Stata is basic statistical software that's used for data science. It covers data management, statistical analysis, custom programming, simulations, graphics, regression, automated reporting, Python integration, and data manipulation, among others. Stata was first developed in 1985 , but it remains useful across many industries today. There's even an annual Stata Conference held in the United States each year, and several Stata User Group meetings take place around the world, particularly in Europe.

Anyone who deals with data on a regular basis can benefit from learning Stata—it's one of the most widely used software in the world, particularly for those who want to analyze data patterns. Professionals in over 180 countries employ it regularly. Many prefer it over similar software because of its ability to turn data into visual graphics. And because it's used in so many fields in so many countries, you may encounter it in your line of work one day, so having a basic understanding of it may help you get ahead in your career quicker. Students may also use Stata as a part of their high school and postsecondary school courses.

What are typical careers that use Stata?

Most professionals who use Stata work in research in some capacity. It's most commonly found in the fields of biomedicine, economics, epidemiology, sociology, and political science. It's also commonly used by professors, researchers, and research assistants at colleges and universities. You may also use Stata in the fields of behavioral science, biostatistics, other areas of education, marketing, business, public health, and public policy.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn Stata?

Anyone who can use a computer and software can learn Stata. However, if you have a background in data science or have used other types of statistical software, you may find that you grasp its concepts quicker and easier.

What are the benefits of taking an online Stata course?

Online Stata courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Stata skills. Choose from a wide range of Stata courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

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

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Stata, 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 .

Best Stata Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Stata Course Catalog

Packt
The STATA OMNIBUS: Regression and Modelling with STATA
Skills you'll gain: Stata, Regression Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Advanced Analytics, Correlation Analysis, Statistical Visualization, Data Manipulation, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Descriptive Statistics
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Stanford University
Introduction to Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Statistics, Statistical Methods, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference, Probability, Exploratory Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Data Collection, Probability Distribution
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Interactive Data Visualization, Shiny (R Package), Data Wrangling, Exploratory Data Analysis, Relational Databases, Big Data, Data Visualization Software, Ggplot2, Database Design, Data Analysis, IBM Cognos Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Data Presentation, Data Mining, Dashboard, Excel Formulas, Data Manipulation, Web Scraping, Microsoft Excel
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
28K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
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Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Mining
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.9K reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of Michigan
Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Analysis, Data Presentation, Ggplot2, Program Evaluation, Policy Analysis, Surveys, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Tidyverse (R Package), Statistical Visualization, R Programming, Statistical Methods, Public Policies, Data Visualization Software, Demography, Political Sciences, Public Administration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
73 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Packt
120 Quick Stata Tips
Skills you'll gain: Stata, Data Visualization, Statistical Visualization, Graphing, Statistical Methods, Data Visualization Software, Statistical Programming, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Data Management, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Scripting, Data Transformation, Regression Analysis, Debugging
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Packt
Data Visualization in Stata
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Stata, Scatter Plots, Histogram, Box Plots, Data Presentation, Graphing, Exploratory Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Heat Maps
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Maryland, College Park
Dealing With Missing Data
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Programming, Data Cleansing, Data Quality, Data Analysis Software, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Statistical Modeling, R Programming, Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
135 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Amsterdam
Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences
Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Scientific Methods, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Software, Probability Distribution, Research, Correlation Analysis, Research Design, Sampling (Statistics), Research Reports, Science and Research, Probability, Interviewing Skills, Data Analysis, Sample Size Determination, Statistical Methods, Social Sciences
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Universiteit Leiden
Population Health: Responsible Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, R Programming, Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Methods, Probability & Statistics, Data Ethics, Data Collection, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Reporting, Statistical Modeling, Data Cleansing, Data Quality
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Instructor Network
Microsoft Excel VBA and Macros
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Microsoft Excel, Data Manipulation, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Data Analysis, Productivity Software, Automation, Strategic Decision-Making
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
164 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Rice University
Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Pivot Tables And Charts, Graphing, Spreadsheet Software, Excel Formulas, Data Analysis, Histogram, Scatter Plots, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
10K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks