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

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)
Competitive Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Game Theory, Strategic Thinking, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Partnership, Product Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, New Product Development, Market Analysis, Innovation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Dimensionality Reduction, Unsupervised Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Markov Model, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Statistical Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Precision Medicine, Biology, Pharmacology, Algorithms, Infectious Diseases, Data Mining
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Biostatistics in Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Biostatistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Methods, Statistical Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Epidemiology, Medical Science and Research, Quantitative Research, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Data Literacy, Probability Distribution, Scientific Methods, Data Analysis, Public Health, Probability & Statistics, Advanced Analytics, Statistical Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Imperial College London
Statistical Analysis with R for Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills, Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Literacy, Data Analysis, R Programming, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Software, Biostatistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Programming, Statistics, Statistical Methods, Public Health, Probability & Statistics, Epidemiology, Statistical Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Davis
Google SEO Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Search Engine Optimization, Web Analytics and SEO, Keyword Research, Content Strategy, Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Content Performance Analysis, Content Creation, Artificial Intelligence, User Experience
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
AI Fundamentals for Non-Data Scientists
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Big Data, Machine Learning, Customer Data Management, Tensorflow, Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Algorithms, Process Optimization, Data Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
711 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Universidad Austral
Excel aplicado a los negocios (Nivel Avanzado)
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Business Analysis, Data Validation, Business Analytics, Data Import/Export, Data Maintenance, Process Optimization, Data Analysis Software, Business Modeling, Automation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Introduction to Scripting in Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization Software, Plot (Graphics), Package and Software Management, Python Programming, Programming Principles, Data Processing, Data Mapping, Data Manipulation, Software Installation, Development Environment, Data Structures, File Management, Scripting, Data Storage, Data Import/Export, Program Development, Data Integration, Data Analysis, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Econometrics: Methods and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Econometrics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Quantitative Research, Statistical Modeling, Statistics, Predictive Analytics, Probability, Linear Algebra, Peer Review
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
SQL Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Data Cleansing, Feature Engineering, A/B Testing, Data Quality, SQL, Data Manipulation, Data Integrity, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Data Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Business Metrics
3.3
Rating, 3.3 out of 5 stars
995 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
Packt
Python for Finance: Investment Fundamentals & Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Capital Budgeting, Financial Modeling, Regression Analysis, Financial Analysis, Investment Management, Risk Analysis, Trend Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Python Programming, Simulations, Jupyter, Data Manipulation
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months