Data Engineering Major Courses Offered by Coursera: A Comprehensive Overview

Mastering the Foundations: A Deep Dive into Data Engineering Courses on Coursera

Nnamdi Samuel
Art of Data Engineering
3 min readNov 19, 2023

--

Photo by Daniel Thiele on Unsplash

When I first began my journey in data engineering, it took me a while to understand the trajectory. I tried learning a lot of tools until I learned and understood the most important factor—learning the fundamentals.

Venturing into data engineering, the Coursera courses may stand out as an ideal starting point. While they might not delve extensively into intricate concepts, they provide a solid foundation, guiding learners through the essential prerequisites to becoming proficient data engineers.

One notable feature of these courses is the issuance of certificates. Taught by seasoned professionals, they offer a pathway accessible to all through financial aid, making quality education in Data Engineering accessible to a broader audience.

Among the widely recognized courses in Data Engineering offered by Coursera, a few notable mentions include:

1. Meta Database Engineer Professional Certificate

Overview

This program is taught by industry-recognized experts at Meta. It provides the key skills required to create, manage, and manipulate databases, as well as industry-standard programming languages and software such as SQL, and Python. It also provides a good foundation for the Version Control System.

Key features

  • Industry-Recognized Certification: Successful completion of the course grants learners an industry-recognized certificate.
  • Database Design and Management: The course provides a deep dive into database design, SQL, and database management systems.
  • Project-Based Learning: Learners engage in hands-on projects to reinforce theoretical knowledge through practical application.

2. Data Engineering Foundations

Overview

This course is offered by IBM. It is designed to equip learners with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of data engineering. It covers topics ranging from data modelling to database management.

Key features

  • Recognized Certification: Successful completion of the course grants learners an industry-recognized IBM badge, validating their skills.
  • Database Design and Management: The course provides a deep dive into database design, SQL, and database management systems.
  • Hands-on Projects Reinforcing Theoretical Knowledge: Engage in project-based learning to solidify theoretical concepts through practical application.

3. Google Cloud Database Engineer Specialization

Overview

Navigate through a meticulously curated learning path featuring on-demand courses, labs, and skill badges. This comprehensive collection offers hands-on experience utilizing vital Google Cloud technologies crucial for the Database Engineer role.

Key features

  • Hands-on Labs: Within this specialization, hands-on labs are seamlessly integrated through our Qwiklabs platform. These interactive components empower you to apply the concepts elucidated in the video modules, offering practical experience. Moreover, the curriculum delves into the exploration and application of Google Cloud databases, including Cloud SQL, Cloud Spanner, and Bigtable.
  • Content aligned with industry standards: Developed by Google Cloud experts, the course guarantees relevance and adherence to industry standards and practices.

4. Data Engineering, Big Data, and Machine Learning on GCP

Overview

This course, offered by Google Cloud on Coursera, provides a comprehensive exploration of Data Engineering, Big Data, and Machine Learning using the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It covers fundamental concepts, tools, and techniques for managing and analyzing large datasets.

Key features

  • Hands-on Labs: Practical, hands-on labs allow learners to apply concepts in real-world scenarios using GCP tools.
  • Industry-Relevant Content: Developed by experts at Google Cloud, the course ensures alignment with industry standards and practices.
  • Capstone Project: A final project allows learners to showcase their skills by solving a real-world problem using GCP technologies.

My advice

The courses mentioned in this article are the major courses among the many courses in data engineering offered by Coursera. While they are a good start for data engineering, it is important to note that there’s a need to reach out for other resources to complement them. They should serve as a stepping stone to gaining a good foundation in data engineering.

To assess any of the courses, copy the name and paste it into the search box on Cousera and hit “enter”.

Remember, they can be assessed for free, and provisions are made for certificates upon finishing. Check how here!

Happy learning!

Thank you for reading! If you found this article interesting, do consider following and subscribing to my latest articles. Catch me on LinkedIn and follow me on Twitter

--

--

Nnamdi Samuel
Art of Data Engineering

Data Engineer💥Voracious Reader and a Writer || Chemical Engineer