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
University of Colorado Boulder
Advanced Business Analytics Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Data Presentation, Data Cleansing, Predictive Analytics, Predictive Modeling, Business Analytics, Analytics, Financial Analysis, Advanced Analytics, Data Analysis, Technical Communication, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Statistical Modeling, Regression Analysis, Business Communication
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
84 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Business Analysis & Process Management
Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Business Process, Business Analysis, Process Mapping, Workflow Management, Process Management, Process Flow Diagrams, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Management
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Applying Data Analytics in Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Internal Controls, Data Visualization, Robotic Process Automation, Accounting and Finance Software, Auditing, Internal Auditing, Alteryx, Financial Auditing, Accounting, Business Process Automation, Analytics, Automation, Text Mining, R Programming, Blockchain, Natural Language Processing, Process Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
66 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Customer experience strategy (CX), Performance Measurement, Data-Driven Decision-Making, E-Commerce, Marketing Strategies, Digital Marketing, Branding, Marketing Channel, Marketing Analytics, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Target Audience
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
28K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions
Skills you'll gain: Spreadsheet Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Data Presentation, Business Analysis, Expectation Management, Quantitative Research, Communication
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
34K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Google Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Presentations, Data Cleansing, Data Visualization, Rmarkdown, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Validation, Data Ethics, Analytical Skills, Dashboard, Spreadsheet Software, Ggplot2, SQL, Data Visualization Software, Data Literacy, Data Collection, Sampling (Statistics), Data Analysis, Google Analytics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
314 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Wearable Technologies and Sports Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Kinesiology, Injury Prevention, Analytics, Data Analysis, Physical Therapy, Applied Machine Learning, Vital Signs, Health Technology, Machine Learning, Stress Management, Data Collection, Data Validation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Macquarie University
Business intelligence and data analytics: Generate insights
Skills you'll gain: SAS (Software), Business Analytics, Dashboard, Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Intelligence, Data Analysis, Trend Analysis, Forecasting, Histogram, Correlation Analysis, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Statistics, Predictive Modeling, Innovation, Sustainability Reporting
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
450 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Illinois Tech
Data Analytics and Deep Learning
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Machine Learning Algorithms, Big Data, Apache Hadoop, Deep Learning, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Apache Spark, Data Presentation, Generative AI, Data Infrastructure, Data Cleansing, Real Time Data, Apache Kafka, Image Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, Keras (Neural Network Library), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
ESSEC Business School
Foundations of marketing analytics
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Analytics, Customer Analysis, Business Marketing, Advanced Analytics, Marketing Strategies, Business Analytics, Market Research, Customer Insights, R Programming, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Target Market, Data Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Predictive Modeling, Customer Relationship Management, Statistical Methods, Data Manipulation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
761 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
The State University of New York
Data Analytics in Sports Law and Management
Skills you'll gain: Facility Management, Event Management, Legal Risk, Contract Management, Performance Analysis, Hospitality and Food Services, Facility Operations, Event Planning, Business Analytics, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Scheduling, Labor Relations, Customer Engagement, Team Performance Management, Linear Algebra, Risk Management, Commercial Laws
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Business Metrics for Data-Driven Companies
Skills you'll gain: Business Analytics, Business Metrics, Analytics, Business Process Improvement, Business Intelligence, Tableau Software, Data Analysis, Big Data, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Spreadsheet Software, Web Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, E-Commerce, Financial Services, SQL
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months