Top Online Data
Analytics Courses in 2021
Everything from e-commerce to bioinformatics depends on data for essential business functions. This increase in data usage has simultaneously increased the demand for data analytics experts.
If you want to learn how to become a data analyst, you should try taking an online course. These can help you learn specific skills to use in the industry and thrive as a data scientist. Read below to learn more about the top data analytics courses of 2021.
What Is Data Analytics?
Data analytics is the process of going through raw, unstructured data to find useful and conclusive information. It is an extension of the data science field. Data analytics can help businesses and organizations translate big data into actionable information.
Data analysts use algorithms to organize data, analyze information, and improve business strategies. This means that as a data analyst, you will identify customer trends and help businesses improve their overall success.
Why Study Data Analytics?
You should study data analytics if you want to work with data interpretation and programming languages. Not only is this field in high demand, but it is also a smart investment for your future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data science job opportunities are expected to grow 15 percent by 2029. This is much higher than average.
In addition to a promising career, data analysts also receive substantial compensation. According to PayScale, the average salary of a data analyst is around $61,329. This number is subject to change depending on your experience, education, and location. According to ZipRecruiter, a senior data analyst earns an average of $100,739 every year.
Along with a lucrative salary package, you can work in an array of industries as a data analyst. You can become a business analyst, sports analyst, or machine learning and big data expert.
What Do Data Analytics Courses Cover?
Data analytics courses can cover mathematics, business software, programming languages, and more. Data analysts need to know a variety of tech skills to convert raw data into valuable information. Individual courses can be the best way to learn these skills.
Data analytics online courses cover all the essential subjects you need to succeed in this field. You should enroll in a course that suits your data science background. If you have zero programming experience, start by learning Python for big data. Then you can move onto advanced data analytics courses.
Overview of the Best Online Data Analytics Courses in 2021
Refer to our top online data analytics courses below if you want to become a data analyst.
Provider and Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
---|---|---|---|
Boston University on edX Business Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making |
Free | 8 weeks, 3 to 6 hours per week | Yes, for a fee of $399 |
Duke University on Coursera Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business Specialization |
7-day free trial, then $49 per month |
7 months, 4 hours per week | Yes |
ESSEC Business School on Coursera Strategic Business Analytics Specialization |
7-day free trial, then $49 per month |
5 months, 2 hours per week | Yes |
Future Learn Data Analytics for Business |
7-day free trial, then $39 per month |
12 weeks, 4 hours per week | Yes |
Google on Coursera Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate |
7-day free trial, then $49 per month |
6 months, 10 hours per week | Yes |
Harvard Business School Online Business Analytics |
$1,600 | 8 weeks, 5 to 6 hours per week | Yes |
IBM on Coursera Data Analysis with Python |
7-day free trial, then $49 per month |
13 hours | Yes |
IBM on Coursera Introduction to Data Analytics |
7-day free trial, then $49 per month |
11 hours | Yes |
IBM on edX Data Analytics Basics for Everyone |
Free | 5 weeks, 2 to 3 hours per week | Yes, for a fee of $99 |
PwC on Coursera Data-Driven Decision Making Science |
7-day free trial, then $49 per month |
9 hours | Yes |
The University of Illinois on Coursera Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization |
7-day free trial, then $49 per month |
19 hours | Yes |
Udacity Business Analytics Nanodegree Program |
3 months for $597, or $199 per month | 3 months, 10 hours per week | Yes |
Udemy Statistics for Business Analytics and Data Science A-Z |
$129.99 (subject to change) | 6 hours | Yes |
University System of Maryland on edX Professional Certification on Transforming your Company’s Data Analytics: Championing the Digital Enterprise |
$716.40 (subject to change) | 4 months, 2 to 3 hours per week |
Yes |
Wharton Online on Coursera Business Analytics Specialization |
7-day free trial, then $49 per month | 6 months, 3 hours per week | Yes |
Top Data Analytics Courses of 2021
Since there are lots of data science courses out there, you should choose the course that resonates with your tech background the most. If you want to learn more about the best data analytics courses, read below.
Business Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making by Boston University (edX)
Because they both strive for business improvement, business analytics and data analytics are closely intertwined. This course by Boston University is perfect if you understand statistics and want to learn to apply data analysis in decision making.
