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 Minnesota
Analytics for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Decision Making, Business Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, General Statistics, Mathematics, Spreadsheet Software, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Algebra, Forecasting, Linear Algebra, Microsoft Excel, Plot (Graphics), Probability Distribution, Regression, Leadership and Management, Statistical Machine Learning, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Strategy and Operations, Operations Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
235 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Virginia
Product Analytics and AI
Skills you'll gain: Agile Software Development, Customer Analysis, Data Analysis, Design and Product, Leadership and Management, Product Development, Product Management, Project Management, Research and Design, User Experience
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
463 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Amsterdam
Data Analytics for Lean Six Sigma
Skills you'll gain: Probability & Statistics, Data Visualization, General Statistics, Statistical Visualization, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Correlation And Dependence, Data Analysis, Statistical Tests, Minitab
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google
Analyze Data to Answer Questions
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Microsoft Excel, SQL, Spreadsheet Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Data Analytics for Business
Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Management, Data Model, Databases, Business Intelligence, Data Structures, Database Application, Extract, Transform, Load, SQL
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google
Assess for Success: Marketing Analytics and Measurement
Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Marketing Management, Data Analysis, Media Strategy & Planning, Data Management, Market Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Macquarie University
Excel Skills for Data Analytics and Visualization
Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis Software, Data Management, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Visualization, Data Model, Data Structures, Data Visualization Software, Database Design, Interactive Design, Plot (Graphics), Visual Design, Big Data, Power BI, Leadership and Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.4K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Sports Performance Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Python Programming, Statistical Analysis, General Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Programming, Regression, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Tests, Basic Descriptive Statistics, Computer Programming, Machine Learning Algorithms
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
245 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Meta
Introduction to Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Communication, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Data Management, Data Visualization, Databases, Marketing, Python Programming, SQL, Statistical Programming, Storytelling, Tableau Software
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
565 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accounting Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Machine Learning, Computer Programming, Data Visualization, Probability & Statistics, Regression, Plot (Graphics), Accounting, General Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Algorithms, Databases, Machine Learning Algorithms, SQL, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Architecture, Microsoft Excel
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
547 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Digital Marketing Analytics in Theory
Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Digital Marketing, Market Analysis, Marketing, Big Data, Customer Analysis, Customer Relationship Management, Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Process Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Duke University
Business Metrics for Data-Driven Companies
Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Decision Making
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months