The Best Online Data Analytics Courses, Classes, and Training

The world around you is run by numbers. From the latest political poll to the national census, numbers paint a valuable picture. By analyzing numbers, we learn how people think, act, and function. You may have seen terms like data analysis, business analytics, and data science before, but you can learn what they truly mean through data analytics courses online.

Data analytics help businesses and organizations optimize their performance. Companies that integrate data analytics into their business models reduce costs by finding more efficient ways to operate. Data analytics also come in handy when evaluating customer satisfaction. 

Simply put, data analysis is the process of analyzing the world around us using raw data. Data analysts extract information from data in numerous ways. For example, techniques like data visualization quite literally allow analysts to form a picture of what a business is doing right and what it could improve. 

But how can you begin to analyze data on such a large scale? Lucky for you, there is a surplus of options to help you become more familiar with data analytics, from free data analytics courses to full-time data analytics bootcamp training programs. The best data analytics online courses will teach you how to analyze data and help you develop job-ready skills.

If you want to pursue a career as a data analyst, there are a variety of ways to do so. One of the easiest ways is by enrolling in an online course, class, or training program. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best online data analytics courses, classes, and training programs that will help you advance your education or career.

What Is Data Analytics?

Data analytics involves analyzing raw data in order to draw accurate conclusions. There are many techniques used for data analysis, most of which involve algorithms and processes that use data to produce actionable insights that can help a business or organization improve its performance.

Getting Familiar With the World of Data Analysis Tools

Before we look into data analytics courses, there are some tools you will need to make the most of your general data analytics education. Below are some skills you’ll need to succeed in data analytics.

• Math. Data analysis deals heavily with numbers. While you do not need to have a detailed understanding of trigonometry or calculus, you will still need to have a firm grasp of mathematics and its concepts.
• Statistics. Having a deep knowledge of statistics is arguably the most useful skill to have if you wish to pursue data analytics. Knowing how different pieces of data are collected and from where is the backbone of the data analysis process. This means you should be comfortable with graphs, charts, regressions, sample sizes, and other data analysis concepts
• Critical Thinking. To effectively analyze real-world data, you need to be able to think critically. This means you can look at one aspect of a study and extrapolate deeper meaning behind it.
• Programming Languages. Knowing how to program is a huge bonus, especially in the world of data analytics. There are plenty of different coding languages you may choose to learn, like Python, C++, Java, and more. 
• Big data. Big data refers to the concept of an amount of data that is so large that it defies measurement by traditional methods. However, it has now taken on another meaning. In the modern sense, it refers to the process of predictive analysis and measuring users’ behaviors in a piece of software. Big data relies a lot on inference and mathematics.
• Machine Learning. Machine learning is the process of individual machines and algorithms learning through experience, the way humans do. Data scientists use programming languages to equip machines to learn from data all on their own.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Attending an Online Data Analytics Course

Which Aspects of Data Analytics Would You Like to Learn?

Data analytics is a big topic, and you could spend a whole career studying its different subfields. A business analyst uses different analyses from a biochemist. If you only have time to take an online data analytics course instead of studying a full degree, you should make sure you know which aspects of data analytics you want to learn.

The best way to narrow down the data analytics topics you want to learn is to look at job descriptions for the kind of job you want. This will help you make an informed decision about which online course in data analytics best matches your goals.

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Data Analytics?

A data analytics bootcamp is a great way to launch a successful career in data analytics. Within a short period of time, you will gain relevant knowledge and skills, such as data analysis, data cleansing, data visualization, data modeling, and coding. The best data analytics bootcamps prepare for the workplace thoroughly and efficiently through a series of real-world projects.

The Best Online Data Analytics Courses: An Overview

When determining which data analytics online course is right for you, consider the cost, length, difficulty level, and content of the program. Another important factor is whether or not it results in a certificate. The table below lists some of the best online data analytics courses, classes, and training programs available. 

In Detail: The Best Online Data Analytics Classes, Courses, or Training

​​There are many options for pursuing an education in data analysis, from individual data analytics courses to full data analytics coding boocamps. You can learn in-demand skills online that can help you in a wide range of career paths. Below are some of the best data analytics courses to enroll in right now. 

Data Analytics Course Online | BrainStation

• Learning Format: Hands-on certificate course
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Data Analytics Foundations, Database Operations, Advanced Data Analytics, Visualizing and Communicating Data Insights

BrainStation provides a data analytics course that focuses on data analytics basics and problem-solving frameworks. The coursework covers collecting and preparing data for analysis, reducing bias for effective analysis, statistical analysis concepts, relational databases, and constructing and organizing databases for data analysis. 

