Liz Karns is an epidemiologist and lawyer. Her research interests involve worker health and safety, ethical responsibilities in the conduct of data analysis, and the economic consequences of sexual assault and harassment. Her practice has ranged from individual juvenile clients to large multinational corporations. She is interested in fostering an intellectual environment for students that integrates science, law, and societal needs.
Statistical
Foundations
Overview and Courses
In today’s data-driven world, you can’t afford to be the only one at the table who lacks analytical knowledge.
This certificate program will familiarize you with basic statistical concepts and terminology that will help you become a better reader and producer of meaningful data reports for your business. You will learn how to evaluate statistical summaries and apply critical tools to assess their validity. You will practice creating the most effective graphic presentation for your reports. As part of this certificate, you will explore a variety of statistical tests and learn how to choose the right test for your needs. Finally, you will have an opportunity to experiment with more complex reporting tools and apply them to interpret real-world data.
You’ll come away from the program with a more analytical mindset and increased confidence to work with data and data analysts to drive performance and decision-making in your organization.
For the optimal experience, it is strongly recommended that you complete these courses in sequential order.
In this course, you will practice making informed decisions based on statistical results. You will be introduced to the techniques you will use to view statistical tests critically and recognize the limitations of statistical conclusions. Next, you will examine statistical reports in order to identify the underlying research question. You will then use these insights to compare tests and rate their validity. Finally, you will prepare a report for stakeholders, providing recommendations based on your interpretation of statistical results.
It is recommended to only take this course if you have completed Interpreting and Communicating Data or have equivalent experience.
Choosing the most appropriate statistical test to answer your research questions will affect every aspect of your report. This course will focus on identifying the right test for your question. You will explore the relationship between the data set and the results obtained through statistical tests. You will practice writing a memo to your data analyst specifying the appropriate statistical test to answer your question. In selecting your testing methods, you will also consider the ethical implications of the test results.
It is recommended to only take this course if you have completed Interpreting and Communicating Data and Using Statistical Test to Make Decisions or have equivalent experience.
Making statistical predictions based on real-world data is complex and requires a more rigorous statistical model. In this course, you will learn to apply multivariate regression statistical models to make predictions. First, you will identify the variables that best explain your results and define the relationships between dependent and independent variables. You will then practice identifying and interpreting the results of a multiple regression model and making predictions based on that model.
It is recommended to only take this course if you have completed Interpreting and Communicating Data, Using Statistical Test to Make Decisions, and Applying Statistical Tests or have equivalent experience.
How It Works
Faculty Author
- Evaluate sample summary statistics and graphic representations of variables and their relationships
- Make informed decisions based on statistical results
- Choose the right statistical test for the question you’re asking
- Apply and interpret real-world data in regression models to make predictions about new situations

Download a Brochure
Not ready to enroll but want to learn more? Download the certificate brochure to review program details.
- Statistical Foundations Certificate from Cornell ILR School
- 40 Professional Development Hours (4 CEUs)
Who Should Enroll
- Professionals in any industry who need to communicate and interpret data
- Business managers utilizing analytics or benchmarking and comparison
- Professionals from any business function
- Government workers engaged in policy analysis
- Healthcare professionals
- Anyone who needs to understand the reasoning and language of statistics
- Anyone who wants to get the fundamental concepts of statistics without math or formula emphasis

{Anytime, anywhere.}

Statistical Foundations
Select Payment Method | Cost |
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$2,800 | |