Analytics is the system of applying certain methods and techniques to understand the performance of data, generally in an organization or industry. The application of analytics can be used to uncover and interpret relevant patterns of data, which can be later used to make better decisions. Analytics relies on good data as part of its usefulness, as well as the aspects of statistics, computer programming, and operations research to quantify performance. Analytics exists in business when companies use statistics and software processes in assessing how a particular product, service, or project measures up in scope. Businesses perform analytics to pinpoint strengths, identify challenges or weaknesses that may exist, and pull out key data points to help make decisions regarding future growth for the organization.

Learning analytics is a key skill that helps you solve problems to existing challenges. When you use analytics tools to research data patterns, you use methods of analyzing performance characteristics that are essential to a business organization. This is important in today's world of big data. Understanding analytics can make you a valuable asset when assessing areas rich with recorded information, performance indicators, and target goals.

What are typical careers that use analytics?

Analytics is found in a wide range of careers, including business analyst, budget analyst, financial controller, data scientist, and operations researcher. Individuals who move into these and other careers in data analytics often work with raw data and algorithms through mechanical processes to make assumptions and theories. Essentially, with knowledge of analytics, you can move into a job that requires a familiarity with numeric relationships, data structures, and trends and metrics relevant to an organization.

How can taking online courses on Coursera help me learn analytics?

When you take online courses in analytics, you can gain a new understanding of key concepts like data analysis and visualization, mathematical optimization, regression analysis, predictive modeling, and other areas focused on business analytics. Taking online courses about analytics can help you achieve basic data literacy to help you make more informed decisions in any area you work in, like finance, operations, or marketing. As you branch out, you may advance your analytics understanding to include how to extract and manipulate data points, how to use different statistical analysis methods to break down the data, and how to eventually interpret and present your findings.

What are the benefits of taking an online Analytics course?

Online Analytics courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your existing knowledge or learn new Analytics skills. With a wide range of Analytics classes, you can conveniently learn at your own pace to advance your Analytics career.

What Analytics courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Analytics, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Analytics Courses - Learn Analytics Online

Explore the Analytics Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Statistical Inference
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability & Statistics, Probability, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Methods, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Probability Distribution, Sampling (Statistics), Sample Size Determination, Data Analysis
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
4.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Washington
Machine Learning: Regression
Skills you'll gain: Regression Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Supervised Learning, Statistical Modeling, Applied Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Feature Engineering, Machine Learning, Statistical Methods, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Linear Algebra, Algorithms
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Packt
Python for Finance: Investment Fundamentals & Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Regression Analysis, Risk Analysis, Portfolio Management, Financial Analysis, Risk Management, Financial Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, Investment Management, Simulations, Financial Forecasting, Python Programming, Matplotlib, Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter, NumPy, Data Manipulation
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Statistics and Applied Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Visualization, Data Transformation, Data Cleansing, Statistical Analysis, Regression Analysis, Statistical Programming, Probability, Probability Distribution, Sampling (Statistics), Box Plots, Histogram, R Programming, Statistical Methods, Scatter Plots, Microsoft Excel, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Data Import/Export
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Applied Social Network Analysis in Python
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Network Model, Graph Theory, Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Applied Machine Learning, Matplotlib, Predictive Modeling, Simulations, Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Big Data Modeling and Management Systems
Skills you'll gain: Data Modeling, Big Data, Data Management, Database Management Systems, Real Time Data, NoSQL, Database Design, Apache Hadoop, Data Structures, Scalability, Virtual Environment
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
The Structured Query Language (SQL)
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Database Management, Query Languages, Relational Databases, Database Design, Database Theory, Data Analysis, Data Access, Data Manipulation, Data Modeling
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, ArcGIS, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Quality, Data Mapping, Data Modeling, Data Storage, Data Sharing, Data Manipulation, Relational Databases, Query Languages
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Building AI Cloud Apps with Microsoft Azure
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Development, Image Analysis, Anomaly Detection, Prompt Engineering, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Storage, Data Storage, Cloud Applications, Computer Vision, Text Mining, Microsoft Development Tools, Unsupervised Learning, Data Storage Technologies, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Hosting, Data Ethics, Continuous Deployment, Application Deployment, Virtual Machines
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
485 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of London
Foundations of Data Science: K-Means Clustering in Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Matplotlib, Probability & Statistics, Data Science, Unsupervised Learning, Statistics, NumPy, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), Machine Learning Algorithms, Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Data Manipulation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
719 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
A Crash Course in Causality: Inferring Causal Effects from Observational Data
Skills you'll gain: R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Statistical Software, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Inference, Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Regression Analysis, Research Design, Graph Theory
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
564 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Introduction to Statistics & Data Analysis in Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Literacy, Data Analysis, Statistical Software, R Programming, Statistics, Public Health, Descriptive Statistics, Probability Distribution, Data Import/Export
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks