Udacity is currently one of the top massive open online courses (MOOC) platforms for a range of digital skills. The platform offers a range of digital skills ranging from cloud computing to programming and development, data science, etc.
The first course on Udacity, the Udacity course on artificial intelligence, gained a lot of interest and currently has over 150,000 students.
In this article, we explore the intricacies of the Udacity nanodegree program and what participants stand to gain from the program.
What is a Nanodegree scholarship?
The Udacity nanodegree scheme is a skills-based learning program for individuals looking to gain new skills or improve to take the next professional steps in their careers.
The nanodegree programs operate through mentorship sessions, moderated professional community discussions, and project reviews.
The typical duration for most Udacity nanodegrees is between 2-6 months, with an average input of 10-20 hours weekly. However, some courses can take as long as 12 months.
Participants in the Udacity nanodegree scholarship program are required to be above 18 years of age. The price range of the nanodegree varies with the courses. Students can make payments every month or all at once.
Udacity also offers timely discounts, and there are scholarships from third-party sponsors for talented individuals.
Are Udacity certificates recognized?
Unlike some other MOOC platforms, Udacity certificates are not accredited as they don’t have an external partner like a university for certification.
However, due to the quality of the courses offered by the learning platform, several employers worldwide recognize Udacity certificates.
Udacity partners with reputable tech companies like IBM and Google. This makes Udacity nanodegree certificates advantageous for applicants. Presenting relevant Udacity nanodegree also shows personal commitment to the job in question.
Can you get a job with a Udacity Nanodegree?
In a study conducted with 4,000 Udacity students, it was found that about 70% of students experienced progress in their careers after an Udacity nanodegree program.
The top five careers involved in this study were Software Engineering, Android development, Full-Stack development, Front-end web development, and data analysis.
The study also showed that participants of the Udacity nanodegree program got offers within one to three months of completing their programs and commencing applications.
Cost of Udacity Nanodegree program
The pricing of Udacity’s nanodegree program can seem overwhelming at first. However, considering what you stand to gain, it is surely not a bad bargain.
The programs start at $399 per month. The platform also offers an all-access payment option.
The all-access payment plan requires paying for full access for the estimated time needed to complete a course upfront. Participants that require more time can switch to the monthly access payment option.
Can I cancel Udacity Nanodegree per month?
Yes. You can cancel your Udacity nanodegree monthly payment plan at any point in time. All you need to do is visit the Subscription & Billing section in the Account Settings tab and click Cancel to commence the cancellation process.
Is Udacity free for students?
Udacity currently offers some free courses for students. However, these free courses do not provide certificates and are usually part of a nanodegree. The platform used to offer an appreciable portion of its courses for free in the past. However, this has reduced over the years.
It is important to note that even for the paid courses, students get a free month. During the free month, students only get access to 3 project reviews.
Is there financial aid on Udacity?
Udacity does not currently accept any financial aid from federal, state or local programs. However, there are third-party sponsorship packages available to students. These packages are posted on the Udacity Scholarships page.
Which Udacity Nanodegree is best?
Udacity offers a range of nanodegrees across different skill sets. These include;
Udacity Nanodegree in Artificial Intelligence
This nanodegree covers the essentials of Deep Learning and is available for entry-to-mid level professionals who are looking to grow their careers in high-tech AI. The estimated duration of the course is four months with a 12 hour per week requirement.
This program requires some background in Python and basic training in probability and calculus. Participants learn to use new AI tools and get to handle tricky projects.
Udacity Nanodegree in Blockchain
Blockchain development is a fast-growing space in the tech industry. The Udacity nanodegree in Blockchain has a four-month estimated duration and offers entry-level students interested in learning the basics of developing private blockchains and securing digital assets.
The course also extends to cover some programming languages required in developing blockchains.
Udacity Nanodegree in Full stack development
This course syllabus covers all the essentials required to get started as a full-stack developer ranging from SQL and Data Modeling for the Web, API Development and Documentation, Identity Access Management, and Server Deployment and Containerization. The course is also projected to last for four months.
Become a Full Stack Web Developer
Udacity Nanodegree in Data Analysis
The Udacity data analysis course offers a holistic training program for entry-level participants. Students learn the process of data analysis from data wrangling, analysis, exploration and communication.
The course is currently ranked as one of the best nanodegree programs on Udacity.
Newbies in digital marketing would find the Udacity nanodegree in digital marketing highly valuable. The course content is thorough, with eight modules.
Participants also get to get their hands dirty as each module comes with a project to work on. Participants learn SEO, end-to-end content strategizing, SEM, social media marketing, etc.
Udacity Nanodegree in Data science
The Udacity nanodegree in Data Science walks students through the data science process, from building effective data visualizations and communicating data with relevant stakeholders.
The course, which has an estimated four months duration, also covers software and data engineering for Data scientists.
Udacity Nanodegree in Machine learning
Udacity’s Machine learning nanodegree is valuable for data analysts, software engineers, etc., looking to improve their skillsets. The course requires a good foundation in coding and basic knowledge of some machine learning concepts.
The course is hands-on as it allows for peer collaboration, reviewed projects alongside other career services.
Become a Machine Learning Engineer
Udacity vs Datacamp
Compared to Datacamp, Udacity offers a higher value for money. Students get to enjoy better quality content and learning experience on Udacity. Also, Udacity has a broader range of courses and language count than Datacamp.
CONCLUSION
Udacity is a great platform to get started if you are looking to explore a career in tech or are considering improving or getting a new skill if you are already in tech. The courses offer in-depth knowledge about whatever specific area you are looking to get into.
The lessons are hands-on and help you learn the practical components of whatever skills you are learning on the platform.
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