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 Colorado Boulder
Everyday Excel, Part 1
Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Analysis Software, Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet Software, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Data Management, Mathematics, Data Visualization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
FinTech: Finance Industry Transformation and Regulation
Skills you'll gain: FinTech, Finance, Risk Management, Banking, Leadership and Management, Innovation, Regulations and Compliance, BlockChain, E-Commerce, Financial Analysis, Business Process Management, Data Analysis, Payments, Business Development, Computer Security Incident Management, Financial Accounting, Human Factors (Security)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
830 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Estadística y probabilidad
Skills you'll gain: General Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Probability Distribution, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Tests, Statistical Visualization, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, Mathematics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Performance
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Java Programming, Problem Solving, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Software Engineering
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Applied Social Network Analysis in Python
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Network Analysis, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Network Model, Computer Networking, Network Architecture, Exploratory Data Analysis, Visualization (Computer Graphics)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Reproducible Research
Skills you'll gain: Communication, Computer Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Knitr, Process Analysis, Programming Principles, R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Tally Education and Distribution Services Private Limited
Tally Bookkeeper
Skills you'll gain: Accounting Software, Accounting, Finance, Financial Accounting, General Accounting, Data Management, Taxes, Billing & Invoicing, Cash Management, Cost Accounting, Inventory Management, Supply Chain and Logistics, Financial Management, Payments, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Financial Analysis, Banking, Budget Management, Corporate Accouting, Data Architecture, Shipping and Receiving, Leadership and Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
157 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Google Cloud
Google Sheets
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Applications, Data Management, Spreadsheet Software, Business Analysis, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis, Leadership and Management, Collaboration, Exploratory Data Analysis, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
441 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
SAS
SAS Statistical Business Analyst
Skills you'll gain: SAS (Software), Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Regression, Statistical Analysis, General Statistics, Statistical Tests, Statistical Visualization, Data Model, Machine Learning, Statistical Machine Learning, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Data Mining
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
211 reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Toronto
GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Data Visualization, Geovisualization, Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Data Analysis Software, Databases, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Model, Mergers & Acquisitions
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
693 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Retail Marketing Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Brand Management, Leadership and Management, Marketing, Sales, Strategy, Strategy and Operations, Retail Sales, Retail Store Operations, Data Analysis, E-Commerce
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
253 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
The R Programming Environment
Skills you'll gain: R Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Computer Programming
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months