This program is best suited to intermediate learners with basic knowledge of the relevant concepts. Students are expected to attend live classes and will enjoy an interactive and hands-on learning experience. Upon completing the course, students earn a certificate.  

Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for students with basic data analytics knowledge who want to advance their skills. 

Data Analytics Graduate Certificate | Boston University 

• Learning Format: Graduate certificate program
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Foundations of Analytics with R, Data Analysis and Visualization with R, Web Analytics, Data Mining

This graduate certificate program from Boston University consists of four courses: Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization, Foundations of Machine Learning, Web Mining and Graph Analytics, and Data Mining. Students will learn about data analysis, data processing, data visualization, statistical analysis, probability theory, data mining, web mining, and text mining. 

Students earn a certificate upon completing and passing the program. Additionally, the credits from this program can be transferred to a relevant master’s degree program. As this is a graduate certificate program, all participants are required to have an undergraduate degree as a prerequisite.

Key Takeaway: This is an excellent program for college graduates who want to advance their education in data analytics but aren’t interested in pursuing a master’s degree.

Data Analytics Program | CareerFoundry 

• Learning Format: Full-time or part-time bootcamp program
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Intro to Data Analytics, Descriptive Analysis, Cleaning and Summarizing Datasets, Data Visualization

This program is designed to equip the student with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful data analyst. It focuses on introductory concepts as well as tools like Excel. Students will learn about data visualization, statistical analysis, predictive analysis, and data querying. 

CareerFoundry provides each student with a mentor. Additionally, career services are included in the program to help students land a job within 180 days of graduation. This bootcamp has a job guarantee, so if the student fails to get a job in that time they receive a full refund. 

Key Takeaway: With this program, students without a data analytics background can enter the industry in a matter of months. Students receive a certificate after completing the program.  

Data Analytics – Cornell Certificate Program | Cornell University 

• Learning Format: Online certificate program
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Data Visualization, Scientific Decision Making, Predictive Data Analysis

This graduate certificate program has three courses: Understanding and Visualizing Data, Implementing Scientific Decision Making, and Using Predictive Data Analysis. The curriculum covers predictive data analysis, statistics foundations, examining data scientifically, and decision-making models.

This eCornell program is designed for professionals who want to use data to make decisions. It doesn’t require a formal background in data science, but students should have a basic understanding of statistics and how to use Excel.

Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for graduate students or working professionals with a bachelor’s degree who wish to advance their education in data analytics or further their careers.

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Coursera

• Learning Format: Online professional certificate course
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Data Cleaning, Data Analysis, R Programming, Tableau, SQL, Data Visualization

At the end of this six-month, self-paced course, students will be prepared for junior or entry-level data analysis roles. You’ll learn how to prepare data for analysis, how to analyze data using R, spreadsheets, and SQL, and how to present strong visualizations of data trends. You don’t need to have any background in statistics, math, or computer science to enroll in this program.

Key Takeaway: Students practice job-ready data skills through assignments designed by Google data analysts. 

Online Data Analytics Course | General Assembly 

• Learning Format: Hands-on certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Probability and Inferential Statistics, Cloud Computing, Data Warehousing, Excel, SQL, Tableau

General Assembly offers a beginner-friendly data analytics course that focuses on the processes involved in data analysis. Students learn how to extract, cleanse, analyze, and visualize data. They also become familiar with the correct terminology and receive training in SQL, Excel, and Tableau. 

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

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Find Your Bootcamp Match

Although this is a beginner course, students are expected to have some experience with Excel and SQL. Students that lack such experience can take a prep course to get familiar with those tools. This course offers full-time and part-time learning options and results in a certificate. 

Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for working professionals who are interested in professional development or wish to transition into data analytics. 

Business Analytics | Harvard Business School

• Learning Format: Online certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Summarizing Data, Data Visualization, Sampling, Hypothesis Testing, Linear Regression, Multiple Regression

This course is designed to teach students the basics of data analysis and how to apply those principles to business problems. Students will learn how to formulate a research question, find the right data, analyze trends and relationships, and use Microsoft Excel to run regression analyses. Students will apply their skills to case studies from Amazon and Walt Disney Studios.

Key Takeaway: This course is a good step for anyone considering a Data Science MBA program or for early and mid-career professionals who want an introduction to data analysis for business.

Applied Business Analytics | MIT Management Executive Education

• Learning Format: Online certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Clustering, Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Algorithms, Mining, Deep Learning, Machine Learning

If you want to learn how to apply data analytics to business decisions without needing to learn how to code, then this is the class for you. You won’t get into the nitty-gritty of statistical models. Instead, this unique course uses a case study to illustrate each new topic. For example, the module on clustering uses Netflix’s “Movies-You’ll-Love” feature to teach that technique.

