To help professionals build these capabilities, we have curated a list of the best applied AI and data science courses.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are transforming how organizations automate workflows, optimize decision-making, and manage complex operations at scale.
As workflow automation becomes a strategic priority across industries, the demand for professionals who can design end-to-end data pipelines, deploy intelligent models, and apply AI techniques to solve business problems continues to grow.
To help professionals build these capabilities, we have curated a list of the best applied AI and data science courses. Each program blends practical automation skills with strong technical knowledge of the subject, empowering learners to implement AI-driven solutions, streamline business processes, and contribute effectively to data-driven transformation initiatives in their organizations.
1. Post Graduate Program in Data Science with Generative AI by the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin & Great Learning
This 12-month online program offers a structured, industry-aligned learning journey that blends academic rigor with hands-on application.
The program blends recorded video lectures from Texas McCombs faculty with live mentored sessions with industry experts to help learners build practical data science expertise regardless of background.
The program is ideal for graduates, professionals at all levels, career changers, IT specialists entering analytics/ML, and those returning to the workforce.
Key Highlights of the Program
- Comprehensive Curriculum:
You will build strong foundations in Python for Data Science and Inferential Statistics, and progress to advanced machine learning techniques, including ensemble methods (Random Forest, XGBoost). The curriculum also covers Generative AI, NLP, Neural Networks, and Computer Vision, along with practical expertise in Prompt Engineering, LLMs, and RAG.
- Hands-on Learning & Projects:
You will gain practical experience through 10+ hands-on projects and 60+ real-world industry case studies with 22+ in-demand tools and technologies, including Python, SQL, Tableau, pandas, NumPy, seaborn, matplotlib, ChatGPT, Hugging Face, and LangChain.
Upon completion, you will be able to build and deploy supervised and unsupervised Machine Learning models. You will gain the ability to apply advanced AI concepts, including Generative AI techniques, to solve real-world business problems. Additionally, you will learn to visualize and communicate insights effectively using Tableau and data storytelling best practices.
Successful learners receive dual certificates from Texas McCombs and Great Lakes Executive Learning, validating their expertise in Data Science and Generative AI.
- Dedicated Career Support:
The program offers extensive career support, including access to a job board, 1:1 career mentorship, resume reviews, interview preparation, and the creation of an e-portfolio to showcase your projects to recruiters.
2. Statistics Course for Data Science and Analytics by Great Learning Academy
This 3.5-hour course by Great Learning Academy is a foundational program designed to build strong statistical fundamentals essential for data-driven analysis and decision-making.
Learners study key concepts such as descriptive statistics, probability distributions, and hypothesis testing, while gaining hands-on experience through coding exercises and real-world projects, including analyzing call center efficiency.
The curriculum covers core statistical principles, data visualization, inferential statistics, and exploratory data analysis (EDA), enabling professionals to interpret data and draw meaningful insights confidently.
Key Highlights of the Program
The program emphasizes hands-on learning through guided projects. You will work on practical use cases such as analyzing call center efficiency to uncover probabilistic and operational insights, identifying key factors influencing learner academic performance through statistical analysis, and studying customer purchase behavior to reveal spending patterns and product trends.
The course offers a flexible learning experience with self-paced videos and modules that allow learners to manage their professional and academic commitments while learning at their own pace.
- Recognized Certification:
Earn a globally recognized Certificate of Completion from Great Learning, shareable on LinkedIn and professional portfolios.
- Comprehensive Program Access:
The Academy Pro subscription provides access to 40+ top technology pro courses for just ₹999/month and allows exploration of other technical domains.
With the Academy Pro subscription, learners get unlimited access to GL Coach ‘GLaide’, an AI-powered assistant offering instant doubt resolution, real-time explanations, examples, and curated resources. It also provides AI-driven mock interviews and a smart resume builder that highlights skills and projects, creating tailored resumes to boost recruiter attention.
