Is Udacity Business Analytics Nanodegree Worth It in 2024? Review
A comprehensive review of Udacity’s popular Business Analytics Nanodegree program, is it really worth joining in 2024?
Hello guys, if you want to join Udacity’s Business Analytics Nanodegree program but not sure whether it's worth your time and money then you have come to the right place.
In the past, I have shared best Udacity Nanodegrees and best Python courses on Udacity and in this article, I am going to review one of their popular Nanodegree program, the Business Analytics Nanodegree program.
The demand for skilled professionals who can harness the power of data to drive business decisions has skyrocketed in recent years.
In response to this growing need, online education platforms like Udacity have introduced specialized programs, such as the Business Analytics Nanodegree.
In this program, you will learn foundational data skills that apply across functions and industries.
You will learn to analyze data and build models with Excel, query databases using SQL, and create informative data visualizations with Tableau.
In this article, I will provide in-depth analysis of the program, exploring its curriculum, skills taught, instructor expertise, student reviews, and overall value for aspiring business analysts.
Btw, if you don’t know what is Udacity? then I suggest spend some time learning about it because Udacity is a great platform to learn online. It has well designed courses created in collaboration with industry leaders like Microsoft, IBM, Google etc.
Is it worth joining Udacity Business Analytics Nanodegree in 2024
Let’s first evaluate this awesome business analytics program from Udacity on different parameter to find out what it is worth of and whether aspiring business analyst should join it or not.
1. Program Overview
The Business Analytics Nanodegree program from Udacity is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to make data-driven decisions in a business context.
The curriculum covers a range of topics, from basic data analysis and visualization to using SQL for data analysis and creating interactive dashboards in Tableau.
This program is also part of Udacity’s school of Data Science. You can learn more about the program here.
2. Curriculum Overview
This is a 3 month program with 6 courses, which means you will complete 6 courses on this period. Let’s see what are these courses and what you will learn on them.
Course 1: Welcome to the Nanodegree Program (1 week)
- Orientation into using the classroom and services.
- Advice for making the best use of time while enrolled.
Course 2: Introduction to Data (3 weeks)
- Basic concepts of data analysis and descriptive statistics.
- Manipulation, analysis, and visualization of data in Excel and Google Sheets.
- Business metrics across various areas (marketing, sales, growth, finance).
- Forecasting sales and financial metrics.
Course 3: Using SQL for Data Analysis (3 weeks)
- Core SQL commands for data manipulation and analysis.
- Use of subqueries, window functions, and partitions for complex tasks.
- Cleaning data, optimizing SQL queries, and writing advanced JOINs.
- Applying SQL results to address business problems.
Course 4: Data Visualization in Tableau (1 week)
- Selecting appropriate data visualizations for analysis.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of data visualizations.
- Building interactive and engaging Tableau dashboards.
Course 5: Congratulations and Next Steps (15 minutes)
- Completion of the Business Analytics Nanodegree.
(Optional) Course 6: Career Services (2 days)
- Networking with industry professionals to accelerate career growth.
- Opportunities for collaboration with peers.
3. Skills You Will Learn
The program focuses on a broad spectrum of skills relevant to business analytics. Some key skills include:
- Basic spreadsheet use
- Business KPIs
- Descriptive statistics
- Quantitative data visualization
- SQL aggregations and joins
- Tableau interactive dashboards
- Data storytelling
4. Instructors
The program is led by experienced instructors with diverse backgrounds in data science and analytics. Three notable instructors are:
- Josh Bernhard
- Staff Data Scientist
- Passion for data science in various domains, including cancer research and process automation.
2. Derek Steer
- CEO at Mode Analytics
- Developed analytical foundation at Facebook and Yammer.
- Passionate about sharing analytics knowledge with future analysts.
3. Mat Leonard
- Content Developer
- Former physicist, research neuroscientist, and data scientist.
- Holds a PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowship from the University of California, Berkeley.
Overall the course is taught by knowledgeable and experienced instructor which is another reason why you should join this program on Udacity. You can learn more about them here.
4. Student Reviews
One of the most valuable aspects of assessing an educational program is understanding the experiences of those who have completed it. The Business Analytics Nanodegree program on Udacity boasts more than 1900 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Here are some key sentiments expressed by students:
Positive Feedback:
- “Basic introduction and first project but the content after that has been interesting and new to me.”
- “All good except a few bugs in the quizzes.”
