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

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Mejores Decisiones con Business Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Data Mining, Business Analytics, Data Presentation, Predictive Analytics, Business Intelligence, Forecasting, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Trend Analysis, Decision Making
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
University of Minnesota
Analytics Project Ideation
Skills you'll gain: Predictive Analytics, Simulations, Exploratory Data Analysis, Experimentation, Research Design, Business Analytics, Operations Research, Project Design, Simulation and Simulation Software, Customer Analysis, A/B Testing, Data Mining, Business Analysis, Analytical Skills, Ideation, Sprint Planning, Advanced Analytics, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Process Mapping
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
AI For Business
Skills you'll gain: AI Personalization, Generative AI, Data Ethics, HR Tech, Data Governance, Big Data, Machine Learning, Personally Identifiable Information, Data Security, Governance, Business Strategy, Human Resources, Organizational Strategy, Customer Data Management, Credit Risk, Risk Management, Tensorflow, Personalized Service, Data-Driven Decision-Making, People Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University at Buffalo
Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Data Literacy, Data Ethics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Analytics, Root Cause Analysis, Lean Methodologies, Six Sigma Methodology, Operational Efficiency, Operational Excellence, ISO 9000 Series, Process Improvement, Decision Making, Quality Management Systems, Data Security, Internet Of Things
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
118 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Generative AI for Data Scientists
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Feature Engineering, Predictive Modeling, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Data Storytelling, Program Development, Data Modeling, Data Presentation, Data Synthesis, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Image Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Google
Data Analysis with R Programming
Skills you'll gain: Rmarkdown, Ggplot2, R Programming, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Tidyverse (R Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistical Programming, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Programming Principles, Data Transformation, Integrated Development Environments, Data Structures
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
IBM
Generative AI for Digital Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Digital Advertising, Email Marketing, OpenAI, Digital Marketing, Marketing Automation, AI Personalization, Marketing Analytics, Advertising Campaigns, Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Content Creation, Keyword Research, Search Engine Optimization, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Copywriting, Image Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Generative AI for Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Interactive Data Visualization, Business Intelligence, Data Presentation, Infographics, OpenAI, Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, SQL, Data Analysis, Image Analysis, Content Creation, Business Ethics, Virtual Environment, Natural Language Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Data Presentation, Productivity, Document Management, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Risk Management Framework, Microsoft Excel, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Problem Solving, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Information Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI Automation
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Data Presentation, Productivity, Generative AI, Document Management, Data Synthesis, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Artificial Intelligence, OpenAI, Large Language Modeling, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Risk Management Framework, Computer Vision, Microsoft Excel
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Analysis, Data Presentation, Ggplot2, Program Evaluation, Policy Analysis, Surveys, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Tidyverse (R Package), Statistical Visualization, R Programming, Statistical Methods, Public Policies, Data Visualization Software, Demography, Political Sciences, Public Administration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
75 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Prompt Engineering, Data Presentation, ChatGPT, Data Synthesis, Microsoft Excel, Productivity, Infographics, Document Management, SQL, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualization, Data Cleansing, Large Language Modeling, Data Import/Export, Statistical Reporting, Data Integration, Data Transformation, Data Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months