HarvardX: Introduction to Data Science with Python
Learn the concepts and techniques that make up the foundation of data science and machine learning.
HarvardX: Introduction to Data Science with Python is a beginner-level online course from edX in Data Science. It is structured in 5 stated learning outcomes, over 8 weeks. It is free to enrol, and a certificate is available on completion. Learners rate it 4.3/5 from 173 ratings on edX.
Part of our Data Science courses collection, where we compare it against 24 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | edX |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.3★ (173 reviews) |
| Price | Free Free |
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
- Learners must have a minimum baseline of programming knowledge (preferably in Python) and statistics in order to be successful in this course. Python prerequisites can be met with an introductory Python course offered through CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Python, and statistics prerequisites can be met via Fat Chance or with Stat110 offered through HarvardX.
Skills you’ll gain
What learners rate it
Rated 4.3/5 by 173 learners on edX (checked 25 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by edX from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on edX →
Compiled by the 10courses editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from edX course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 25 August 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HarvardX: Introduction to Data Science with Python This |
|
4.3★ | Free | 8 weeks | Free — and still gives a certificate |
| Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate |
 Coursera
|
4.8★ | ₹3,999 | 6 months | Highest rated (4.8★ from 181.6K reviews) |
| Deep Learning Specialization |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | ₹4,299 | 3 months | For learners past the basics · 3 months |
| Python for Data Science | Learn Python Online | Udacity | Udacity | 4.8★ | Check price | 3 months | Beginner-friendly · 3 months |
Where Data Science leads
Roles we map to Data Science on 10courses. This is our own mapping of subject to job, not a placement claim by edX.
Browse every course we track for one of these — courses for data scientists.
Common questions
Is HarvardX: Introduction to Data Science with Python free?
Yes. edX lists it as free to enrol. A certificate is available on completion — providers often charge separately for the certificate even when the course itself is free, so check the fee on the provider page before you count on it.
Does HarvardX: Introduction to Data Science with Python come with a certificate?
Yes — edX lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does HarvardX: Introduction to Data Science with Python take?
edX lists it at 8 weeks. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is HarvardX: Introduction to Data Science with Python suitable for beginners?
Yes. edX lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.