About this Course
From public institutions to private companies, organizations of all kinds rely on data to make better decisions and to improve their products or services. Data literacy and analysis skills are no longer a “nice-to-have” but an essential skill in today’s workplace.
In this introductory course, you’ll learn how to make sense of data and turn it into meaningful insights. You’ll begin with a high-level look at the data analysis process and then build practical analytical skills step-by-step. Along the way, you’ll learn to gather and clean data with SQL and Excel and apply statistical methods such as correlation, regression and clustering. And because communicating insights is just as important as discovering them, you’ll learn how to choose the best visualization for your data and to design effective visualizations using Tableau.
▸ You can take this course on its own, or use it to prepare for the Certificate in Data Visualization With Tableau.
▸ Related Article: Four Skills You Need to Get Started in Data Analytics
Designed For
Anyone without a background in statistics or programming who wants to gain basic skills in data literacy, data analysis, SQL and Microsoft Excel.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
This is an introductory course and no previous experience is required. Anyone is encouraged to enroll.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
- Access to a Windows* computer with:
- Windows 10 or later and a recent version of the Chrome web browser
- Administrator privileges to install software
- The following software (free or license provided):
- Microsoft Excel Desktop Edition
- Tableau
- Azure Data Studio
- Zoom
- High-speed internet connection
- Headset
A webcam and dual monitors are also recommended.
*A Mac computer running Windows using Parallels or similar software is acceptable. A Chrome OS-based computer can’t be used because most of the software needed for the class is not available.
Completing the Course
To successfully complete this course, you must fulfill the requirements outlined by your instructor.
▸ Explore More: Want to compare our data programs? Find the right data program for you.
What You'll Learn
- Fundamental data-related concepts, terminology and ethical considerations
- How to articulate business problems and identify required data
- How to gather, clean and organize data
- How to effectively describe, analyze and visualize data
Get Hands-On Experience
- Prepare, analyze and visualize data with Microsoft Excel, SQL and Tableau
- Build a personalized reference guide for future data analysis work
- Complete a final project that incorporates all of the skills and concepts you'll learn in this course
Career Stats
26%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for data analysis skills (2025-27)
19%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for data visualization skills (2025-27)
EARN A DIGITAL BADGE
After successfully completing this course, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.