What is a decision tree?

A decision tree describes a flowchart or algorithm that analyzes the pathway toward making a decision. The basic flow of a decision based on data starts at a single node and moves through branches into two or more directions, giving the appearance of a tree, so to speak. Each branch offers a different possible outcome, depending on the decisions made and random events that occur. A decision tree is often used in data science and data analytics, but can also be used in evaluating decision-making processes in other areas of a company, like human resources, operations, and inventory management.

Why is it important to learn about decision trees?

Decision trees are important because they serve to make visual these complex data parts into manageable pieces of information. Humans can better understand what decisions need to be made when they flow through a decision tree. An example of a decision tree in visual form might show where each level needs to have a decision made for it. As each of the answers are chosen, this visual pathway will eventually help you to come to a decision about the initial problem. This is why decision trees are important. When used in areas like machine learning, data regression, prediction analysis, and data classification, decision trees can ramp up the capacity to tackle complicated decision tasks.

What types of jobs can you get by learning decision trees?

Typical jobs that use decision trees include data integration developer, data scientist, decision tree analysis expert, automation development manager, and similar roles that seek to organize and manage data flows. These jobs are often aligned with software programming jobs, so learning about programming can help to better understand the data analysis needed in decision tree work. Decision trees are also used in other work areas, like operations and HR, so learning decision trees may be able to help you work in these functions as well.

How can online courses help me learn about decision trees?

When you take an online course to learn about decision trees, you might learn to think more analytically about the decision-making process and the steps involved in looking at different angles of a problem. You may also learn about the basic steps to visualizing a problem, and how to use sets of data to do that. Taking online courses to learn decision trees may also prepare you for eventual interest in machine learning models using top industry tools.

What are the benefits of taking an online Decision Tree course?

Online Decision Tree courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Decision Tree skills. Choose from a wide range of Decision Tree courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Decision Tree courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Decision Tree, 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 .

Best Decision Tree Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Decision Tree Course Catalog

Coursera Project Network
Decision Tree Classifier for Beginners in R
Skills you'll gain: Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Decision Tree Learning, Predictive Modeling, Data Manipulation, Statistical Modeling, R Programming, Supervised Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Multiple educators
Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Unsupervised Learning, Supervised Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Jupyter, Data Ethics, Decision Tree Learning, Tensorflow, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Artificial Intelligence, NumPy, Predictive Modeling, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Random Forest Algorithm, Feature Engineering
Build toward a degree
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
34K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, IBM Cloud
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Machine Learning with Python
Skills you'll gain: Unsupervised Learning, Supervised Learning, Regression Analysis, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Applied Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Dimensionality Reduction, Python Programming, Statistical Analysis, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Feature Engineering
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Excel Formulas, Extract, Transform, Load, Power BI, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Copilot, Data Modeling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Star Schema, Data Presentation, Data Visualization Software, Spreadsheet Software, Data Validation, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Transformation, Data Cleansing, Data Analysis, SQL
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.5K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
DeepLearning.AI
Advanced Learning Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Ethics, Decision Tree Learning, Tensorflow, Artificial Intelligence, Supervised Learning, Deep Learning, Random Forest Algorithm, Artificial Neural Networks, Performance Tuning
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
7.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
Google
The Path to Insights: Data Models and Pipelines
Skills you'll gain: Data Modeling, Extract, Transform, Load, Database Design, Data Pipelines, Data Warehousing, Database Systems, Business Intelligence, Performance Testing, Data Mart, Process Optimization, Quality Assurance, Data Transformation, Data Lakes, Data Management, Data Quality, Data Validation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
647 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Agentic AI and AI Agents for Leaders
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, Generative AI, Workflow Management, Agentic systems, Productivity, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), AI Personalization, Business Process Automation, Personalized Service, Large Language Modeling, Automation, Business Transformation, Expense Management, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Technology Strategies, Productivity Software
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
DeepLearning.AI
Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification
Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Jupyter, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Machine Learning, NumPy, Predictive Modeling, Feature Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Python Programming, Regression Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Statistical Modeling
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
29K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Decision-Making and Scenarios
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Modeling, Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Analytics, Financial Forecasting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Analysis, Return On Investment, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Risk Analysis, Cash Flows, Spreadsheet Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Stanford University
Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making, Mathematical Modeling, Graph Theory, Bayesian Statistics, Behavioral Economics, Probability, Economics, Problem Solving, Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Skills you'll gain: Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Creativity, Organizational Effectiveness, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Solutions, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Professional Development, Root Cause Analysis, Personal Development, Critical Thinking, Adaptability, Analysis, Analytical Skills
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks