Google Data Analytics vs Meta Data Analyst? Which is better to learn Data Analysis in 2024? (Review)

Is Meta’s new Data Analyst certificate really better than Google’s popular Data Analytics professional certificate on Coursera?

javinpaul
Javarevisited
8 min readMay 6, 2024

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Google Data Analytics vs Meta Data Analyst? Which is better to learn Data Analysis? (Review)

Hello guys, if you want to become a Data Analyst or Data Scientist in 2024 and looking for online resources to start with then you have come to the right place.

Earlier, I have shared Data Science RoadMap, Data Analyst RoadMap, as well as best courses to learn Data Science and Data visualization tools and today, I am going to review two awesome resource for aspiring data analyst on Coursera.

Yes, I am talking about Google’s one of the most popular certification, Google’s Data Analytics Professional certificate and newly launched Meta’s Data Analyst Professional certificate.

While one is proven best and trusted by not just thousands but millions of people, the new Meta Data Analyst e seems more up-to-date and promising, so its not an easy decision, but don’t worry, I am writing this post, so that you can make an informed decision, and join the course which best suited to your needs.

Today’s era is a data-driven era and the demand for skilled data professionals is increasing every passing day but there is big gap between demand and supply, and that’s why companies are also training people to create workforce for themselves.

Earlier, Google created Data Analytics certification and Advanced Data Analytics certification and now Meta has come up with their own Data Analyst Certification, so obviously questions arise which certification an aspiring Data Analyst should in 2024?

In this article, we will deep dive into these two courses, dissecting their curriculum, learning objectives, and value propositions to help aspiring data analysts make informed decisions on which course they should join to start their Data Analysis journey.

But, before that let’s find out what each course offers, starting with Google Data Analytics certification, one of the most popular program to become a Data Analyst in 2024.

Overview of Google Data Analytics Certification

With more than 2.1 million students, Google Data Analytics is one of the most popular Coursera certification for Data Analyst. I joined this certification a couple of years ago when it was first launched and I must say, it was one of the best.

Developed in collaboration with Google, this comprehensive program is designed to teach you all the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to analyze and interpret data effectively.

It is also a skill based certification where they will teach you how to do a particularly task like collecting data, cleansing data, and transforming data before they talk about SQL, R and R Studio.

With a curriculum curated by industry experts and hands-on projects inspired by real-world scenarios, Google Data Analytics certification is definitely one of the must join program for anyone who want to start their career in data analysis.

The best thing about this program is that you will not only become job ready in few months but also get a certification from Google which can boost your resume and also your confidence for interviews.

Another great thing about this certificate is that its part of Coursera Plus program, which means if you already have Coursera Plus membership then you can join this course for FREE.

Overview of Meta Data Analyst Certification

Now that we know what Google Data Analytics certification offer us let’s see what does this newly launched data analysis certification on Coursera has in store.

Meta Data Analyst, on the other hand, presents a unique opportunity for learners to delve into the specialized field of metadata analysis.

Developed by Meta, formerly known as Facebook, in collaboration with Coursera, this course also promises to teach you all the necessary skills needed to start your career in Data Analytics.

For example, you will learn key Data Analysis skills like SQL, Python Programming , and Pandas to collect, evaluate, transform and sort large set of data.

With a focus on practical applications and real-world case studies, Meta Data Analyst also provides learners with the skills and knowledge needed make data-driven decisions with confidence.

This course is also part of Coursera Plus program, so you don’t need to worry that you have to join this certification separately.

Google Data Analytics vs. Meta Data Analyst

Now that we have see what does both of these certification offers, let’s compare them.

At the heart of any educational program lies its curriculum, serving as a roadmap for learners on their educational journey.

Let’s compare the curricula of Google Data Analytics and Meta Data Analyst to gain insights into their respective offerings and learning objectives.

Google Data Analytics Curriculum Highlights:

  • Introduction to Data Analytics
  • Excel Skills for Business
  • SQL for Data Science
  • Data Visualization with Tableau
  • Data Analysis with R
  • Applied Data Analytics Capstone Project

The curriculum of Google Data Analytics is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of key data analysis concepts and techniques.

From mastering Excel skills to leveraging SQL for data querying and manipulation, learners are equipped with the tools needed to analyze and interpret data effectively.

The inclusion of hands-on projects and a capstone project allows learners to apply their newfound skills in real-world scenarios, solidifying their understanding of data analysis principles and methodologies.

