everybody Specialization from the University of Michigan and will take you from novice to skilled programmer in just 7 weeks.
Instructor Charles Russell Severance, clinical professor, breaks the programming process down into small steps that anyone with basic computer experience can follow. In 7 modules, he covers the significance of programming, how to install and use Python, variables, expression, conditional code, functions, loops and iteration.
Enrollment is free, and you should expect to spend 2 to 4 hours each week working through the material.
Best Beginner Python Course on Coursera
When you’re just getting started with Python, you want a course that’s easy to follow and won’t overwhelm you. These introductory courses should fit the bill.
1. Python Programming: A Concise Introduction by Wesleyan University
- Who it's for: Beginners
- Price: Free
Python Programming: A Concise Introduction offers a closer look at the mechanics of the programming language without all the fluff. The course teaches everything you need to know to get started with Python Version 3.x and is ideal for students with minimal or no programming experience.
The class is led by Bill Boyd, visiting associate professor and visiting scholar in the Quantitative Analysis Center at Wesleyan University. It’s divided into 4 modules:
- Beginning to Program in Python
- Working with Lists and Importing Libraries — The Random Library
- Tuples, Data Dictionaries, Text and CSV Files
- Functional Values, Sorting, Formatting, Statistics and Menu-Driven Database Program
Expect to finish the course in 4 weeks working at a pace of 4 to 5 hours per week.
2. Crash Course on Python by Google
- Who it's for: Beginners
- Price: Free
Grasp the fundamentals of Python even if you’re crunched for time by enrolling in this introductory course. It is a part of the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate program.
Beginners are welcome as this class works from the ground up to teach you the foundations of Python. It begins with a primer on writing computer programs and dives into more complex concepts, like loops, strings, lists, dictionaries and object-oriented programming.
There are video lectures, readings, interactive activities and quizzes to enhance your learning experience. You will also complete a final project in the last week of the class to demonstrate what you learned.
The class is divided into 6 moduled and takes 24 hours to complete.
3. Python Programming Essentials by Rice University
- Who it's for: Beginners
- Price: Free
Python Programming Essentials is a component of the Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization from Rice University. The course focuses on building basic programs in Python. Core components include Python as a calculator, functions, logics, conditionals and Python module navigation.
There’s also discussion on the essentials of programming if you’re just starting out, along with more in-depth lessons on Python programs to help you work more effectively with the programming language. You’ll complete quizzes to test your knowledge as you work through the lessons.
Ultimately, you’ll walk away from the course with the foundation needed to start writing more complex Python programs.
Co-facilitators Scott Rixner and Joe Warren are professors of computer science.
Best Advanced Level Python Course on Coursera
Career advancement opportunities on the horizon? If you need to brush up on your skills, consider these advanced Python courses.
Or maybe you’ve been working with Python for a bit and desire to become more proficient or view critical concepts in a different light? You can leverage these courses to acquire the knowledge you seek.
4. Applied Social Network Analysis in Python by the University of Michigan
- Who it's for: Advanced students
- Price: Free
Also offered by the University of Michigan, this course is a good fit if you’re interested in network analysis through NetworkX.
Facilitated by Daniel Romero, assistant professor, this class covers the fundamentals of network analysis, connectivity, robustness, the evolution of networks and so much more. You’ll also learn how to measure the centrality of a node in a network.
You need to complete Introduction to Data Science in Python, Applied Plotting, Charting and Data Representation in Python and Applied Machine Learning in Python before you enroll.
5. Machine Learning with Python by IBM
- Who it's for: Advanced students
- Price: Free
Interested in adding machine learning expertise to your skillset? This course pulls back the curtain on machine learning with Python and how it’s used in the real world to solve everyday issues.
Machine Learning with Python is divided into 3 parts. It begins with a primer on machine learning and dives into lessons on more technical elements like regression, classification, clustering and recommender systems. In the final phase of the course, you will complete a final project to demonstrate your newfound skillset.
Facilitator Saeed Aghabozorgi, Ph.D., is a senior data scientist in the IBM Developer Skills Network.
It should take 18 hours to complete the entire course.
6. Accounting Data Analytics with Python by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Who it's for: Advanced students
- Price: Free
You don’t have to read through tons of boring textbooks to comprehend accounting data analytics with Python. This course will show you the way, and it won’t cost you a dime to enroll. It’s offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a part of the Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA) degree program.
The primary objective of the class is to demonstrate best practices for assembling business data using Python. Course material is delivered through 8 modules that include video lectures, readings and quizzes.
The class is co-instructed by Ronald Guymon, senior lecturer of accountancy, and Linden Lu, instructor in the department of accountancy.
Get Started with a Python Class from Coursera Today!
Jumpstart your quest for Python knowledge now — consider 1 of our selections from Coursera to get you started.
All options bring knowledgeable instructors, offer supplementary resources and self-paced schedules. Even better, you can enroll without worrying about your budget as the courses are free.
Interested in even more Python course options? Check out Benzinga’s top picks over at Udemy for affordable classes at all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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