Top 7 Excel Courses for Data Analysis and Business Insights in 2026

Unsplash.com

In 2026, Microsoft Excel continues to power the U.S. business ecosystem, supporting over 80% of financial modeling, 70% of operational reporting, and nearly 65% of analyst-driven decision workflows across enterprises.

Despite the rise of AI copilots and automated analytics tools, employers still prioritize professionals who can build complex Excel models, perform scenario analysis, and convert raw data into executive-ready insights.

How We Selected These Excel Courses

Advanced Analytical Focus: Emphasis on Power Query, PivotTables, Dynamic Arrays, and modeling
2026 Tech Alignment: Coverage of Excel 365, AI Copilot, and cloud collaboration features
Business Relevance: Real-world U.S. corporate use cases such as forecasting and ROI analysis
Instructional Credibility: Taught by Microsoft MVPs, universities, or trusted professional academies
Career Value: Each course offers a recognized certificate or professional credential

Overview: Best Excel Courses for Data Analysis in 2026

#	Program	Provider	Primary Focus	Delivery	Ideal For
1	Master Data Analytics in Excel	Great Learning Academy	BI & business dashboards	Online	Business analysts
2	Excel Skills for Data Analytics	Macquarie University	Data modeling & forecasting	Online	Aspiring analysts
3	Data Analytics using Excel	Great Learning Academy	Core analytics & pivot tables	Online	Beginners
4	Work Smarter with Microsoft Excel & AI	Microsoft	AI Copilot & productivity	Online	Corporate professionals
5	Excel Data Analysis Bootcamp	General Assembly	Consulting-style insights	Live Online	Strategy-focused users
6	Advanced Business Analysis with Excel	Rice University	Statistical modeling	Online	Finance professionals
7	Modern Excel Mastery (Power Pivot & DAX)	Chandoo.org	Data modeling & DAX	Online	Advanced technical users

7 Best Excel Data Analysis Programs for Beginners and Professionals in 2026

In-Depth Program Reviews

1. Master Data Analytics in Excel — Great Learning Academy

Overview
This premium excel for data analysis course focuses on turning Excel into a powerhouse for business intelligence and data-driven decision-making in 2026.

It moves beyond basic spreadsheets to teach advanced modeling, visualization, and automated reporting for professional environments.

Delivery & Duration: Online (self-paced), ~10.5 hours of video content
Credentials: Professional certificate from Great Learning Academy
Instructional Quality & Design: Hands-on curriculum featuring 48 interactive exercises and 3 major projects, including a COVID-19 global tracker and a business sales dashboard
Support: 24/7 AI-driven coding and technical assistance for immediate troubleshooting

Key Outcomes / Strengths

Create dynamic business dashboards using Pivot Tables and advanced charting
Automate repetitive data tasks through Excel Macros and professional workflows
Perform complex data cleaning and transformation using Power Query
Apply statistical methods and What-If Analysis to solve real-world business problems

2. Excel Skills for Data Analytics — Macquarie University (via Coursera)

Overview
This specialization is the 2026 gold standard for technical data roles.

It moves beyond simple spreadsheets to teach automated data cleaning, complex modeling, and predictive forecasting using high-level logic.

Delivery & Duration: Online, approx. 3 months
Credentials: University-backed Professional Certificate
Instructional Quality & Design: Highly academic yet practical, featuring rigorous "challenge" datasets from the business world
Support: Active peer-review system and faculty-led forums

Key Outcomes / Strengths

Master automated data cleaning with Power Query
Build complex, automated dashboards using Slicers
Execute advanced "What-If" and sensitivity analysis
Architect reproducible data models for recurring reports

3. Data Analytics using Excel — Great Learning Academy

Overview
This excel basics for data analysis course is designed for professionals who want to move beyond simple data entry and start extracting meaningful business insights in 2026.

It focuses on using Excel's built-in analytical tools to clean data, perform calculations, and create visual summaries that drive better decision-making.

Delivery & Duration: Online (self-paced), ~1.5 hours of video content
Credentials: Free certificate of completion from Great Learning Academy
Instructional Quality & Design: Practical, project-oriented curriculum that covers essential data functions, sorting techniques, and the basics of pivot tables
Support: Access to a global learner community for peer networking and technical assistance

Key Outcomes / Strengths

Master data cleaning techniques to prepare raw datasets for analysis
Use Pivot Tables to summarize and explore large amounts of data quickly
Apply Lookup functions (like VLOOKUP) to connect and retrieve information
Create data visualizations that effectively communicate business trends

4. Work Smarter with Microsoft Excel & AI — Microsoft

Overview
This course, delivered directly by Microsoft, teaches the "2026 way" of working. It focuses on integrating AI (Copilot) into your workflow to generate formulas and insights instantly.

Delivery & Duration: Online, approx. 20 hours
Credentials: Official Microsoft Professional Badge
Instructional Quality & Design: Official documentation-style learning focused on the latest Microsoft 365 cloud features
Support: Microsoft-backed learning pathways

Key Outcomes / Strengths

Leverage AI Copilot to analyze trends and write formulas
Master Dynamic Array formulas (FILTER, SORT, UNIQUE)
Collaborate in real-time using cloud-integrated workbooks
Optimize mobile-first reporting and data access

5. Excel Data Analysis Bootcamp — General Assembly

Overview
General Assembly focuses on the "Consultant" mindset. This bootcamp teaches you how to look at raw data and extract a story that drives U.S. business strategy and leadership decisions.

Delivery & Duration: Live Online, 1 or 2-day Intensives
Credentials: GA Professional Certificate
Instructional Quality & Design: Case-study driven with a focus on high-impact visualization and executive communication
Support: Access to GA’s elite professional network

Key Outcomes / Strengths

Convert raw data into strategic business recommendations
Master dashboard aesthetics and chart storytelling
Clean "dirty" data exported from CRM or ERP systems
Develop a professional-grade analytical mindset

6. Advanced Business Analysis with Excel — Rice University

Overview
This academic course is designed for finance or operations professionals who need to use Excel for statistical analysis.

It bridges the gap between spreadsheet management and business statistics.

Delivery & Duration: Online, 4 weeks
Credentials: Rice University Certificate
Instructional Quality & Design: High-rigor academic instruction with a focus on data science applications within Excel
Support: University teaching assistants and student forums

Key Outcomes / Strengths

Perform regression analysis and statistical forecasting
Use the Data Analysis Toolpak for complex modeling
Master probability distributions for risk assessment
Build data-driven solutions for business uncertainty

7. Modern Excel Mastery (Power Pivot & DAX) — Chandoo.org

Overview
Taught by a world-renowned Microsoft MVP, this course is for technical users who want to handle "Big Data" within Excel using the Data Model and DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).

Delivery & Duration: Online, self-paced, 20+ hours
Credentials: Completion Certificate from Chandoo.org
Instructional Quality & Design: Deep-dive technical training on the backend architecture of modern Excel
Support: Direct email support from the instructor

Key Outcomes / Strengths