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 at Buffalo
Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM)
Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Strategy and Operations, Business Process Management, Data Management, Leadership and Management, Decision Making, Performance Management, Process Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Visualization Software
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
403 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 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, Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
441 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Yonsei University
Intro to International Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Marketing, Strategy, Brand Management, Customer Analysis, Customer Relationship Management, Market Analysis, Marketing Design, Product Strategy, Leadership and Management, Strategy and Operations
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
999 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Exploring and Producing Data for Business Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Basic Descriptive Statistics, Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Decision Making, General Statistics, Microsoft Excel
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
LearnQuest
Ethics in the Age of AI
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Algorithms, Data Model, Human Computer Interaction, Computational Thinking, Data Management, Strategy and Operations, General Statistics, Process Analysis, Security Engineering, System Security, Theoretical Computer Science
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
610 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Precalculus through Data and Modelling
Skills you'll gain: Mathematics, Algebra, Problem Solving, Calculus, Critical Thinking, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Linear Algebra, Plot (Graphics), Applied Mathematics, Data Model, Regression, Angular, Geometry, Data Analysis, Graph Theory
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
287 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
ESG Impact: Investor Perspective
Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis, Investment Management, Leadership and Management, Risk Management, Business Research, Decision Making, Business Analysis, Finance, Market Analysis, Strategy and Operations
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
220 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Vital Skills for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Security Strategy, Data Visualization, Algorithms, Communication, Cryptography, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Exploratory Data Analysis, Problem Solving, Professional Development
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
100 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California San Diego
Designing, Running, and Analyzing Experiments
Skills you'll gain: Probability & Statistics, Experiment, Statistical Tests, R Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, General Statistics, Probability Distribution, Regression, Statistical Analysis
3.6
Rating, 3.6 out of 5 stars
590 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to R Programming and Tidyverse
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Data Visualization, Programming Principles, R Programming, Statistical Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Data Structures, Data Analysis
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Tecnológico de Monterrey
¿Cómo funcionan las marcas?
Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Leadership and Management, Strategy, Communication, Strategy and Operations, Data Analysis, Data Analysis Software, Design and Product, Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Marketing
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
111 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to the Tidyverse
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, R Programming, Database Design, Leadership and Management, Programming Principles, Database Theory, Databases, Data Visualization
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months