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

University of Michigan
Questionnaire Design for Social Surveys
Skills you'll gain: Survey Creation, Data Analysis, People Analysis, Critical Thinking, Communication, Decision Making, Human Learning, Process Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
447 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Fundação Instituto de Administração
Machine Learning Aplicado ao Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Leadership and Management, Strategy, Business Analysis, Strategy and Operations, Communication, Data Management, Databases, Data Analysis Software, Big Data, Design and Product, Machine Learning
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Research Data Management and Sharing
Skills you'll gain: Data Management, Planning, Clinical Data Management, Data Analysis, Data Warehousing, Databases, Regulations and Compliance, Research and Design, Database Administration
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
698 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Functional Programming in Scala
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Scala Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Critical Thinking, Data Structures, Big Data, Algorithms, Apache, SQL
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Fundação Instituto de Administração
Introdução à Ciência e Engenharia de Dados
Skills you'll gain: Leadership and Management, Big Data, Business Analysis, Databases, Strategy, Data Analysis Software, Data Management, Strategy and Operations, Machine Learning
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Clinical Trials Operations
Skills you'll gain: Leadership and Management, Data Management, Clinical Data Management, Operations Management, Communication, Data Analysis, Recruitment, Statistical Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
423 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of New Mexico
International Business II
Skills you'll gain: Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management, Business Analysis, Strategy, Market Analysis, Marketing, Regulations and Compliance, Strategy and Operations, Supply Chain and Logistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
756 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Yonsei University
Valuation and Financial Analysis For Startups
Skills you'll gain: Finance, Accounting, Financial Analysis, Financial Management, Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Investment Management, Cash Management, Financial Accounting, Entrepreneurial Finance, Entrepreneurship
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
493 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IE Business School
Marketing Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Marketing, Market Analysis, Strategy, Marketing Management, Market Research, Product Marketing, Brand Management, Customer Analysis, Media Strategy & Planning, Product Strategy, Strategy and Operations, People Analysis, Decision Making, B2B Sales, Process Analysis, Risk Management, Data Analysis, Planning, Communication
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Minnesota
Healthcare Marketplace
Skills you'll gain: Leadership and Management, Market Research, Research and Design, Clinical Data Management, Innovation, Market Analysis, Finance, Business Analysis, Data Management, Entrepreneurship, Organizational Development, Regulations and Compliance, Risk Management, Strategy and Operations, Business Process Management, Data Analysis, Human Resources, Marketing, Payments, People Development, Product Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: [object Object]
Meta
Meta Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Marketing, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Advertising, Communication, Media Strategy & Planning, Marketing Management, Customer Analysis, Brand Management, Business Analysis, Marketing Design, Sales, Strategy and Operations, Data Analysis, General Statistics, Market Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Leadership and Management, Research and Design, Creativity, Planning, Entrepreneurship
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
20K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of London
Foundations of Data Science: K-Means Clustering in Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Programming, Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
684 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months