Key Takeaway: This course is designed for business professionals who are curious about data. This course will not teach you how to code or how to run your own complex analyses.

Data Science and Analytics Certificate | Northwestern University 

• Learning Format: Graduate certificate program
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Intro to Data and Analytics, Data and Text Visualization, Techniques of Analytics

This graduate certificate program consists of four courses: Intro to Data Analytics; Data and Text Visualization; Techniques of Analytics; and Data Science, Management, and Business Strategy. It equips students with the necessary tools, techniques, and skills to work in data analytics. Prospective students need a graduate degree to apply for this online data analytics course.

The curriculum covers how to apply statistical and analytical techniques to data processing and interpretation in a variety of industries. Students learn about statistical models used for predictive analytics, build interactive visualizations, and work in open-source programming environments. The program also reviews best practices in web design and visualization.

Key Takeaway: This program is ideal for college graduates who don’t have a background in data science but are interested in entering the field.

Data Analytics Certificate Program | Portland State University 

• Learning Format: Hands-on certificate program
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Data Warehousing, Intro to Quantitative Methods, Data Visualization and Communication, Fundamentals of Data Analytics

Portland State University’s data analytics certificate program is designed for people with a basic understanding of data analytics who wish to advance their knowledge for professional reasons. It consists of the following courses: Data Warehousing, Data Visualization and Communication, Fundamentals of Data Analytics, Data Mining, and Intro to Quantitative Methods.

This program is offered through a combination of live classes and flexible activities. The courses can be taken in any order, but students must complete all five within three years in order to receive the certificate. 

Key Takeaway: This program is designed for beginners with little experience in data analytics and aims to equip students with skills and knowledge that can be applied in a professional setting.

Data Analytics Bootcamp: Become a Data Analyst | Springboard

• Learning Format: Bootcamp program
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Framing Structured Thinking, Connecting Data Using SQL, Visualizing Data with Python, Business Analytics

This bootcamp focuses on the basics of data analysis using Python and aims to teach students to think and solve problems like a data analyst. The coursework covers common finance and economics concepts, Python libraries, and analytics tools. Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBi, and Tableau are part of the curriculum.

As this is an intermediate bootcamp, students are required to have at least two years of experience using the Microsoft Office suite as well as design or programming tools. Students are provided with flexible learning schedules, one-on-one mentoring, and a variety of career services. 

Key Takeaway: This program is ideal for busy working professionals looking to advance their skills or enter the field of data analytics.

Data Analytics Bootcamp | Thinkful 

• Learning Format: Bootcamp program
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Data Analytics in Modern Businesses, Excel Foundations and the Art of Presentations, Working with Databases using SQL, Python and Statistics, Tableau

Thinkful has a data analytics bootcamp with a business focus. It offers a full-time learning program with a fixed schedule as well as a part-time, self-paced option. The full-time program lasts four months, whereas the part-time version can be completed in six months. In both versions of the program, students receive plenty of support with one-on-one mentoring.

Students learn design principles and apply them to Excel and Tableau for data visualization. The coursework covers building dashboards, working with Python, and telling stories with numbers. Students learn statistical methods for data analysis, study Python, and practice SQL basics. 

Key Takeaway: Both the fixed and flexible schedule options share the same curriculum.

Complete SQL Bootcamp for Data Science, Analytics, Marketing | Udemy 

• Learning Format: Online course
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Survey of SQL Databases, Relational Database, Data, Aggregating, Grouping, Sorting

This short beginner program focuses on data science, analytics, and marketing. It comes with around two hours of video lectures, lifetime access, and a certificate of completion. Students are required to know how to use the command-line shell prior to enrollment. 

Throughout the course, students will learn how to create a table, query a database using SQL, and use indexes. Using SQL on Spark, creating a Spark cluster on Amazon Web Services EC2, importing data into a table, and joining tables to merge data are also in the curriculum.

Key Takeaway: This bootcamp program is an ideal option for beginners with minimal experience in data analytics. The course is designed to equip students with in-demand professional skills and yields a certificate of completion. 

Certificate in Data Analytics | University of Pennsylvania

• Learning Format: Graduate certificate program
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Statistical Models, Machine Learning, Data Analysis in R, Managing Big Data Sets, Predictive Modeling

This four-course program is designed for beginners and offers a high level of flexibility. Two weeks before the start of Introduction to Data Analytics, students are required to take a pre-course module to learn how to set up the required software environment. Aside from that, students are only required to have basic math skills and experience using a computer.

