How do I choose the right strategic thinking course for my goals?

Start by identifying how you want to apply strategic thinking—whether in leadership , entrepreneurship, business operations, or personal development . For leadership and long-term decision-making, try Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization by the University of Illinois. Want to improve critical thinking in problem-solving? Explore Creative Problem Solving from the University of Minnesota. For business innovation or planning, consider Business Strategy by the University of Virginia.

Which strategic thinking course should I start with as a beginner?

These beginner-friendly courses are accessible to anyone interested in building structured, long-term thinking: Strategic Thinking for Everyone by ASU – Offers core frameworks and mental models. Creative Problem Solving – Focuses on strategic brainstorming and reframing techniques. Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success – A strong introduction to everyday problem-solving scenarios.

What’s the difference between a strategic thinking course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

A course teaches a focused skill—like decision modeling, innovation strategy, or business planning, such as Advanced Models for Decision Making . A Specialization includes several courses for deeper skill-building—like Strategic Leadership and Management , which covers organizational strategy, execution, and leadership. A Professional Certificate may combine strategy with role-based training—such as the Google Project Management Certificate , which integrate strategic planning into execution frameworks.

What is Strategic Thinking?

Strategic thinking refers to the ability to analyze complex situations, anticipate future outcomes, and make informed decisions to achieve long-term goals. It involves evaluating different options, weighing risks and benefits, and identifying the most effective courses of action to create a competitive advantage. Strategic thinking encompasses critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to think holistically and consider various perspectives. In today's dynamic and ever-changing business landscape, strategic thinking is crucial for individuals and organizations to adapt, innovate, and thrive.

What kind of people are best suited for studying Strategic Thinking?

People who are analytical, critical thinkers, and have a strong ability to think strategically are best suited for studying Strategic Thinking. Additionally, individuals who are open-minded, adaptable, and have a natural curiosity to understand complex problems and find innovative solutions would excel in this field of study. Strategic Thinking requires individuals to have a long-term perspective, be able to anticipate future trends, and make informed decisions based on a deep understanding of the business environment.

Top Strategic Thinking Courses - Learn Strategic Thinking Online

Explore the Strategic Thinking Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Strategic Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Strategic Decision-Making, Systems Thinking, Contingency Planning, Business Strategy, Business Planning, Analysis, Trend Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Risk Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Decision Making, Competitive Analysis, Forecasting, Market Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Strategic Thinking for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Influencing, Visionary, Storytelling, Optimism, Strategic Decision-Making, Data Collection, Active Listening, Empathy, Game Theory, Interpersonal Communications, Systems Thinking, Data Validation, Investigation, Contingency Planning, Creative Thinking, Business Strategy, Cognitive flexibility, Proactivity, Business Research
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
88 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Glasgow
Defining Strategic Business Leadership - SBL 1
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
EDHEC Business School
Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities
Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Thinking, Forecasting, Strategic Decision-Making, Systems Thinking, Organizational Effectiveness, Business Transformation, Complex Problem Solving, Business Strategy, Innovation, Trend Analysis, Creativity
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
231 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Strategic Leadership and Management
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Conflict Management, Corporate Strategy, Trustworthiness, Organizational Structure, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Governance, Leadership Development, Business Modeling, Stakeholder Management, Team Building, Team Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Innovation, Organizational Leadership, Leadership and Management, Business Leadership, Leadership, Negotiation
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
10K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
IE Business School
Foundations of Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Competitive Analysis, Business Strategy, Market Dynamics, Strategic Planning, Organizational Strategy, Market Analysis, Business Economics, Economics, Resource Management, Business Process
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
196 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Preview
Imperial College London
Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Creativity, Ideation, Cognitive flexibility, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Creative Thinking Tools for Success and Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Design Thinking, Creativity, Brainstorming, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Cognitive flexibility, User Research, Human Centered Design, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Generative AI, Complex Problem Solving, Natural Language Processing, Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
849 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Copenhagen Business School
Strategic Management and Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Organizational Strategy, Organizational Structure, Strategic Leadership, Strategic Decision-Making, Peer Review, Strategic Planning, Plan Execution, Project Management, Competitive Analysis, Performance Measurement, Culture Transformation, Business Planning, Innovation, Corporate Strategy, Market Analysis, Resource Management, Global Marketing, Project Implementation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Yale University
Introduction to Negotiation: A Strategic Playbook for Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator
Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Leadership, Conflict Management, Persuasive Communication, Communication, Influencing, Relationship Building, Collaboration, Game Theory, Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Creative Problem-Solving, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Cognitive flexibility, Analysis, Adaptability, Decision Making, Professional Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
600 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Skills you'll gain: Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Creativity, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Professional Development, Decision Making, Root Cause Analysis, Organizational Effectiveness, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Personal Development, Performance Measurement, Business Leadership, Critical Thinking, Analytical Skills, Analysis, Collaboration, Team Oriented, Adaptability
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks