Modern Big Data Analysis with SQL Coursera

Overview

This Specialization is designed for learners who are new to SQL as well as those with prior experience querying smaller-scale data using relational databases, and who are interested in developing the skills required to query big data using modern distributed SQL engines.

Most SQL courses focus on traditional relational databases. However, a growing share of today’s data is too large and fast‑growing to be efficiently stored in those systems or in commercial data warehouses. Instead, this data is increasingly stored in distributed clusters and cloud-based storage, which are both cost‑efficient and highly scalable.

Querying these large datasets requires a newer class of SQL engines—distributed query engines such as Hive, Impala, Presto, and Drill. These open‑source engines are capable of querying massive datasets across clusters and cloud storage. This Specialization focuses on Hive and Impala, the most widely deployed distributed SQL engines.

The Modern Big Data Analysis with SQL Specialization offered by Coursera in partnership with Cloudera is designed to provide strong preparation for the Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst certification exam. The certification can be earned through a hands‑on practical exam using the same SQL engines taught in the Specialization: Hive and Impala.

Applied Learning Project

E​ach course in this Specialization includes a hands-on, peer-graded assignment. To earn the Specialization Certificate, you must successfully complete the hands-on, peer-graded assignment in each course. For this Specialization, there is not a separate Capstone Project like there is in some other Coursera Specializations.