What is probability theory?

Probability theory is a division of the mathematics field that's focused on analyzing random or uncertain distributions and phenomena. It doesn't predict a specific outcome from the data that's offered, but it tells analysts several different potential outcomes. It does this by applying mathematical equations to predict the things that may happen as a result of the information. Probability theory offers a scientific process that can be used to make an educated guess as to the most likely outcome, or event.

Why is it important to learn about probability theory?

It's important to learn about probability theory because it can help improve your critical thinking skills. It can also help you make better decisions and help you with taking control of potential outcomes and risks. This can be beneficial in both your professional career and in your everyday life. If you're interested in a career in science, probability theory is a vital part of scientific reasoning that you'll use frequently in your career. It's also an interesting topic to learn about and to discuss with peers.

How can taking online courses on Coursera help me learn probability theory?

Taking online courses on Coursera can help you learn probability theory by presenting each step of the learning process in a logical order that you can pass through from beginner-level courses through intermediate and advanced courses. If you already have an understanding of data science and advanced math skills, you move right to the courses you need to upgrade or refresh your skills. You also can take the courses at your own pace, so you're never rushed, and you can make sure you have a solid understanding of each concept before progressing to the next.

How do I know if learning probability theory is right for me?

If you're a highly analytical person who enjoys mathematics, probability theory may be right for you. It's also right for you if your goal is to work in the field of data science, statistical analysis, or data manipulation. Additionally, it's a useful study area if you want to work in finance or at a high-level accounting job.

What are the benefits of taking an online Probability Theory course?

Online Probability Theory courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Probability Theory skills. Choose from a wide range of Probability Theory courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Probability Theory courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Probability Theory, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Probability Theory Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Probability Theory Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Probability Foundations for Data Science and AI
Skills you'll gain: Probability, Probability & Statistics, Probability Distribution, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Methods, Data Analysis, Statistical Inference, Statistical Analysis, Artificial Intelligence
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
256 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Zurich
An Intuitive Introduction to Probability
Skills you'll gain: Probability, Probability Distribution, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Risk Analysis, Finance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Foundations of Probability and Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Probability, Statistical Inference, Markov Model, Estimation, Probability & Statistics, Probability Distribution, Statistical Methods, Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Data Literacy, Statistical Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Data Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Data Science, Machine Learning Algorithms, Generative AI Agents, Artificial Intelligence
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
309 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Pittsburgh
Mathematical Foundations for Data Science and Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Analysis, NumPy, Probability Distribution, Matplotlib, Statistics, Pandas (Python Package), Data Science, Probability & Statistics, Probability, Statistical Modeling, Predictive Modeling, Data Analysis, Linear Algebra, Predictive Analytics, Statistical Methods, Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Python Programming, Machine Learning, Logical Reasoning
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Foundations of Probability and Random Variables
Skills you'll gain: R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Combinatorics, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, Probability Distribution, Probability & Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Simulations
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Stanford University
Introduction to Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Statistics, Statistical Methods, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference, Probability, Exploratory Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Probability Distribution
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Preview
Stanford University
Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making, Mathematical Modeling, Graph Theory, Bayesian Statistics, Behavioral Economics, Probability, Economics, Problem Solving, Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Design of Experiments
Skills you'll gain: Experimentation, Sample Size Determination, Research Design, Regression Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Data Analysis Software, Statistical Modeling, Design Strategies, Statistical Software, Probability & Statistics, Mathematical Modeling, Analysis, Data Transformation, Descriptive Statistics, Probability Distribution, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Variance Analysis, Data Analysis, Quality Control
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
370 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
DeepLearning.AI
Probability & Statistics for Machine Learning & Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability & Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Probability Distribution, Probability, Statistical Inference, A/B Testing, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Machine Learning, Data Science, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Visualization
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
600 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Probabilistic Graphical Models
Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Network, Applied Machine Learning, Graph Theory, Machine Learning Algorithms, Probability Distribution, Network Model, Statistical Modeling, Markov Model, Decision Support Systems, Machine Learning, Probability & Statistics, Network Analysis, Statistical Inference, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Methods, Natural Language Processing, Algorithms, Computational Thinking
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
The University of Tokyo
Welcome to Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Behavioral Economics, Economics, Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Business Strategy, Strategic Planning, Risk Appetite, Probability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Introduction to Probability and Data with R
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Exploratory Data Analysis, R (Software), Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Bayesian Statistics, R Programming, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Descriptive Statistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months