Advanced statistics are the mathematical tools used to discover and explore complex relationships between different variables in large datasets. In contrast to basic statistics such as average and analysis of variance (ANOVA) that simply describe the characteristics of a dataset, advanced statistical approaches often seek to make predictions about the world. This requires the use of more sophisticated statistical inference tools, such as generalized linear models for regression analysis capable of establishing how multiple interrelated factors may impact projected outcomes.

These advanced statistical methods are increasingly important in the field of data science, which is tasked with uncovering important business insights and developing predictive models from diverse big data-scale datasets. These techniques are also especially important for the proper training and use of machine learning algorithms. As in data science and machine learning more generally, R programming and Python programming skills are typically relied upon to conduct these advanced statistical analyses.

Advanced statistics skills are essential for work in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI), as statistical approaches are at the heart of the learning algorithms that make these applications possible. An understanding of statistics is likewise important for professionals in finance, healthcare, and other industries that are increasingly making use of machine learning and AI, as they increasingly need to work closely with data scientists to ensure that these powerful techniques are developed to solve the right business problems.

Those wishing to delve deeper into advanced statistical methods and help develop new mathematical approaches in the field may pursue a master’s or even a PhD in statistics. These experts work in academia, government, or at private sector companies involved in scientific or engineering research. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional statisticians earn a median annual salary of $91,160, and this specialized career path is expected to be in high demand due to expanding opportunities to use statistics to navigate our data-rich world.

Certainly. Coursera offers a variety of courses in advanced statistics as well as their applications in the context of fields like data science and machine learning. In fact, coursework in statistics is often a prerequisite for data science classes. Regardless of your level of expertise and needs in these areas, Coursera enables you to learn remotely from top-ranked schools like the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and Duke University. And, since you can view course materials and complete coursework on a flexible schedule, there’s an exceedingly high probability that you can fit online learning about advanced statistics into your existing school or work life.