The coursework covers how to implement and analyze surveys, descriptive statistics, advanced machine learning, predictive modeling, data analysis, statistical programming, and basic regression models. Students also learn to design experiments, test solutions, visualize data, and apply analytical skills to real-world problems.

Key Takeaway: This four-course program is designed for beginners without prior experience.

Business Analytics: From Data to Insights | The Wharton School

• Learning Format: Online certificate program
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Data Collection Methods, A/B Testing, Correlation vs Causation, Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Decision Trees

This course from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School is an Ivy-League certificate program in business analytics. Students will learn how to use different data analysis techniques to make strong decisions. This class uses interactive activities, datasets, and real-world examples. Participants should hold management-level positions in their organization.

Key Takeaway: This course is designed for business professionals in mid-level and upper-level-management jobs who want to learn how to use data analysis to guide business decisions. 

The Best Free Online Data Analytics Courses

The best free data analytics courses can teach you basic analytics principles and skills. Some of these free data analytics online courses have a paid option, where you can earn a verified completion certificate for a fee. If you just need to learn a new data analytics skill, you can stick to the free data analytics training and ignore the paid option. 

Exploratory Data Analysis | Coursera  

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Cluster Analysis Techniques, Advanced Graphing Systems, Analytic Graphics, Base Plotting System in R

This 55-hour course is offered by Johns Hopkins University via Coursera. The course covers analytic graphics basics, base plotting systems in R, lattice systems, ggplot2 systems, and statistical methods for exploratory analysis. It ends by examining several case studies. 

The course has free and paid versions. The free version allows students to access course materials but does not allow them to participate in assignments nor receive the shareable certificate. The paid version allows full access, including practice quizzes, graded assignments, and feedback. 

Key Takeaway: The free version is an excellent opportunity to learn about data analytics from a reputable institution at no cost.

Mastering Data Analysis in Excel | Coursera 

• Learning Format: Hands-on certificate course
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Excel Essentials for Beginners, Information Measures, Binary Classification, Linear Regression

This course was created by Duke University and is available on Coursera. It focuses on basic math concepts and methods of data analysis and prepares students to build and implement realistic predictive models by using information extracted from data. During the last module, students participate in a hands-on project.

This course is offered in both a free and paid version. The free version allows students to audit the course, while the paid version includes graded assignments and exams, practice quizzes, and a shareable certificate upon completion. Students who choose the paid version can apply for financial aid to assist with the cost. 

Key Takeaway: This course is offered by a reputable university and gives students a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills in data analysis.

Data Analytics Basics for Everyone | edX

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Data Analytics Careers, Big Data, Data Mining, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization

This is one of the best courses for beginners from IBM, taught on the edX platform. This class gives a survey of the modern data landscape, with descriptions of different data analytics jobs and careers. You’ll learn how to find good data and how to process it into a usable format.

Students can complete this program at their own speed, but it is recommended to spread it out over five weeks for two to three hours per week.

Key Takeaway: This is a survey course for complete beginners in data analytics.

High-Dimensional Data Analysis | edX

• Learning Format: Hands-on certificate course
• Level: Intermediate 
• Subjects Covered: Introduction to Linear Models and Matrix Algebra, High-Dimensional Data Analysis, Machine Learning

This course is facilitated by edX and offered by Harvard University. It’s self-paced and can be completed in about four weeks. There is a free version that allows students to access course materials but doesn’t include graded assignments, exams, or a shareable certificate. To access those features you will have to pay $149.

The course focuses on machine learning and is suitable for learners with some experience in the field. Students learn about clustering analysis and hierarchical clustering and how they are used in prediction. They also learn about test sets, training sets, cross-validation, batch effect in genomics, principal factor analysis, component analysis, and error rates.

Key Takeaway: This course gives you the opportunity to earn a certificate from one of the most respected higher learning institutions in the world.

Data Analysis with R | Udacity 

• Learning Format: Hands-on certificate course
• Level: Intermediate 
• Subjects Covered: Exploratory Data Analysis, R Basics, Data with One, Two, or Many Variables

This Udacity course has been created by experts at Facebook. It is an intermediate program, so participants are required to have a basic understanding of statistics and math. It offers students a self-paced learning schedule with interactive quizzes and is completely free.

This course focuses on exploratory data analysis with R. Students learn about variable distribution, boxplot creation, and histograms. They also learn how to check for outliers and anomalies, visualize and quantify individual variables in a dataset, examine tradeoffs, and transform variables. 

