Statistics is a leading field with extensive practical applications in the business world. But an entire four-year degree is unattainable for many people who work full-time or have other obligations. Numerous schools have recognized this and have started offering their own online statistics courses to help train and educate people in all businesses and employment situations. Here are seven examples of the best online statistics course offered today.

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1. Foundations of Data Analysis Part I: Statistics Using R- UT Austin
This course offers a highly rated introduction to the world of statistics and data modeling. It is designed to help users enter into coding and data modeling by providing a framework for these complex statistical applications. The course is also offered by a leading state-run public university, which may not have the prestige of an Ivy League school but is more approachable and responsive.
One downside of this program is its lack of a certificate, making it difficult for those reviewing a resume with the program on it to judge the ability of the student to absorb associated materials. Even with that, it is definitely in the running for the best online statistics course from a state-run institution.
Website: Edx.org.
Certificate: Yes (limited option).
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
2. Foundations of Data Analysis Part II: Inferential Statistics- UT-Austin
Inferential statistics is the second part of the highly-rated UT-Austin introductory statistics course. This course further helps students hone in on the skills and tools necessary to process modeled data. Techniques involve coding and predicting behavior of large groups based on statistical information. The course builds upon material taught in Part I and adds to the knowledge basis and practical skill set of its students.
However, the lack of a certificate means that a student may have to spend a considerable amount of time and effort receiving the information from both of UT-Austin’s courses.
Website: Edx.org.
Certificate: Yes (limited option).
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
3. Statistics with R Specialization- Duke
Duke’s online statistics course provides a more comprehensive overview than many other courses in the same field offered by similar institutions. This course actually combines five other classes: introduction to probability and statistics, inferential statistics, Bayesian statistics, linear regression and modelling, and a capstone. Duke’s offering provides in-depth analysis of data, modeling, and forecasting.
Although the program is relatively new, much more expensive than its competitors, and has few ratings from students, it also comes from a leading institution. Duke’s program also offers a certification that is not always a given in the world of online statistics courses, leading it to compete for the best online statistics course that ends in a degree.
Website: Online.duke.edu.
Certificate: Yes (option available).
Exam: Yes (option available.
Cost: Free to audit, $79 for one course, $355 for all courses and certification.
4. Introduction to Probability- MIT
Probability forms a basis to the study of statistics, and the principles of probability hold sway throughout the most complex statistical calculations. MITs introductory course on the subject helps students gain a better understanding of probability theory, practice, and methods. The main appeal of this course comes from the organization offering it.
MIT is the leading technology and engineering university in the nation. Students know that they will be receiving quality instruction when it comes from such a leading institution. While the course does not offer a certificate, it does offer the best online statistics course platform.
Website: MIT.edu.
Certificate: No.
Exam: Yes.
Cost: Free.
5. Udacity: Introduction to Statistics- Udacity
Udacity’s statistics course is geared primarily for knowledge and skills. it does not have the prestige or the rigor associated with programs from leading universities. However, it should not be ignored. The course is taught by the founder of Google’s research lab and is self-paced, meaning that users can take it at any time and at any intensity.
This combination means that students can absorb a considerable amount of knowledge from the program while also being able to set their own schedule. Udacity definitely competes as the best online statistics course for flexibility and openness. Flexibility, however, does have its downsides. The Udacity program does not have a certificate or the endorsement of a major institution of higher learning like many of its competitors.
Website: Udacity.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
6. Statistical Inference and Modeling for High-throughput Experiments- Harvard
Harvard’s online statistics course offering is particularly specialized. Statistical Inference and Modeling for High-throughput Experiments has a particular focus: the medical industry. Fields such as pharmacology need these experiments to work properly in order to process the data inside different organic compounds. Statistics helps to set up and later make sense of these experiments.
The course also offers a verified certificate program which can easily be given a prominent place on any prospective employee’s resume. A course in this field offered by such a prestigious university offers a unique opportunity for anybody involved in the field, looking to pad their resume for a job in the field, or interested in the finer workings of the pharmaceutical industry. It is definitely the best online statistics course for the pharmaceutical field.
Website: Edx.org.
Certificate: Yes (certificate option).
Exam: Yes (with certificate option).
Cost: Free, $49 for verified certificate option.
7. Mathematical Biostatistics Boot Camp 1- Johns Hopkins
Biostatistics is one of the leading practical applications for statistical data in the 21st century economy. Jobs ranging from nursing to epidemiology all employ biostatistics to track data and predict patient outcomes. Johns Hopkins’ course on biostatistics can help anyone interested in entering into these fields or wanting to know more about such an important, lucrative field.
Once again, the course comes highly rated from a reliable institution. Johns Hopkins has one of the most prestigious medical centers in the country, and its programs extensively utilize biostatistical data and modeling on a regular basis. It does not offer a certificate program or a final exam, however.
Website: Jhsph.edu.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
Conclusion
As noted above, many of these courses are offered by the nation’s top universities. They have certificate programs and information that can readily translate to top-tier jobs. A small investment of time and energy can transform a resume or a person’s application profile. Make sure to weigh in on these courses and share your experiences, especially if you have used these courses in your life or career.