How often is each course in the Specialization offered?

Each course in the Specialization offers regular and open enrollment. You can begin and complete the course on your own schedule.

Can I take the course for free?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Where can I learn more and ask questions about earning credit or a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?

Please find more information at https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/graduate-hub/online or email your questions to giesonline@illinois.edu

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Business Data Management and Communication Specialization

Business Data Management and Communication Specialization

Discover and discern the value of information. Learners will be able to work with data, obtain valuable information, and gauge its economic utility.

Instructors: Unnati Narang

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

6 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.8

(70 reviews)

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

2 months at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

6 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.8

(70 reviews)

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

2 months at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

In a world driven by big data, it is crucial to understand how valuable information can be extracted from large volumes of data. Further, it is pivotal to utilize information to its full potential. This not only requires one to extract value from data but also to effectively communicate the information obtained. The Business Data Management and Communication Specialization is tailored to deliver a well-balanced curriculum that focuses on all three aspects - Understanding Data, Extracting Valuable Information, and Effective Communication. The courses in this Specialization will focus on advanced accounting, working with big data, communicating data and information analysis.

Topics covered include: Understand the basics of how to analyze balance sheet and cash flow statements Understand how accrual accounting and fundamental accounting concepts work Learn how to collect, analyze, and visualize data and use the same in decision making processes Learn how to use R to communicate data analytics results Explore various ways that information can generate economic value Understand how crucial information is and learn how to gauge the potential of valuable information

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

121 practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Specialization - 6 course series

Financial Accounting: Foundations

Course 112 hours4.7 (4,595 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Accounting information and how it is used by different capital market participants
Record financial information and produce the main financial statements
Fundamental accounting concepts and revenue recognition criteria in preparing financial statements,
Conduct the accounting for short-term assets, with a particular focus on accounts receivables and inventories.

Skills you'll gain

Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Accrual Accounting, Income Statement, Revenue Recognition, Cash Flows, Inventory Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Statements, Accounting Records, Financial Reporting, and Accounting

Financial Accounting: Advanced Topics

Course 211 hours4.7 (1,755 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

To account for fixed assets
Understand accounting for liabilities
Evaluate shareholders’ equity section of a balance sheet, and
Understand preparation and information provided by cash flows statement.

Skills you'll gain

Financial Accounting, Cash Flows, Financial Statements, Equities, Depreciation, Accounting, Balance Sheet, Fixed Asset, Financial Analysis, and Financial Reporting

Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data

Course 315 hours4.6 (644 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Build familiarity with the set of tools and techniques used to analyze and visualize digitalized data.
Gain an understanding of the motivations that direct the use of various data visualization methods.
Understand visual approaches used to effectively communicate insights from data.
Gain hands-on, working knowledge of the nuanced distinction between effective and poor data presentation.

Skills you'll gain

Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Data Presentation, Data Visualization, Data-Driven Decision-Making, R (Software), Data Analysis, Business Analytics, Data Quality, Health Care, Analytical Skills, Infographics, Digital Marketing, Analytics, and Data Collection

Introduction to Applied Business Analytics

Course 413 hours4.6 (302 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Examine the interplay between business principles and data analytics.
Build a foundation in data analytics by installing and using a data analytics language, an integrated development environment (IDE), and key modules.
Manipulate the most commonly used data types using functions.
Develop efficient, easy-to-read approaches for assembling and processing data for analysis.

Skills you'll gain

Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Business Analysis, Data Presentation, Analytics, and Python Programming

Infonomics I: Business Information Economics and Data Monetization

Course 514 hours4.6 (112 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Appreciate the unique economic, accounting, and legal characteristics of information.
Understand and apply methods for conceiving and generating broad-based and transformative business benefits from available information assets.
Identify and adapt traditional asset management principles and practices toward the improved management of information assets.
Measure information’s various value characteristics to help justify or prove information-related expenditures.

Skills you'll gain

Information Management, Big Data, Business Analysis, Advanced Analytics, Case Studies, Business Economics, Business Valuation, Accounting, Return On Investment, Data Strategy, Data Analysis, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Innovation, and Asset Management

Infonomics II: Business Information Management and Measurement

Course 612 hours4.5 (33 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Identify and adapt traditional asset management principles and practices toward the improved management of information assets.
Measure information’s various value characteristics to help justify or prove information-related expenditures.
Articulate the challenges, pitfalls, and paradoxes regarding information’s role as a something owned and controlled.
Lay out new and emerging organizational roles for treating information as an actual business asset.

Skills you'll gain

Data Quality, Information Management, Data Governance, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Accounting, Information Privacy, Data Analysis, Intellectual Property, Business Valuation, Innovation, Informatics, Big Data, Enterprise Architecture, Management Information Systems, Organizational Structure, Asset Management, Business Metrics, and Information Architecture

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.