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 Michigan
Survey Data Collection and Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Sample Size Determination, Surveys, Survey Creation, Research Methodologies, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Software, Interviewing Skills, Data Integration, Data Ethics, Research Design, Stata, R Programming, Data Quality, Statistical Modeling, Qualitative Research, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Programming, Data Cleansing
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM AI Foundations for Business
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Data Literacy, Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Big Data, Information Architecture, Strategic Decision-Making, Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Computing, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Data Science, Deep Learning, Digital Transformation, Data Strategy, Business Strategy, Business Process Automation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
94K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, SQL, Descriptive Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistics, Data Visualization, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Web Scraping, Relational Databases, Stored Procedure, Databases, Computer Programming Tools, Automation, Data Analysis Software, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
71K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Illinois Tech
Data Analytics and Big Data
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Relational Databases, Database Systems, Database Management, NoSQL, Database Theory, Databases, Machine Learning Algorithms, SQL, Database Development, Big Data, Apache Hadoop, Database Management Systems, MySQL, Transaction Processing, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Apache Spark, Data Modeling
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Fractal Analytics
Generative AI for Business - A Leaders' Handbook
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Business Leadership, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Strategic Leadership, Business Marketing, Business Transformation, Deep Learning, Business Strategy, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Technical Consulting, Data Governance, Customer Engagement, Product Development, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Python and Statistics for Financial Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Statistical Methods, Pandas (Python Package), Probability & Statistics, Risk Analysis, Financial Trading, Financial Data, Data Manipulation, Statistical Analysis, Regression Analysis, Financial Analysis, Jupyter, Financial Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Data Engineering
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Data Warehousing, Apache Hadoop, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Web Scraping, Linux Commands, Database Design, SQL, IBM Cognos Analytics, MySQL, Apache Spark, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Data Store, Jupyter, Generative AI, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
58K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Applying Data Analytics in Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Internal Controls, Data Visualization, Robotic Process Automation, Accounting and Finance Software, Auditing, Internal Auditing, Alteryx, Financial Auditing, Accounting, Business Process Automation, Analytics, Automation, Text Mining, R Programming, Blockchain, Natural Language Processing, Process Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
66 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Applied Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Plotly, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, Seaborn, Data Import/Export, Predictive Modeling, Web Scraping, Automation, Data Science, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
58K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Customer experience strategy (CX), Performance Measurement, Data-Driven Decision-Making, E-Commerce, Marketing Strategies, Digital Marketing, Branding, Marketing Channel, Marketing Analytics, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Target Audience
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
28K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Data Engineering Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Database Design, SQL, MySQL, Data Transformation, Data Store, Extract, Transform, Load, IBM DB2, Relational Databases, Data Architecture, Jupyter, Data Pipelines, Big Data, Data Warehousing, Data Governance, Data Manipulation, Stored Procedure, Databases, Automation, Python Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
56K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions
Skills you'll gain: Spreadsheet Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Data Presentation, Business Analysis, Expectation Management, Quantitative Research, Communication
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
34K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks