What is a decision tree?

A decision tree describes a flowchart or algorithm that analyzes the pathway toward making a decision. The basic flow of a decision based on data starts at a single node and moves through branches into two or more directions, giving the appearance of a tree, so to speak. Each branch offers a different possible outcome, depending on the decisions made and random events that occur. A decision tree is often used in data science and data analytics, but can also be used in evaluating decision-making processes in other areas of a company, like human resources, operations, and inventory management.

Why is it important to learn about decision trees?

Decision trees are important because they serve to make visual these complex data parts into manageable pieces of information. Humans can better understand what decisions need to be made when they flow through a decision tree. An example of a decision tree in visual form might show where each level needs to have a decision made for it. As each of the answers are chosen, this visual pathway will eventually help you to come to a decision about the initial problem. This is why decision trees are important. When used in areas like machine learning, data regression, prediction analysis, and data classification, decision trees can ramp up the capacity to tackle complicated decision tasks.

What types of jobs can you get by learning decision trees?

Typical jobs that use decision trees include data integration developer, data scientist, decision tree analysis expert, automation development manager, and similar roles that seek to organize and manage data flows. These jobs are often aligned with software programming jobs, so learning about programming can help to better understand the data analysis needed in decision tree work. Decision trees are also used in other work areas, like operations and HR, so learning decision trees may be able to help you work in these functions as well.

How can online courses help me learn about decision trees?

When you take an online course to learn about decision trees, you might learn to think more analytically about the decision-making process and the steps involved in looking at different angles of a problem. You may also learn about the basic steps to visualizing a problem, and how to use sets of data to do that. Taking online courses to learn decision trees may also prepare you for eventual interest in machine learning models using top industry tools.

What are the benefits of taking an online Decision Tree course?

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

What Decision Tree courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Decision Tree, 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 Decision Tree Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Decision Tree Course Catalog

Coursera Project Network
Decision Tree Classifier for Beginners in R
Skills you'll gain: Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Decision Tree Learning, Predictive Modeling, Data Manipulation, Statistical Modeling, R Programming, Supervised Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Classification Trees in Python, From Start To Finish
Skills you'll gain: Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Decision Tree Learning, Data Transformation, Supervised Learning, Predictive Modeling, Feature Engineering, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data Processing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
231 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Decision-Making and Scenarios
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Modeling, Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Analytics, Financial Forecasting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Analysis, Return On Investment, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Risk Analysis, Cash Flows, Spreadsheet Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Data-Driven Decision-Making for Agile Organizations
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Dealing With Ambiguity, Performance Analysis, Customer Analysis, Performance Measurement, Adaptability, Decision Making, Dashboard, Strategic Thinking, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Metrics, Cognitive flexibility, Agile Methodology, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Science, Data Analysis, Operational Efficiency, Risk Management, Change Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Data Interpretation & Insights: Exam & Recruitment Prep
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Logical Reasoning, Complex Problem Solving, Analysis, Data Synthesis, Business Analytics, Deductive Reasoning, Data Presentation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM)
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Statistical Process Controls, Data Literacy, Process Mapping, Data Ethics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Collection, Data Visualization Software, Business Process Improvement, Business Analytics, Tableau Software, Analytics, Data Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Data Strategy, Minitab, Lean Methodologies, Six Sigma Methodology, Process Analysis, Data Cleansing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
457 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Data Science Decisions in Time
Skills you'll gain: Precision Medicine, Game Theory, Reinforcement Learning, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Clinical Trials, Bioinformatics, Image Analysis, Analytics, Markov Model, Bayesian Statistics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Data Science, Strategic Decision-Making, Anomaly Detection, Computational Thinking, Probability Distribution, Cybersecurity, Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning Methods, Algorithms
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Skills you'll gain: Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Creativity, Organizational Effectiveness, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Solutions, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Professional Development, Root Cause Analysis, Personal Development, Critical Thinking, Adaptability, Analysis, Analytical Skills
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Decision-Making for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Creative Problem-Solving, Strategic Decision-Making, Brainstorming, Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Resourcefulness, Creativity, Curiosity, Strategic Thinking, Root Cause Analysis, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Risk Analysis, Innovation, Business Ethics, Analysis, Data Collection, Collaboration
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
From Data To Decision With AI
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Methods, Data Presentation, Regression Analysis, Generative AI, Data Literacy, Statistical Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Technical Communication, Data Visualization, Probability & Statistics, Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Scatter Plots, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Predictive Analytics, Data Storytelling, Box Plots, Analytical Skills, Artificial Intelligence
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Diplomado en Decisiones Estratégicas y Analítica de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Descriptive Analytics, Business Analytics, Statistical Reporting, Data Ethics, SQL, NoSQL, Query Languages, Digital Transformation, Data Mining, Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Data Analysis, R Programming, Big Data, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Strategy, Business Transformation, Business Strategies, Technology Strategies
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Minnesota
Analytics for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Simulations, Operations Research, Probability Distribution, Mathematical Modeling, Supply Chain, Probability, Predictive Modeling, Business Modeling, Business Analytics, Analytics, Regression Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Forecasting, Data Modeling, Business Mathematics, Process Optimization, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Statistics, Predictive Analytics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
268 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months