The course is a two-part MicroMasters program that focuses on management. Therefore, it is a great choice if you want to become a business analyst. It covers business analytics methods, predictive models using machine learning, translating data analytics to business strategies, and more
Excel to My SQL: Analytic Techniques for Business Specialization by Duke University (Coursera)
This course offered by Duke University is meant for anyone who is new to data science. It focuses on teaching you how to use data science and analytics to make decisions. If you want to start learning data analysis for business, this is a great place to start.
The course covers data visualization, data queries, and essential analytics software. You will come out of this course having learned Tableau software, SQL, MySQL, linear regression, binary classification, and business analytics.
Strategic Business Analytics Specialization by ESSEC Business School (Coursera)
This course by ESSEC Business School is designed for those who are already a part of the data analytics industry and want to advance their career. Therefore, before you start, you need a background in SQL, R, and statistics to excel in this course.
The course is divided into four sections: business analytics, marketing analytics, case studies, and a capstone project. It covers topics such as text mining, data analysis, social network analysis, and much more. You can learn everything you need to know about business analytics.
Data Analytics for Business by Future Learn
This is an introductory course for data analytics beginners. You can learn how to use data and business analytics for real-world decision-making. It also teaches how to use Excel and SQLite for data manipulation, problem-solving, and data interpretation.
By the end of this business data analytics course, you will be proficient in data analysis, statistics, and database tools. This is a great option if you want to learn the basics of data analysis for businesses.
Google Data Analytics Professional Certification by Google (Coursera)
If you are looking for a course that will get you job-ready within a short time frame, then this professional certification course by Google is for you. It is designed for beginners and covers all the essential data analytics topics and skills.
You will learn the duties of a junior data analyst and how to conduct analysis using R, Tableau, and SQL. In addition, you will also learn data cleansing, data visualization, metadata, data ethics, data collection, and decision making.
Business Analytics by Harvard Business School Online
This is a highly reputed eight-week business analytics course offered by Harvard Business School. It will help you use data analytics in real-world decision-making. The course covers everything from basic statistical analysis to regression analysis.
You will learn business intelligence, business analysis, regression analysis, variable analysis, and more. The course also provides career development guidance to help you excel in this field. If you want a course that will look good on your resume, this is a great choice.
Data Analysis with Python by IBM (Coursera)
To become a successful data analyst or even a data scientist, it is important to master Python. This course by IBM teaches you everything you need to know about this programming language. You will learn everything from the foundations of Python to best practices for analyzing data with it.
This course also covers data visualization, statistical analysis, trends prediction, and predictive modeling using Python. By the end of the course, you will be able to build data pipelines and regression models using machine learning.
Introduction to Data Analytics by IBM (Coursera)
If you are completely new to data analytics and want to learn its foundations, then this course is for you. Introduction to Data Analytics by IBM can teach you the differences between data science professions and the specifics of data analytics.
This course will cover analytics tools, the basics of data mining, and the overall data ecosystem. Once you complete this course, you can choose to enroll in IBM’s Data Analyst Professional Certification to learn more about this field. This is a good option if you know you want to get certified later on.
Data Analytics Basics for Everyone by IBM (edX)
For those looking to learn the basics of data analytics, this IBM course is a great choice. This course is similar to the Introduction to Data Analytics course offered by IBM. It covers the foundations of data analytics, the difference between data science careers, data mining, and more.
This data analytics course is completely free. This makes it a great choice if you want to start learning data analytics without breaking the bank. If you want to learn more about data analytics without commitment, try Data Analytics Basics for Everyone.
Data-Driven Decision Making by PwC (Coursera)
This course by PwC focuses on elaborating what the field of data analytics is all about. So, if you are wanting to understand how data analytics is used for decision-making in businesses, then this course is for you.
Data-Driven Decision Making covers big data, decision-making processes, data visualization, and more. You will learn everything you need to know about how to use data to make informed business decisions.
Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization by The University of Illinois (Coursera)
This course is the first of a four-part data analytics specialization program offered by the University of Illinois. It can teach you how to use accounting as part of data analytics. It covers everything you need to know, like financial statement data, data visualization, data architecture, predictive analysis, and more.
In this course, you will learn many different data analytics and visualization tools. These include Python, R, and Tableau. Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization is an ideal course to start your education as a data analyst.