Meta Data Analyst Curriculum Highlights:

  1. Introduction to Data Analytics
  2. Data Analysis with Spreadsheets and SQL
  3. Python Data Analytics
  4. Statistics for Marketing
  5. Introduction to Data Management

The Meta Data Analytics curriculum also provides a well-rounded introduction to the foundational principles of data analysis.

From mastering spreadsheet manipulation and SQL querying to harnessing the power of Python for data analytics tasks, participants navigate a comprehensive journey through various analytical techniques.

Furthermore, the program delves into statistical methods tailored specifically for marketing contexts, ensuring learners grasp essential concepts for interpreting marketing data effectively.

Finally, with an overview of data management principles, students understand the importance of organizing, storing, and securing data effectively.

So, by and large both covers essential technologies and tools needed for Data Analysis but Google’s Data Analytics certification is R programming focused while Meta’s Data Analyst certification is more Python focused.

So if you like Python you can join the Meta’s Data Analyst certificate and if you like R then you can join Google’s Data Analytics certificate.

Learning Experience Meta vs Google Data Analyst Certification

Now that we have talked about curriculum let’s talk about learning experience, I mean Practicality, Engagement, and Accessibility.

The learning experience is a critical aspect of any course or certification shaping the way learners interact with course content and engage with their peers and instructors.

Let’s assess the learning experience offered by Google Data Analytics and Meta Data Analyst to determine their effectiveness in preparing learners for careers in data analysis.

Google Data Analytics Learning Experience:

  • Practical Approach
    Google Data Analytics adopts a practical approach to learning, with hands-on projects and real-world case studies that allow learners to apply their skills to practical scenarios.
  • Engaging Content
    The course features interactive multimedia content, quizzes, and assessments that keep learners engaged and motivated throughout their educational journey.
  • Accessibility
    Google Data Analytics is designed to be accessible to learners of all backgrounds and skill levels, with no prior experience in data analysis required.

Meta Data Analyst Learning Experience:

  • Specialized Focus
    Meta Data Analyst offers a specialized focus on Python based data analysis, providing learners with in-depth knowledge and skills in this niche field.
  • Practical Applications
    The course emphasizes practical applications of metadata analysis, with hands-on projects and case studies that allow learners to apply their skills to real-world metadata challenges.
  • Industry Insights
    Meta Data Analyst provides learners with insights into industry best practices and emerging trends in metadata analysis, equipping them with the knowledge needed to excel in this field.

And, finally when we talk about the certificates which you are going to get from Google and Meta then there is not much difference as both Google and Meta are respected and top companies.

So, in my opinion, the deciding factor is Python or R, if you are a Python fan like me then you can join the Meta’s Data Analyst certificate and if you like R then you can join Google’s Data Analytics certificate.

And, if you have a Coursera Plus subscription then you can also join both certificate to get the best of both world. I joined both, so I can say that you always learn few new things on each certificate.

Conclusion

That’s all about review of Google vs Meta Data Analytics certification. To be honest, both Google Data Analytics and Meta Data Analyst offer valuable educational opportunities for individuals looking to pursue careers in data analysis. Though, one is Python focused and one is R focused, so the decision rese upon that. I Also found Google’s certification bit more comprehensive then Meta which mean it will take longer time to complete the Google certification.

Other Coursera and Data Analytics articles you may like

  1. Is Google AI Essentials Course on Coursera Worth It? Review
  2. Is the Meta Data Analyst Professional Certificate Worth It? Review
  3. Is IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate Worth it? Review
  4. The 2024 AI (Artificial Intelligence) Developer RoadMap
  5. Is Unilever’s Supply Chain Data Analyst Professional Certificate worth it? Review
  6. Is Coursera Professional Certificates by Google, and Meta Worth It?
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  9. Top 5 Coursera courses and certifications for Data Analysts
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  11. Review — Is Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate Worth it?
  12. Is Google’s Project Management: Professional Certificate on Coursera worth it? Review

Thank you for reading this article so far. If you like this article and my review of these two amazing Data Analytics courses on Coursera from Google and Meta then please share with your friends and colleagues.

P. S. — If you also need a Python based data analytics certification apart from Meta’s then Google’s Advanced Data Analytics certification can be an alternative. It’s Python focused instead of R like the original certification. You can also read my full review here

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javinpaul
Javarevisited

I am Java programmer, blogger, working on Java, J2EE, UNIX, FIX Protocol. I share Java tips on http://javarevisited.blogspot.com and http://java67.com