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Data analysis courses and programs

As a rapidly evolving field, learning data analysis can create potential for upward growth and continuous learning. Find the right data analysis course for your professional goals on edX.

While technologies and tools will continue to change, the need for professionals who can understand and interpret data remains constant. Building skills in data analysis through a data analysis course can help you uncover insights, solve complex problems, and make more strategic decisions.

Whether you’re interested in starting a data analysis career or polishing your existing skills, edX can help you build a standout skillset. Learn about the benefits of enrolling in data analysis courses and programs — plus how to get started — in our guide.

Enroll in a data analysis course or program on edX today and gain the skills you need to help organizations gather insights from their data.

What is data analysis?

Data analysis is the process of collecting, organizing, and evaluating data to gain insights. Organizations interpret these insights to inform strategic decision-making.

Unorganized data, called unstructured data, doesn't offer much value on the surface. But structured data in a searchable database allows analysts to interpret information and make predictions based on trends, patterns, and anomalies.

Benefits of learning data analysis

  • Transferable skills: Data analysis skills are valuable across industries. Data analysis and visualization are second only to AI skills with 23% of people ranking them as one of the most valuable skills for career advancement.
  • Growing job opportunities: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 34% increase in data analytics and data science jobs from 2024-34.
  • High-paying roles: According to BLS data, data scientists earned a median annual salary of $112,590 in May 2024, over twice the national average for all occupations.
  • Career advancement: Data analysis is a field that offers many paths for advancement and development.
  • Specialized career paths: You can add data analytics to your existing technical skillset and carve out a data-focused path in your current field.

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The difference between data analysis and data analytics

While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are some distinctions:

  • Data analysis refers to the methods used to organize (structure) and evaluate the data.
  • Data analytics refers to the process of drawing conclusions from this structured data.

Data analysis is a fundamental step in the data analytics process. It involves using data tools like Excel, Python, and SQL, as well as statistical methodology to discover insights. Many people consider data analytics a form of storytelling, where data analysis is the process of uncovering the narrative.

Both data analysis and analytics require strong analytical skills, including data visualization, creativity, and communication.

How to get started in data analysis

1. Explore education options

Depending on your career goals, you can start learning data analysis through a data analysis course or a full degree program. Individual courses are an excellent way to build foundational skills or deepen your knowledge in a specific area. Many introductory courses can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks.

Most professional data analysts hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. Others transition into the role with a master's degree in data or business analytics.

2. Gain proficiency with data analysis tools

Many data analysis courses and programs include instruction about analytics tools. Consider developing a deeper understanding of these programs through hands-on experience. These data analysis and visualization programs generally include:

edX offers data analytics courses from industry experts and top schools, such as IBM and MIT. Explore courses through edX to get more experience with top data analysis tools.

3. Develop a portfolio

Whether it's through internships, personal projects, or entry-level jobs, developing a portfolio of successful work can help you demonstrate your proficiency when applying for data analysis jobs. It can also give you an opportunity to strengthen your analytical skills and build a professional network of people who can vouch for your ability to thrive.

4. Advance your education

Machine learning tools and other data-driven technologies are rapidly transforming every industry for more efficient, effective analytics. As a result, data analysts should seek to continue learning throughout their careers to keep up with trends and innovations in the field. You can find opportunities for growth via:

5. Strengthen your leadership skills

Even if your career goals don't include becoming a data analytics manager, leadership and interpersonal skills are valuable for creating a healthy workplace environment.

A 2025 edX report shows that workers believe executive leadership is the third most important skill for career advancement, behind AI and data analytics. This data indicates that career development in data analytics requires strong soft skills, like communication, alongside technical mastery.

Find Executive Education programs and grow your leadership skills on edX.

How long does it take to learn data analysis

Data analysis requires experiential learning. As a result, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become job-ready, depending on whether you have previous education and/or experience.

Most organizations require applicants to submit a portfolio of successful data analysis projects alongside their résumés, which can take some time to develop. If you're already working in a role, collect data to analyze in your everyday processes. Or, find volunteer opportunities where you can review data for portfolio projects.

Mastery of data analytics is a lifelong pursuit, especially as machine learning continues to transform analysis. Even people with over 10 years of full-time data analysis experience can find new ways to analyze data.

4-12 weeks
Courses
2-10 months
Certificates
6-8 weeks
Executive education
1-8 years
Degree programs

Careers that use data analysis

The BLS projects high levels of growth in the data analysis field. For example, market research analyst and financial analyst roles are projected to grow by by 7% and 6%, respectively, between 2024 and 2034.

Data scientist

Data scientists leverage analytical tools and techniques to derive insight from data sets. They select and structure relevant data, and they often create and update interpretive models and algorithms. Data scientists present their findings using data visualization software.

Median annual salary (2024): $112,590


Your next steps on edX

Develop the data analysis skills you need to thrive — find the best program for your career goals and advancement on edX. Sign up today and learn from industry experts and top schools.

  1. Learn foundational knowledge in online data analysis courses.
  2. Enroll in degree programs from top schools and institutions to help you qualify for higher-paying data analysis roles.
  3. Become a leader in the field and develop your professional skills with Executive Education courses for data analysts on edX.
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