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Learn how to use Stata with online courses and programs

Stata is statistical software that lets users manage, analyze, and visualize their data. Learn how you can use Stata to meet your data science needs with online courses delivered through edX.
Stata | Introduction Image Description

What is Stata?

Stata is a statistical software package for data science.Footnote 1 It allows users to work with complex datasets and extract meaningful insights. The software offers a range of features that make it a powerful tool for data analysis. These include:

  • Data management tools: Import all types of data from different sources. Stata also includes features to clean, merge, and reorganize data for readability.

  • Publication-quality graphics: Use Stata to create different styles of graphs, from scatter plots and line graphs to box plots and histograms.

  • Reproducible reporting: Create reproducible reports — dynamic documents that can import output data and graphs from Stata and other sources.

  • Python integration: Call Python code directly from Stata and execute it to manage data structures, build data visualizations, and more.

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Stata tutorial curriculum

A Stata course can teach you software skills to meet your data analysis needs. Coursework can include how to:Footnote 2

  • Install Stata and navigate the interface.

  • Load a sample data file.

  • Create a project directory.

  • Create a “do” file to keep track of your work.

  • Use Stata commands to streamline your workflow.

More advanced topics in a Stata tutorial may cover how to:

  • Run descriptive statistics to summarize a dataset.

  • Create different types of graphics, such as scatter plots.

  • Use macros to create programs and write commands.

Are you interested in propelling your professional development forward? Start building your knowledge of data science with edX. From accelerated boot camps to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s program, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. Busy professionals can even take advantage of executive education courses tailored to those in leadership and management positions. Find the right course for you.

Explore jobs that use Stata

Knowledge of how to use Stata can be beneficial for a number of professional roles including: 

  • Software developer: Professionals like developers and programmers may use Stata to analyze customer survey data and design programs to meet those needs. They may also use it for data visualization to present data to key stakeholders.Footnote 3

  • Cryptographer: Cryptographers use various encryption techniques to secure sensitive data. They may use Stata to perform statistical analysis on encrypted data to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.Footnote 4

  • Information security analyst: With Stata, information security analysts and cybersecurity specialists can analyze and identify trends in attack data. They can also use visualization tools to create graphics that document these incidents.Footnote 5

  • Data analyst: Data analysts can use Stata to clean large datasets, analyze survey data, and communicate their findings to internal stakeholders. They can create visualizations like a Stata histogram to show the frequency of data points.Footnote 6

  • Market research analyst: These professionals can use Stata to analyze consumer behavior and create forecasts based on certain trends. Data visualizations can also help improve marketing campaigns.Footnote 7

Some positions that use Stata in their roles may require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, or relevant work experience.Footnote 8 However, you may be able to build relevant skills in a boot camp that focuses on coding, data analytics, digital marketing, or cybersecurity. No matter your career aspirations, courses from edX can help you establish a strong foundation. 

How to use Stata for statistics

Data analysts may use Stata for statistical analyses — the process of analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. These professionals typically need a strong foundation in computer science and statistics, along with analytical and problem-solving skills. Employers in these fields may also require a bachelor’s degree in a related field from potential candidates.Footnote 9

If you wish to pursue a career as a data analyst and use the Stata software for statistics, edX can help set you up for success with comprehensive learning programs. These include accelerated boot camps in data analytics that can help you build a strong foundation in analytics and bachelor’s degree programs in data science. Find the learning format that works best for you and get started on your educational journey today.