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

Status: Free Trial
Fractal Analytics
Generative AI in User Research and Design Thinking
Skills you'll gain: User Research, Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, User Experience Design, Generative AI, Data Synthesis, User Centered Design, Artificial Intelligence, Persona (User Experience), User Flows, Customer Insights, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Collection, Business Ethics, Strategic Decision-Making
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Fractal Analytics
Successful AI Strategies: A CEO's Perspective
Skills you'll gain: Business Leadership, Generative AI, Business Strategy, Data Strategy, Business Transformation, Strategic Decision-Making, Organizational Strategy, Technology Strategies, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Human Resources, Human Centered Design, Data Quality, Design Thinking, Governance, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Data Analytics Methods for Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Analytics, Marketing Effectiveness, A/B Testing, Target Audience, Marketing Strategies, Marketing, Marketing Planning, Sales Pipelines, Customer Analysis, Marketing Channel, Advertising Campaigns, Regression Analysis, Forecasting, Unsupervised Learning, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Return On Investment
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
264 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Prompt Engineering, Microsoft Excel, Data Cleansing, Excel Formulas, Pivot Tables And Charts, Microsoft Copilot, Dashboard, Forecasting, Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Data Processing, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Predictive Modeling, Data Quality, Statistical Analysis, Data Transformation, Data Analysis
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
93 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Business Analytics with R
Skills you'll gain: Tidyverse (R Package), Data Processing, Business Analytics, Data Transformation, Business Intelligence, Data Manipulation, Data Management, R Programming, Data Presentation, Data Analysis, Statistical Programming, Technical Communication, Data-Driven Decision-Making
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
285 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Analyze Data to Answer Questions
Skills you'll gain: Data Validation, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Analytics, Data Manipulation, Excel Formulas, Data Compilation, Pivot Tables And Charts, SQL, Data Integration, Data Transformation, User Feedback
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Business Analytics and Information Economics
Skills you'll gain: Business Analytics, Data Presentation, Analytics, Data Analysis, Business Intelligence, Business Valuation, Data Quality, Asset Management, Information Management, Advanced Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Big Data, Predictive Analytics, Management Information Systems, Data Strategy, Data Warehousing, Digital Assets, Data Science, Information Privacy, Data Governance
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
389 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
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
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Data Visualization, Data Collection, Data Quality, Business Analytics, Data Visualization Software, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Communication, R Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
628 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Communicating Business Analytics Results
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Data Visualization, Business Analytics, Data Visualization Software, Presentations, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Statistical Reporting, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Analysis, Technical Communication, Communication
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
517 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization
Skills you'll gain: Tableau Software, Data Visualization Software, Excel Macros, Analytics, Analytical Skills, Pivot Tables And Charts, Accounting Systems, Business Analytics, Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet Software, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Regression Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
442 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Gender Analytics for Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Diversity Awareness, Diversity and Inclusion, Innovation, Analysis, Design Thinking, Sociology, Market Opportunities, Social Justice, Data Ethics, Risk Mitigation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
313 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks