What is probability theory?

Probability theory is a division of the mathematics field that's focused on analyzing random or uncertain distributions and phenomena. It doesn't predict a specific outcome from the data that's offered, but it tells analysts several different potential outcomes. It does this by applying mathematical equations to predict the things that may happen as a result of the information. Probability theory offers a scientific process that can be used to make an educated guess as to the most likely outcome, or event.

Why is it important to learn about probability theory?

It's important to learn about probability theory because it can help improve your critical thinking skills. It can also help you make better decisions and help you with taking control of potential outcomes and risks. This can be beneficial in both your professional career and in your everyday life. If you're interested in a career in science, probability theory is a vital part of scientific reasoning that you'll use frequently in your career. It's also an interesting topic to learn about and to discuss with peers.

How can taking online courses on Coursera help me learn probability theory?

Taking online courses on Coursera can help you learn probability theory by presenting each step of the learning process in a logical order that you can pass through from beginner-level courses through intermediate and advanced courses. If you already have an understanding of data science and advanced math skills, you move right to the courses you need to upgrade or refresh your skills. You also can take the courses at your own pace, so you're never rushed, and you can make sure you have a solid understanding of each concept before progressing to the next.

How do I know if learning probability theory is right for me?

If you're a highly analytical person who enjoys mathematics, probability theory may be right for you. It's also right for you if your goal is to work in the field of data science, statistical analysis, or data manipulation. Additionally, it's a useful study area if you want to work in finance or at a high-level accounting job.

What are the benefits of taking an online Probability Theory course?

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

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

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Probability Theory, 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 Probability Theory Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Probability Theory Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Probability Theory: Foundation for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Probability, Probability & Statistics, Probability Distribution, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Methods, Correlation Analysis, Data Science, Statistical Inference, Descriptive Statistics
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
254 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Zurich
An Intuitive Introduction to Probability
Skills you'll gain: Probability, Probability Distribution, Probability & Statistics, Risk Management, Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Risk Analysis, Finance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Foundations of Probability and Random Variables
Skills you'll gain: Probability Distribution, Combinatorics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Bayesian Statistics, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistical Methods, R Programming, Simulations
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Stanford University
Introduction to Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Inference, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Science, Regression Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Probability, Probability Distribution
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Introduction to Probability and Data with R
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Exploratory Data Analysis, R Programming, Bayesian Statistics, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Probability, Statistical Analysis, Quantitative Research, Statistics, Statistical Inference, Descriptive Statistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
DeepLearning.AI
Probability & Statistics for Machine Learning & Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Bayesian Statistics, Probability Distribution, Probability & Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Probability, A/B Testing, Statistics, Data Science, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Inference
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
589 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Preview
Stanford University
Introduction to Mathematical Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Deductive Reasoning, Calculus, Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, General Mathematics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Stanford University
Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Probability, Behavioral Economics, Bayesian Statistics, Problem Solving, Social Sciences
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
The University of Tokyo
Welcome to Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Social Sciences, Economics, Behavioral Economics, Socioeconomics, Strategic Decision-Making, Systems Thinking, Decision Making, Strategic Planning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Yale University
Introduction to Negotiation: A Strategic Playbook for Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator
Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Leadership, Conflict Management, Persuasive Communication, Communication, Influencing, Relationship Building, Collaboration, Game Theory, Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Agentic AI and AI Agents for Leaders
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Agentic systems, Generative AI Agents, OpenAI, Data Ethics, Organizational Leadership, AI Personalization, Business Process Automation, Technical Management, Leadership and Management, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Program Implementation, Business Transformation, Digital Transformation, Project Implementation, Application Development
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
DeepLearning.AI
Mathematics for Machine Learning and Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Bayesian Statistics, Probability Distribution, Probability & Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, A/B Testing, Statistics, Probability, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Data Science, Machine Learning Algorithms, Dimensionality Reduction, Machine Learning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months