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 California, Davis
Introduction to Google SEO
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Analysis, Search Engine Optimization
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
10K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California San Diego
Interaction Design
Skills you'll gain: Probability & Statistics, Experiment, Statistical Tests, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, R Programming, Statistical Programming, User Experience Design, Data Analysis, General Statistics, Statistical Analysis, User Research, Visual Design, Probability Distribution, Regression, Collaboration, Human Learning
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
3.9K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fundamentals of Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Accounting, Financial Analysis, Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Leadership and Management, General Accounting, Finance, Account Management, Financial Management, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounts Payable and Receivable, Business Analysis, Decision Making, Data Analysis, Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Operations
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google Cloud
Organizational Change and Culture for Adopting Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Leadership and Management, Strategy and Operations, Cloud Computing, Business Transformation, Collaboration, DevOps, Communication, Innovation, Product Development, Strategy, Design and Product, Change Management, Business Analysis, Business Intelligence, Data Analysis, Data Management, Entrepreneurship, Google Cloud Platform, Product Management, Cloud Platforms, Operations Management, Culture, Cloud API
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Washington
Computational Neuroscience
Skills you'll gain: Mathematics, Computer Programming, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Python Programming, Computational Logic, Data Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, Linear Algebra, Machine Learning, Human Learning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Statistics with Python
Skills you'll gain: General Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Tests, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Probability Distribution, Python Programming, Statistical Visualization, Statistical Programming, Mathematics, Plot (Graphics), Regression, Estimation, Correlation And Dependence, Data Visualization, Computer Programming, Bayesian Statistics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Entrepreneurial Finance: Strategy and Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Finance, Entrepreneurial Finance, Risk Management, Probability & Statistics, R Programming, Entrepreneurship, Data Analysis, Investment Management, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Programming, Financial Analysis, Leadership and Management, BlockChain, Cryptography, FinTech, Statistical Tests, Financial Management, Algorithms, Innovation, System Security, Microsoft Excel
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Pennsylvania
Microeconomics: The Power of Markets
Skills you'll gain: Problem Solving, Market Analysis, Behavioral Economics, Business Analysis, Decision Making, Finance, Mathematics, Supply Chain and Logistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Regression Models
Skills you'll gain: Correlation And Dependence, General Statistics, Probability & Statistics, R Programming, Regression, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Data Model, Problem Solving
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Finance, Financial Analysis, Financial Management, Investment Management, Decision Making, Leadership and Management, Business Analysis, Critical Thinking, Financial Accounting, Payments, Accounting, Market Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Planning, Problem Solving, Strategy and Operations, Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Imperial College London
Statistical Analysis with R for Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, General Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Tests, R Programming, Regression, Biostatistics, Statistical Programming, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Critical Thinking, Correlation And Dependence, Probability Distribution, Epidemiology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Duke University
Linear Regression and Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, General Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Regression, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Tests, Correlation And Dependence, Plot (Graphics), Problem Solving, R Programming
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks