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
Databases for Data Scientists
Skills you'll gain: Databases, Data Management, SQL, Database Design, Database Administration, Data Model, Database Theory, PostgreSQL, Critical Thinking, Database Application, Problem Solving, Data Analysis, Data Structures, Decision Making, Big Data, NoSQL, Data Science, Data Warehousing
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Duke University
Python, Bash and SQL Essentials for Data Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Data Management, Data Structures, Cloud Applications, Databases, Software Engineering Tools, SQL, Exploratory Data Analysis, Operating Systems, Amazon Web Services, Data Analysis, Extract, Transform, Load, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Platforms, DevOps, Machine Learning, Problem Solving, Small Data, Big Data, Computational Logic, Linux, Database Application, Cloud Computing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
391 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google Cloud
Google Cloud Database Engineer
Skills you'll gain: Databases, Cloud Computing, Google Cloud Platform, Data Management, Cloud Platforms, Database Administration, Database Application, SQL, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Storage, Data Analysis, Google App Engine, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
49K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google Cloud
Data Engineering, Big Data, and Machine Learning on GCP
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Cloud Platforms, Google Cloud Platform, Data Management, Apache, Big Data, Cloud Storage, SQL, Data Warehousing, Feature Engineering, Human Learning, Machine Learning, Python Programming, Statistical Programming, Tensorflow
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Corporate Finance
Skills you'll gain: Accounting, Budget Management, Finance, General Accounting, Cost Accounting, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Strategy and Operations
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Python and Statistics for Financial Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Basic Descriptive Statistics, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Finance, Financial Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Python Programming, Statistical Analysis, General Statistics, Probability Distribution, Data Visualization
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Toronto
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Geovisualization, Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, GIS Software, Data Analysis Software, Data Visualization Software, Data Model, Data Management, Databases, Statistical Analysis, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Mergers & Acquisitions
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Biostatistics in Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Biostatistics, General Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Tests, Data Analysis, Regression, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Critical Thinking, Estimation, Probability Distribution, Data Visualization, Problem Solving
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Duke University
Inferential Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, General Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Tests, Statistical Analysis, Probability Distribution, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Problem Solving, Statistical Programming, Statistical Visualization
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Practical Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Human Learning, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Machine Learning, Machine Learning Software, R Programming
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Amazon Web Services
Architecting Solutions on AWS
Skills you'll gain: Amazon Web Services, Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Cloud Applications, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Management, Cloud Platforms, Cloud-Based Integration, Database Design, Data Analysis, Software Architecture, Data Visualization
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
381 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Washington
Data Science at Scale
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning, Python Programming, Big Data, SQL, Cloud Computing, Computer Programming, R Programming
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
913 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months