Key Takeaway: This is a high-quality program designed by experts at Facebook.

Data Analytics Course Certificates vs Certifications

Many people confuse certificates with professional certifications, but these terms refer to different types of credentials. Certificates are awarded after completing an educational program. Certifications, on the other hand, are awarded after passing an exam.

A certificate simply indicates that the student has completed a course of study. A professional certification, meanwhile, is proof that the learner has mastered a particular skill or tool. A data analytics certification course prepares students for a professional certification exam.

Importance of Data Analytics Certifications

Data analytics certifications are an excellent way to advance your career in the field. Employers value certifications and are willing to pay higher salaries to certified professionals. If you are pursuing a career in data analytics, sooner or later you should consider taking a certification exam to show employers that you are the real deal.

Online Data Analytics Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

When determining which learning option is best for you, it’s important to consider the differences between them, while assessing which is best suited to your circumstances. It’s easy to confuse classes, training programs, and courses. Although they share many similarities, there are also notable differences. 

A class is usually a short, standalone lesson that focuses on a specific topic or technique. A course, meanwhile, lasts longer and covers a wider range of topics. A course can last anywhere from a few days to weeks or even months and is often composed of several classes or units. Many of the courses on this list yield a certificate of completion that you can add to your resume.

Finally, training programs are even more in-depth than courses and more hands-on. Students enroll in a training program to gain the skills required for a specific occupation. A training program can last months and will usually prepare you for entry-level positions in your chosen field.

How to Choose the Right Online Data Analytics Course, Class, or Training Program

There are a lot of data analytics courses online for you to choose from, so how do you find the best data analytics course for you? You should consider the format, syllabus, instructors, financing options, and career services. We’ll explore each of these factors in the next section.

Choose the Right Format

Data analytics courses, classes, and training programs offer a variety of learning options and schedules. You can find full-time, part-time, accelerated, self-paced, and instructor-led options. If you want to advance your education or career while working full-time, you should look for a part-time or self-paced program. If you don’t have many commitments, you would be better served by joining a full-time program, such as an immersive bootcamp.

Read the Syllabus Carefully

All programs will have their data analytics course syllabus available online. Read it carefully to make sure all the topics you want to learn are covered. The syllabus should also mention large projects or assignments. You should also check for any required background knowledge. For example, some programs ask that students have a basic understanding of statistics.

Consider the Instructors

It’s very easy these days to develop an online course. Make sure the paid or free data analytics course you sign up for has an instructor who knows their stuff. Does the instructor teach at a respected school? What credentials do they have that make them qualified to teach data analytics? Do a little research to vet the instructor of the online program.

Study Financing Options

When choosing a program, one of the primary determining factors is the data analytics course cost and whether it offers financial assistance. When it comes to data analytics courses, you can find a wide range of prices, from free to thousands of dollars. 

Choose a program that is within your budget but don’t forget that many course providers have financial aid and flexible payment options. Many bootcamps and online learning platforms offer scholarships, loan financing, installment plans, and income share agreements (ISA).

Look for Career Services

Many training programs and courses offer extensive career services that can be exceptionally helpful in finding a job in the field. Some of the best career services to look for are access to a hiring network, mock interviews, resume assistance, career coaching or mentorship, and portfolio optimization. Career services are a key data analytics course benefit if you are taking the program to switch careers.

What Should You Do After Taking a Data Analytics Course?

After completing a data analytics course, you can put your skills to the test by pursuing a degree in data science or a related field. You may also consider joining a data science certificate program. Since data science careers don’t typically require high-level degrees, both options are practical.

The career prospects for data analysts and data scientists are promising. Many jobs in data analysis are high-paying, even entry-level jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mean salaries for careers in data analysis exceed $100,000 per year.

The Verdict on Data Analytics Courses

Should you take a data analytics course? If you want to see the bigger picture and are willing to dig deep into big data, then you absolutely should. For some, the world of data analytics will come more comfortably than for others. However, with so many data analytics courses out there, nearly anyone can find a potentially lucrative career in data science.

Why You Should Take Online Data Analytics Courses or Classes

Data analytics play a huge role in today’s economy. Organizations of all sizes and in every industry rely on data to make sound business decisions and are willing to pay top dollar for skilled data analysts. According to Payscale, the average data analyst annual salary is nearly $63,500.

If you are intrigued by a career in data analytics, taking an online data analytics class is an excellent way to get a taste of what the field is like. If you are already an established professional, you can take your skills further with a certificate course or training program. Whichever the case, enrolling in an online data analytics program is an investment in your education that will pay off.

Data Analytics Courses Online FAQ