Business analytics courses explore how to analyze data to inform business decisions. You’ll learn about data visualization, statistical methods, and predictive modeling, often utilizing tools like Excel, Tableau, and SQL. Topics may also include key performance indicators (KPIs) and techniques for creating dashboards that present insights clearly.

University of Pennsylvania
Beginner · Specialization

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Excel Formulas, Microsoft Power Platform, Business Process Modeling, User Story, Business Requirements, Stakeholder Management, Data Modeling, Process Modeling, Microsoft Excel, Software Development Life Cycle, Requirements Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Quality Management, Diagram Design, Power BI, Pivot Tables And Charts, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Power Automate/Flow, Business Analysis, Data Analysis
★ 4.6 (1.6K) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Board Infinity
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Dashboard, Dashboard Creation, Data Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Transformation, Data Presentation, Performance Tuning, Data Storytelling, Tableau Software, Data Manipulation, User Accounts, Data Warehousing, Data Security, SQL, Database Architecture and Administration, Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis
★ 3.3 (52) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Business Analysis Tools, Gap Analysis, Requirements Analysis, Business Analytics, Business Requirements, Business Process, Process Analysis, Systems Analysis, Analysis, Digital Transformation, Performance Improvement, Stakeholder Engagement, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Microsoft Excel, Stakeholder Communications, Technology Strategies
★ 4.6 (493) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Data Storytelling, Business Analysis Tools, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Process Optimization, Requirements Management, Prompt Engineering, Business Requirements, Process Modeling, Process Improvement and Optimization, Data Presentation, Process Analysis, Data Modeling, Excel Formulas, Responsible AI, Business Process Modeling, Business Analytics, Data Analysis
★ 4.7 (15K) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, Data Storytelling, Marketing Analytics, Data Visualization, Business Analytics, Data-Driven Marketing, Accounting, Responsible AI, Data Management, Internal Controls, Classification Algorithms, Internal Auditing, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Analytical Skills, Data Preprocessing, Business Analysis, Analytics, Data Analysis, Power BI, Machine Learning
★ 4.6 (1.2K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Rmarkdown, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Ggplot2, R (Software), Tableau Software, Sampling (Statistics), Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Communications, Data Processing, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), File Management, Web Presence, Data Structures, Interviewing Skills
★ 4.8 (183K) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Process Modeling, Business Process, Business Analysis, Process Management, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Analysis, Computer Literacy
★ 4.5 (7.7K) · Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Regression Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Business Analytics, Risk Analysis, Business Modeling, Risk Management, Resource Allocation, Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Methods, Model Optimization
★ 4.8 (4.1K) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Management, Business Analysis, Project Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Analysis, Risk Management
★ 4.7 (1.1K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

ESSEC Business School
Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Business Analytics, Forecasting, Peer Review, Statistical Methods, Data Presentation, Customer Analysis, Case Studies, R (Software), Information Technology, Presentations, Analytics, Digital Transformation, Advanced Analytics, Marketing Strategies, Complex Problem Solving, Analysis, R Programming, Data Analysis
★ 4.4 (1.3K) · Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Regression Analysis, Network Model, Resource Allocation, Operations Research, Excel Macros, Microsoft Excel, Business Analytics, Decision Making, Risk Analysis, Simulation and Simulation Software, Business Modeling, Risk Management, Mathematical Modeling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Transportation, Supply Chain, and Logistics, Excel Formulas, Business, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis
★ 4.8 (4.1K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Start with what you want to do. If you want to analyze customer data for marketing strategies, choose courses focusing on customer segmentation, predictive analytics, and A/B testing. If you want to use Python for data analysis, check for courses that cover Python libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and data visualization techniques.
Top-rated Business Analytics courses offered by Microsoft on Coursera.
Earn a certificate in Business Analytics from top universities and companies.
Top-rated beginner-friendly Business Analytics courses with no prerequisites.
Business analytics refers to the practice of using data analysis and statistical methods to inform business decisions. It involves collecting, processing, and analyzing data to uncover insights that can drive strategic initiatives and improve operational efficiency. The importance of business analytics lies in its ability to help organizations make data-driven decisions, optimize processes, and enhance customer experiences. By leveraging analytics, businesses can identify trends, forecast outcomes, and ultimately gain a competitive edge in their respective markets.‎
A variety of job opportunities exist in the field of business analytics. Common roles include business analyst, data analyst, data scientist, and analytics consultant. These positions often require individuals to interpret complex data sets, create reports, and provide actionable insights to stakeholders. Additionally, roles such as marketing analyst and operations analyst focus on specific areas within organizations, utilizing analytics to improve strategies and performance. As businesses increasingly rely on data, the demand for skilled professionals in business analytics continues to grow.‎
To succeed in business analytics, several key skills are essential. Proficiency in data analysis tools and programming languages, such as Python or R, is crucial for manipulating and analyzing data. Additionally, a strong understanding of statistical methods and data visualization techniques will help in presenting findings effectively. Familiarity with business concepts and the ability to communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders are also important. Developing these skills will empower you to make informed decisions based on data.‎
There are numerous online courses available for those interested in business analytics. Some highly regarded options include the Business Analytics Specialization and the SAS Visual Business Analytics Professional Certificate. These programs cover essential topics and provide practical experience, making them suitable for learners at various levels. Exploring these courses can help you build a solid foundation in business analytics.‎
Yes. You can start learning business analytics on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in business analytics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Business analytics courses typically cover a range of topics, including data analysis techniques, statistical methods, data visualization, and business intelligence. You may also encounter subjects such as predictive analytics, data mining, and decision-making frameworks. These courses aim to equip you with the skills necessary to analyze data effectively and make informed business decisions.‎
For training and upskilling employees in business analytics, courses like the Business Analytics Specialization and the Advanced Business Analytics Specialization are excellent choices. These programs provide comprehensive training that can enhance the analytical capabilities of your workforce, enabling them to leverage data for improved decision-making and strategic planning.‎