Business Analytics Nanodegree Program by Udacity
If you’re interested in getting a more comprehensive data analytics education, this program from Udacity might be right for you. In only three months, you can learn the same skills you could acquire with a degree program.
This course will teach you how to use data and analysis for decision-making across industries. You will learn to use Excel, SQL, and Tableau to analyze and visualize data. You don’t need any previous experience to start this program.
Statistics for Business Analytics and Data Science A-Z by Udemy
This course by Udemy teaches you the basics of statistics and statistical analysis in business. Like other courses on this list, Statistics for Business Analytics and Data Science can help you use data analysis to make informed business decisions.
This course covers an array of statistical subjects, including the central limit theorem, t-scores, and t-tables, normal distribution, and more. It can take you from a beginner to an expert in business data analysis.
Transforming Your Company’s Data Analytics: Championing the Digital Enterprise by University System of Maryland (edX)
Data is one of the core elements that can help transform and improve a digital enterprise. This course teaches you how to analyze data for this purpose. You will learn how to integrate information systems with business analytics and get accurate information on market trends.
This course is ideal for managers, business owners, and anyone who wants to learn how to transform their organization by using data analytics and big data. If you want to help your business thrive, this course is perfect for you.
Business Analytics Specialization by Wharton Online (Coursera)
In partnership with Coursera, Wharton is offering this beginner specialization course. It can teach you how to use big data and analysis for businesses. You will learn to use data analytics for many industries including human resources, marketing, finance, and operations.
By the end of the course, you will be proficient in customer analytics, decision trees, regression analysis, talent management, predictive analytics, and more. This Business Analytics Specialization will teach you everything you need to know on the subject.
Choosing the Right Course
Every data analytics course is different, and you should choose which is right for you. Read below to learn more about different factors that can help you decide.
Background Skills
This is the most important aspect to take into consideration when choosing a course. Data analytics consists of a variety of tech and non-tech fields, and online courses are designed to cater to an audience with a specific background.
So, if you have zero understanding of data analytics, you should enroll in courses that teach the basics. Similarly, if you already have a foundational background in the field, enroll in courses that specialize in your area of choice. You can always start from the beginning and move up.
Schedule and Finances
You can find countless online courses on data analytics that follow different schedules and are priced differently. You need to find the course that suits your schedule and finances the most. Depending on your situation, you can choose to sign up for a free trial on Coursera or take a free course and pay an additional fee for the certificate.
Some courses also have different time commitments. You could choose a more intensive course and treat it like a part-time job, or you could choose a self-paced course and finish it when you have time. Either way, you can choose the option that works for you.
Career Goals
The field of data analytics opens up doors to several careers, including data scientist, logistics analyst, and business intelligence analyst. Once you understand the basics of the field, look for courses that cater to your career goals and enroll in them. There are lots of specialized courses out there to help you get where you need to go.
Next Steps After Your Course
The next steps after your course should focus on helping you get a job. There are lots of different pathways you can take. Keep reading to find out how you can achieve your data analysis career goals.
Join an Online Group
A great way to find job openings and get career guidance is to connect with field professionals. You can do this by joining online data analytics communities or finding some in your area. Meetup, Linkedin, and Facebook have plenty of data analytics groups that will help you network and advance your career.
Enhance Your Portfolio
Data analytics is reliant on both hard tech skills and soft skills. You can prove those skills by having an impressive portfolio. Therefore, once you earn your online course certificate, you should start enhancing your portfolio. You should highlight personal projects, your programming background, and your soft skills.
Apply for Freelance Positions
As the competition for data-related jobs increases, so do qualification standards. Therefore, to succeed in a data analytics position, having valuable field-related experience is key. If you finish your course with the right skills, you could be able to freelance. Try using websites like Fiverr and Upwork to find jobs and get more experience.
Should You Study Data Analytics?
If you’re interested in using big data to make decisions, you should study data analytics. Whether you are a business owner or a new student interested in statistics and data, this field can help you. Data analytics is a highly sought-after field that is used in almost every industry that exists today.
Not only will you have the opportunity to choose between an array of industries, but you can secure a high-paying job in the world of data. So, you should learn data analytics and use data to make fast and accurate business-defining decisions.