Explore online R programming classes | edX

Learn R programmingLearning R programming can open new computer science career paths. Dive into what makes learning R a valuable investment.Create an accountWith tech companies streamlining workforces through layoffs and investing in artificial intelligence (AI), you need new skills to stand out in a tightening job market. One option includes learning a new programming language.R programming courses can help you improve your résumé and qualify for new positions. Learn R programming to protect your career in the age of AI.What is R programming?Developed in the early 1990s, R is a computer programming language that excels in data handling and analysis, graphic projections, and storage facilities. Organizations use R to perform statistical research and run legacy software. The language's flexibility makes it popular in the computer research, education, healthcare, and software publishing industries.Choose R to learn computer programming if you want to gain insights from statistical data and create visualizations that stakeholders without programming backgrounds can understand.Benefits of learning R programmingR is an open-source programming language, meaning you do not pay for a license to learn or use it.R is a popular language in many industries, allowing you to use your programming skills in various fields.R offers many helpful libraries that newer programming languages, such as Python, lack.R can easily handle large data sets that cause other programming languages to struggle.R's applicability to data science makes it a great choice for students and professionals who want to enter this field.Browse online R Programming CertificatesFind new interests and advance your career opportunitiesStand out in your fieldUse the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.Learn at your own paceOn your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.Earn a valuable credentialShowcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.Certificates (5)Courses (20)Executive Education (1)CertificatesRelated TopicsWhat you can learn in R programming classesOnline R programming courses can introduce you to the language and help you learn new skills and master key concepts.Introductory classes and coursesIf you're still exploring programming languages, start with a stand-alone R class. You can learn about the language's advantages, primary uses, and potential drawbacks in just a few hours. Researching reputable sources can also provide you with this information.Once you've decided to learn R programming, explore edX's free programming courses. The lack of financial burden means you can try different courses and complete ones that meet your needs.Intermediate certificatesOnce you've mastered the basics, explore certificates on edX to further develop your skills. These programs can help you specialize in R and explore new opportunities.IBM's Applied Data Science with R course teaches you how to create visualizations and use R libraries. Upon completion, you earn a professional certificate from IBM, an advantage if your résumé lacks relevant work experience.Advanced certificatesAn advanced certificate in R programming can teach you much about functional programming, object-oriented programming, and debugging and profiling. Coursework may also cover lesson choices within functional programming.In addition to technological knowledge, online R programming courses can help you develop many transferable soft skills, such as problem-solving, perseverance, and memorization.How to get started in R programming1. Decide why you want to learn R and create a roadmap.Before taking any R programming courses online, consider why you want to learn R over other programming languages. Research your options and make a list of pros and cons. You can also ask coworkers working in computer programming for their opinions.These are important first steps for many reasons, mainly because you want to make an informed decision. Creating a learning roadmap keeps you accountable as you take introductory, intermediate, and advanced R courses. You can also adjust your roadmap before paying for a costly course, certificate program, or degree.2. Take introductory classes and courses.Taking introductory R programming classes and courses teaches you the language's foundations. This is an essential step if you want to build your skills and tailor them toward your career goals. Make sure to take advantage of your class or course's learning resources and reach out to instructors if you're struggling.This is a great time to make your first connections within the R community. Professional contacts can offer many benefits, such as educational and career resources. The latter is especially important in a competitive job market.3. Build your skills and gain experience.Now that you know the basics, it's time to align your R knowledge skills with your career goals. When comparing intermediate and advanced courses, note which R skills they emphasize. In these classes, you might master:R programming for bioinformaticsHigh-dimensional data analysisInference and modelingLinear models and matrix algebraThese classes, like the following two steps, may provide you with the knowledge and skills to pursue entry-level R programming careers. Gaining work experience in a relevant industry can help you further build your skills.4. Earn a college certificate.To get your first R programming job, you might need to do more than take courses and earn professional certifications. College certificates offer many advantages over a four-year degree, including lower costs and less time to completion. Certificate programs also emphasize the skills you need for career success.Online certificates may charge a fee. Before signing up, determine whether successful completion awards college credit. Earning credit now can reduce the time you need to finish a four-year degree and potentially save you money on your education.5. Earn a college degreeTypical computer programming careers require a college degree. Although you may not find a college offering a bachelor's in R programming, a computer science bachelor's with a concentration in software engineering can help you reach your goals. Research programs' curricula to find those with many R electives.Undergraduate education offers more benefits than the degree you receive at the end, such as coursework emphasizing soft, transferable skills. You can also explore other programming languages to complement your R education. Take advantage of your school's networking opportunities and career resources to start your job hunt on the right foot.How long does it take to learn R programmingYou can learn some R fundamentals in about a week by taking a free online course. These introductory courses emphasize data analysis, management, and visualization. You may need extra time if you're unfamiliar with computer programming.Even if you feel comfortable with statistics and programming, mastering R can take many years, depending on how long you study each week. Fortunately, you can learn R programming at your own pace with online resources.4-12 weeksCourses2-10 monthsCertificates6-8 weeksExecutive education2-8 years*Degree programs*4-6 years (bachelor's); 12-36 months (master's); 4-8 years (doctorate)Jobs that use R programmingBelow, find roles that make use of R programming, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:Computer programmerComputer programmers use R, C++, and other programming languages to create new software, add functionality, and test programs for bugs. Some of their responsibilities overlap with software programmers. Successful computer programmer job seekers offer employers advanced analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.Median annual salary (May 2024): $98,670Projected employment growth(2024-34): -6%Required education: Bachelor's degreeData scientistData scientists use their R programming skills to visualize and analyze data, present findings to stakeholders, and develop algorithms and models. They work in different industries, such as computer systems design and insurance. Some senior-level positions require a master's in data science or a doctoral degree.Median annual salary (May 2024): $112,590Projected employment growth(2024-34): +34%Required education: Bachelor's degreeNetwork and computer systems administratorNetwork and computer systems administrators ensure network security, develop and configure networking software, and troubleshoot problems. Knowing R helps these professionals create visualizations and draw conclusions from network activity. Top employers include computer systems design and education services organizations.Median annual salary (May 2024): $96,800Projected employment growth(2024-34): -4%Required education: Bachelor's degreeYour next steps on edXChoose an introductory class or an R programming course.Develop your skills and improve your résumé with a certificate or degree.Become a more effective manager by enrolling in an executive education program.Last updated June 24, 2025More opportunities for you to learnWe've added 500+ learning opportunities to create one of the world's most comprehensive free-to-degree online learning platforms.