- “It was really good in giving the student a sense of what an analytical process should look like. Overall, great course.”
Constructive Criticism:
- Some students found challenges in connecting project requirements with the course material.
Overall, I found the course has more positive reviews and its worth taking in. You can read more reviews here
5. The Udacity Difference
Udacity emphasizes a holistic learning experience by combining technology training with industry experts, mentors, and real-world projects.
The platform’s upskilling system is designed for success, providing learners with top-tier services, constructive feedback, and insights from subject matter experts.
Udacity is also one of the rare platform where you can interact with the instructor and there is a team of expert which can personally help you.
This is by far the most important reason why many people prefer Udacity over other online training platform like Udemy, Pluralsight, Educative, CodeCademy, DataCamp, and Coursera .
6. Pricing
The Business Analytics Nanodegree program from Udacity is priced at $332 per month, with an average completion time of 4 months. There is an option for a 15% discount, bringing the total cost to $1,128 for the first 4 months.
I personally recommend to sign for 4 month as this will give you enough time to complete the course and also learn better.
You will also get 15% discount.
Is Business Analytics Nanodegree on Udacity Really worth it?
Absolutely, the Business Analytics Nanodegree program from Udacity is a definitely worth it for anyone want to learn business analytics. It reaches essential skills like Excel, SQL, and Tableau which is essential to become a Business Analysis.
Here’s why you should not miss the opportunity to join this program:
1. Comprehensive Skill Set
The program’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to cover a wide array of essential skills, ranging from foundational data analysis to proficiency in SQL and Tableau.
This comprehensive approach ensures that you gain a robust understanding of business analytics that is applicable across various industries.
2. Seasoned Instructors
Led by experienced instructors with diverse backgrounds in data science and analytics, the program brings a wealth of expertise to your learning journey. Their industry knowledge and passion for the subject matter add significant value to the course content.
3. Glowing Student Reviews
With over 1900 reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars, the program has garnered praise from a multitude of students. This positive feedback underscores the program’s effectiveness and suggests that it has successfully met the expectations of a diverse group of learners.
4. Real-World Application
Udacity’s emphasis on real-world projects ensures that you don’t just acquire theoretical knowledge but also gain practical experience. This hands-on approach is invaluable, providing you with skills that are immediately applicable in a professional setting.
5. Networking Opportunities:
The optional Career Services component offers a unique chance to network with industry professionals. This networking opportunity can be a game-changer, potentially accelerating your career growth by making meaningful connections within the industry.
Why You Should Join Udacity’s Business Analysis Course?
Here are the key reasons which I think good enough to convince anyone who want to join this course
- Holistic Learning Experience
The program provides a well-rounded learning experience that encompasses theory, hands-on projects, and industry connections, preparing you for real-world business analytics challenges. - Positive Learning Environment
Backed by enthusiastic reviews and a strong community, the program offers a positive and supportive learning environment, essential for a successful educational journey. - Career Advancement
Equipping yourself with business analytics skills is a strategic move for career advancement in today’s data-driven world. This program sets you on the right path to excel in this domain. - Value for Money
While the investment of $332 per month may seem significant, the program’s comprehensive content, expert instruction, and career support justify the cost, especially with the initial discount.
The Udacity Business Analytics Nanodegree program is not just a course; it’s a gateway to a world of opportunities in the realm of data-driven decision-making. Joining this program is a decisive step toward gaining expertise that is in high demand across industries.
Here is the link to join this program — Business Analytics Nanodegree program
Conclusion
The Business Analytics Nanodegree program from Udacity appears to be a comprehensive and well-structured offering for individuals aspiring to enter the field of business analytics.
With a curriculum covering fundamental data analysis skills, SQL for data analysis, and Tableau for data visualization, the program addresses key areas of expertise. The positive reviews, coupled with the diverse backgrounds of the instructors, add credibility to the program’s effectiveness.
However, prospective students should carefully consider their learning preferences and goals.
While the program provides a solid foundation in business analytics, individuals looking for more specialized or advanced topics may need to supplement their learning with additional courses.
In conclusion, the Business Analytics Nanodegree program from Udacity seems to be a worthwhile investment for those seeking to acquire practical skills in data-driven decision-making for business applications.
As with any educational program, success is often tied to personal dedication, engagement with the material, and the application of learned skills in real-world scenarios.
You can learn more about this program here
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P. S. — Apart from this Udacity also have many popular courses and certification on Data Science, AI, and Programming, you can see them here.
