An edX course teaching the principles underpinning statistical inference — not just which test to run, but why it works and when it does not. Part of MIT's MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science, it is rigorous and theory-forward. For people with strong maths who want to understand statistics deeply rather than apply recipes.
Good for: A rigorous, principled understanding of statistical inference.
Less suitable if: You want applied recipes or lack strong maths.
Realistic time: Around 15–18 weeks, significant weekly effort.
About this course
Fundamentals of Statistics teaches the principles underpinning statistical inference — not just which test to run, but why it works and when it doesn't. It's part of MIT's MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science, built at MIT's own academic standard rather than a practitioner's quick-reference course.
What you'll learn
Understand the mathematical foundations of statistical inference
Apply hypothesis testing rigorously, not just mechanically
Work with parametric and non-parametric methods
Understand linear regression from first principles
Reason about when statistical methods do and don't apply
Build a foundation equivalent to graduate-level statistics coursework
This course includes
120h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language
What it costs
You can audit the course free on edX. A verified certificate is a paid option, with financial assistance available. A verified certificate (typically a few hundred dollars) is part of MIT's MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science, which can count toward credit at MIT and other universities.
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A verified MITx certificate on edX, part of MIT's MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science — a rigorous, well-regarded credential that can count toward academic credit, though it is not itself a degree.
Instructor
I
Instructor
edX instructor
Taught by MIT faculty as part of the MITx MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science.
About this provider
ED
edX
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