Coursera Alternative: 365 Data Science vs Coursera

365 Data Science recognizes the challenges students face when learning data science online. So, to address any apprehension, we incorporated game design features that make the whole experience fun and engaging.

All aspects of the 365 platform are designed to support and motivate students to build positive learning habits, which are rewarded with various benefits. In addition to the standard dashboard—where you set goals and track your progress—it also offers an XP system, leaderboard, news feed, collectible cards, and much more.

The Coursera platform, on the other hand, doesn’t offer gamified elements and lacks the features to engage and encourage students to study daily. But it does allow you to track your progress for each course and set weekly learning goals.

365 Data Science and Coursera combine comprehensive video lessons taught by industry-recognized professionals with downloadable resources to supplement your learning.

Coursera allows you to download the video lectures as mp4 files, accessible offline at any time. Perhaps one of their strongest points is the downloadable video transcripts, which would enable you to follow along with the lecture in text format, add notes to crucial info, and skip to sections corresponding to the text. Some transcripts even have translated versions in various languages for non-English speakers.

365 Data Science, on the other hand, offers downloadable pdf course notes that summarize the information from the course for those who prefer reading. Most course notes are theory-based, with a few exceptions, including the code-heavy Intro to Python and Python for Finance. You can also download code-ready templates in Python, SQL, Excel, and R, which can help accelerate your workflow.

Another advantage of having all these resources is that you can store them on your local drive and access them offline, even after canceling your subscription.

Coursera’s in-browsing coding function, Coursera Labs, allows students to transition from video content to coding projects seamlessly. And it connects students to environments like Jupyter Notebook.

There is, however, a significant downside to Coursera’s in-browsing coding function. Whether you need to solve a programming task as part of а job interview or have just landed a job as a data professional, more than likely, no employer will ever ask you to code in the browser.

Although convenient for the course, in-browsing coding does not apply to a real work setting. Even in a technical interview, applicants typically need to set up their working environment before beginning a task.

365 Data Science, on the other hand, walks you through the entire process step by step—including how to load Python, R, Tableau, or SQL before starting a coding assignment. This gives you a tremendous competitive advantage in the data science job market.

Moreover, this approach teaches you how to solve problems in a real-world environment where coding in the browser isn’t powerful enough (e.g., with vast datasets), and you cannot ask the browser for a tip

Exams are an excellent way to evaluate your theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained throughout the course. More importantly, passed examinations indicate a level of competence to potential employers.

365 Data Science provides the opportunity to test the skills you’ve acquired with three types of (timed) online exams: Practice, Course, and Career Track Exams.

Practice Exams are optional. They aim to help you gain confidence in your skills, show you areas you need to work on and prepare you for your course exams and final career track exam.

Course Exams test all the skills and knowledge you’ve gained at the end of each course.

Career Track Exams are accessible to students who have successfully passed the nine required course exams in their chosen career track, including seven mandatory exams and two electives.

Coursera offers optional Practice Quizzes that prepare you for the Module Quizzes and Module Coding Questions. You need 70% on all mandatory assessment elements to obtain a certificate, including peer-review assignments—which can cause unexpected issues. We’ll explain why in the following section.

The data science industry places high value on degrees, credentials, and professional certificates—especially when an exam is required. The certificates are arguably the most significant value propositions any online learning platform can offer. Certificates not only confirm subject matter expertise but signal to employers the candidate’s willingness to work hard and achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

365 Data Science and Coursera offer industry-recognized certificates that significantly improve your chances of landing a data science job. But the way you acquire them is different.

365 Data Science grants two types of certificates: Course Certificates and Career Track. (We explained above how you could obtain them.) You can get a physical copy or an online certificate that you can share on LinkedIn or elsewhere.

Coursera also offers data science certifications for passing a single course, course specialization, or professional program, which you can share with future employers. To obtain them, you must pass all module quizzes, hands-on projects, and peer-graded assignments with a minimum score of 70%

While Coursera’s methods to acquire such certificates are comprehensive, the peer-graded assignments require students to check each other’s work. And when introducing the deadline system to the equation, not only is it possible to get a lower grade based on an unprofessional, biased opinion, but you’re relying on others’ ability to meet deadlines. Although Coursera offers some workarounds, it’s still a hefty, lengthy process.

It’s noteworthy that Coursera certificates do not display your final accumulated grade, which can be a minus for employers who want to know your exact level of skills.

(Neither 365 Data Science nor Coursera charges additional fees for online certificates.)

365 Data Science provides best-in-class personalized customer support. All 365 Data Science instructors are involved in Q&A, answering specific questions—critical for beginners and a great workaround when you’re stuck and need expert tutoring.

Coursera does offer Q&A support in the form of discussion forums, where students can receive peer help only. Unfortunately, Coursera students often struggle to find specialized support and solutions to their issues.

Both platforms are well-regarded by students, but 365 has many more reviews.

As of 2022, Coursera has a 4.5/5 rating on G2’s tech marketplace based on 267 reviews and a surprising 1.7 start on Trustpilot based on 321 user opinions.

Many negative reviews come from those who have had difficulty canceling their subscriptions or had bad experiences with customer support.

With an impressive 667 reviews, 365 Data Science boasts 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot. And only four students left reviews on G2, resulting in a 4.8 rating.

• Vast library
• Guided Projects
• Accredited courses taught by top universities and organizations

• A bit expensive
• Deadline system
• Peer-to-Peer Graded Assignments
• No Marking System on Certificates

• Structured Career Tracks
• Real environment practice and use cases
• Lessons from world-class instructors
• Recognized Certificates of Achievement

• Fewer Practical Case Studies
• No Guided Project