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

SAS
Data Analysis and Reporting in SAS Visual Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Trend Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, SAS (Software), Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Data Visualization Software, Data Presentation, Business Reporting, Graphing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
356 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
University of California, Davis
Visual Analytics with Tableau
Skills you'll gain: Data Mapping, Data Visualization Software, Tableau Software, Graphing, Histogram, Scatter Plots, Tree Maps, Data Visualization, Statistical Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Geospatial Mapping, Heat Maps, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Business Analytics and Information Economics
Skills you'll gain: Business Analytics, Data Presentation, Analytics, Data Analysis, Business Intelligence, Business Valuation, Data Quality, Asset Management, Information Management, Advanced Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Big Data, Predictive Analytics, Management Information Systems, Data Strategy, Data Warehousing, Digital Assets, Data Science, Information Privacy, Data Governance
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
389 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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, Data Processing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
312 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
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
University at Buffalo
Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Data Literacy, Data Ethics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Analytics, Root Cause Analysis, Lean Methodologies, Six Sigma Methodology, Operational Efficiency, Operational Excellence, ISO 9000 Series, Process Improvement, Decision Making, Quality Management Systems, Data Security, Internet Of Things
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
117 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
31 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
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
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Supply Chain Analytics Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Supplier Performance Management, Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Job Analysis, Inventory and Warehousing, Demand Planning, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Logistics, Financial Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: AI skills
Meta
Meta Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Paid media, Social Media Management, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Marketing Analytics, Target Audience, Content Creation, Instagram, Marketing Budgets, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Campaigns, Campaign Management, Marketing Effectiveness, Online Advertising, Marketing, Performance Analysis, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Goal Setting, Advertising, Presentations
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
21K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months