3. E-Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science by IIT Bombay
Designed for early and mid-career professionals aiming to advance their careers in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science, this program provides advanced expertise through a comprehensive, online synchronous 6-course curriculum.
This e-Postgraduate Diploma (ePGD) builds a solid foundation in Data Science before moving to in-depth explorations of Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Generative AI, and Natural Language Processing (NLP).
Key Highlights of the Program
- Learn from IIT Bombay Faculty:
The diploma is designed and delivered by renowned faculty from IIT Bombay. Learners also get the opportunity to meet faculty and experience the campus during visits.
- Career Support & Academic Credits:
As a credit-bearing diploma, it awards 36 credits that can be stored in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). Learners also gain access to IIT Bombay’s Lateral Hiring Group to support career progression.
- Comprehensive Curriculum:
The curriculum covers Programming for ML and Data Science, Statistical Foundations, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and GenAI, and AI-ML in Practice. It also includes elective courses in areas like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and IoT.
The course emphasizes hands-on learning through industry-relevant projects where learners work on open-ended, real-world problems using tools such as Python, SQL, NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, Keras, Transformers, Hugging Face, Docker, and Kubernetes.
You will build a strong foundation in ML and AI concepts, developing the ability to build end-to-end data-driven solutions. You will learn to leverage text data for Natural Language solutions using Generative AI, deploy and scale models on cloud platforms using Docker and Kubernetes, and apply transfer learning and fine-tuning techniques.
Upon completion, learners earn an IIT Bombay Diploma and gain IIT Bombay Alumni Status. The diploma includes an in-person graduation ceremony at IIT Bombay.
4. Applied AI & Machine Learning with GenAI and Agentic AI by SAS Academy
Designed for freshers and working professionals, this online course provides advanced expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The curriculum is structured into two levels, moving from core Machine Learning foundations to Next-Gen AI, including Generative AI, Deep Learning, and Agentic AI, preparing learners for high-demand roles in the industry.
Key Highlights of the Program
- Integrated GenAI & Agentic AI:
The program uniquely integrates emerging concepts such as Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, and Agentic AI alongside traditional ML techniques, ensuring learners are aligned with the latest global technology trends.
- Dual Learning with SAS & Python:
Learners gain hands-on experience by combining enterprise-grade SAS Viya technology with open-source Python, developing versatile, industry-ready skills.
- Hands-on & Capstone Projects:
The curriculum emphasizes practical application through hands-on labs and a full-industry capstone project, enabling learners to design, train, and deploy intelligent systems.
Delivered as a weekend program with live sessions by SAS-certified experts, it is designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals while providing structured mentorship.
5. Introduction to Data Science in Python by DataCamp
This is an introductory course designed for non-technical professionals and business leaders. It focuses on understanding how data science can strengthen an organization, covering the workflow from data collection to analysis and prediction. The course explains core concepts such as A/B testing, dashboards, and machine learning without requiring advanced coding skills.
The course includes interactive exercises that allow learners to apply concepts immediately. While it is a business-focused course, it reinforces learning through practical scenarios and knowledge checks to ensure a solid grasp of data science applications in real-world business contexts.
- Practical Skill Development:
Learners gain core skills in data collection, analysis, and visualization, along with high-level exposure to machine learning, NLP, and deep learning for business use cases.
This self-paced online course is accessible on desktop and mobile devices, allowing professionals to learn the fundamentals of data science without disrupting their work schedule.
- Recognized Certification:
Upon finishing the course, learners receive a Certificate of Completion from DataCamp, which can be shared on LinkedIn to validate their understanding of data science fundamentals.
Workflow automation powered by AI is redefining business processes across sectors, emphasizing the need for professionals who can seamlessly connect data, models, and intelligent systems. The courses highlighted here provide structured learning to develop these capabilities, covering everything from automating data workflows to implementing AI-driven solutions.
By completing these programs, learners gain hands-on experience, practical skills, and the confidence to design and deploy automated systems, preparing them to make immediate and meaningful contributions in any organization leveraging AI for operational efficiency.