What is optimization?

Optimization is the act of selecting the best possible option to solve a mathematical problem when choosing from a set of variables. The concept of optimization has existed in mathematics for centuries, but in more recent times, scientists have discovered that other scientific disciplines have common elements, so the idea of optimization has carried over into other areas of study from engineering to economics to physics to biology. Optimization seeks to discover the maximum or minimum of a function to best solve a problem. It involves variables, constraints, and the objective function, or the goal that drives the solution to the problem. For example, in physics, an optimization problem might seek to discover the minimum amount of energy needed to achieve a certain objective. The advent of sophisticated computers has allowed mathematicians to achieve optimization more accurately across a wide range of functions and problems.

Why learn optimization?

Optimization helps data scientists and computer systems process data more effectively, estimate how many resources it will take to solve a problem, and search for the best solution based on the data available. These features make optimization a key tool that can help those who collect and analyze data. The methods of optimization work hand in hand with statistics and linear algebra to help you understand and process large amounts of data. Solving complex problems that rely on data becomes much easier when you apply the methods and formulas of optimization to them, which makes it essential for machine learning. In fact, today's computer science relies heavily on the relationship between machine learning and optimization. The principles of optimization apply in a different way in business, because nearly every business decision centers on maximizing or minimizing various factors and outcomes.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn optimization?

When you study optimization with online courses on Coursera, you can gain a broad base of knowledge as well as applications that allow you to put what you learn into practice. Beginning courses include those in which you learn the basics of optimization, whereas more advanced courses go deeper into topics like stochastic processes, machine learning through specific applications, or how to estimate financial models.

What are the benefits of taking an online Optimization course?

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

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

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

Explore the Optimization Course Catalog

National Taiwan University
Operations Research (1): Models and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Mathematical Modeling, Process Optimization, Business Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Business Modeling, Industrial Engineering, Business Operations, Operations Management, Resource Allocation, Business Analytics, Production Planning, Inventory Management System, Case Studies, Microsoft Excel, Scheduling, Linear Algebra, Decision Making, Portfolio Management, Algorithms
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
562 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
National Taiwan University
Operations Research (2): Optimization Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Linear Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Algorithms, Process Optimization, Program Implementation, Computational Thinking, Operational Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Decision Making, Business Analytics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
156 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) with Squarespace
Skills you'll gain: Blogs, Content Management Systems, Search Engine Optimization, Web Analytics and SEO, Keyword Research, Web Content
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
AI for Design and Optimization
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, AI Product Strategy, Technical Design, Machine Learning, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Deep Learning, Algorithms
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
DeepLearning.AI
Improving Deep Neural Networks: Hyperparameter Tuning, Regularization and Optimization
Skills you'll gain: Tensorflow, Deep Learning, Performance Tuning, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Neural Networks, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Network Architecture, Algorithms, Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
63K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Virginia
Pricing Strategy Optimization
Skills you'll gain: Price Negotiation, Market Dynamics, Product Lifecycle Management, Revenue Management, Competitive Analysis, Target Market, Global Marketing, Market Share, Consumer Behaviour, Business Strategy, Product Strategy, Marketing Psychology, Marketing, Cost Accounting, Customer Insights, Customer Analysis, Value Propositions, Strategic Marketing, Economics, Presentations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
922 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Coursera Project Network
Portfolio Optimization using Markowitz Model
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Finance, Financial Modeling, Correlation Analysis, Financial Analysis, Investments, Risk Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
322 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Performance Optimization and Scalability
Skills you'll gain: Load Balancing, Scalability, Performance Tuning, Software Architecture, Microsoft Copilot, Application Design, Query Languages, Redis, Performance Testing, Application Performance Management, Database Management, SQL
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Basic Modeling for Discrete Optimization
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Problem Solving, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Decision Support Systems, Computational Thinking, Data Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
454 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Processing and Optimization with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, Data Quality, Responsible AI, Data Cleansing, Data Processing, Data Synthesis, Data Transformation, Data Integrity, Feature Engineering, Data Validation, Personally Identifiable Information, Data Analysis
3.5
Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Algorithms, Data Structures, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Python Programming, Program Development, Analysis, Data Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
226 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Minnesota
Optimization for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Mathematical Modeling, Business Modeling, Business Analytics, Analytics, Business Mathematics, Process Optimization, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Microsoft Excel, Solution Design, Decision Making, Linear Algebra, Resource Allocation, Graphing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
80 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks