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Strategic Thinking Courses

Strategic thinking courses can help you learn critical analysis, decision-making frameworks, competitive analysis, and scenario planning. You can build skills in risk assessment, resource allocation, and long-term vision development. Many courses introduce tools such as SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, and strategic planning software, which assist in evaluating market conditions and aligning organizational goals with actionable strategies.


More to explore:

Popular Strategic Thinking Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Arizona State University

    Strategic Thinking

    Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Strategic Decision-Making, Systems Thinking, Strategic Planning, Business Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Decision Making, Contingency Planning, Analysis, Trend Analysis, Case Studies, Strategic Prioritization, Competitive Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Market Intelligence, Performance Analysis

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    73 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Arizona State University

    Strategic Thinking for Everyone

    Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Visionary, Research, Influencing, Strategic Decision-Making, Data Collection, Systems Thinking, Strategic Planning, Proactivity, Negotiation, Business Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Surveys, Creative Thinking, Scientific Methods, Decision Making, Recognizing Others, Active Listening, Cognitive flexibility, Research Methodologies

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    117 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    E

    EDHEC Business School

    Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities

    Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Strategic Thinking, Forecasting, Strategic Planning, Strategic Decision-Making, Stakeholder Engagement, Organizational Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Business Transformation, Business Strategy, Trend Analysis, Innovation, Sustainable Development, Decision Making, Creativity, Emerging Technologies

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    248 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Strategic Leadership and Management

    Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Organizational Change, Stakeholder Management, Organizational Structure, Corporate Strategy, Governance, Conflict Management, Organizational Strategy, Trustworthiness, Team Building, Strategic Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Management Training And Development, Business Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Business Ethics, Team Management, Leadership Development, Leadership, Negotiation

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    10K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    I

    Imperial College London

    Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success

    Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Ideation, Creativity, Cognitive flexibility, Problem Solving, Collaboration

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    V

    Vanderbilt University

    Generative AI Strategic Leader

    Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, Agentic Workflows, Prompt Patterns, AI Orchestration, Generative AI, Workflow Management, AI Enablement, Agentic systems, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Intelligence, Business Leadership, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Organizational Leadership, Automation, Strategic Planning, Talent Acquisition, Procurement, Planning

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    8.7K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Copenhagen Business School

    Strategic Management and Innovation

    Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Business Planning, Case Studies, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Thinking, Plan Execution, Goal Setting, Resource Management, Organizational Strategy, Peer Review, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Leadership, Innovation, Organizational Structure, Strategic Planning, Market Analysis, Culture Transformation, Change Management, Business Strategies, Business Management

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.2K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    Imperial College London

    Creative Thinking Tools for Success and Leadership

    Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Ideation, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Cognitive flexibility, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Generative AI, Prototyping, Analysis

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    888 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Glasgow

    Strategic Business Leadership

    Skills you'll gain: Strategic Leadership, Business Transformation, Digital Transformation, Business Leadership, Innovation, Market Research, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Organizational Leadership, Leadership Development, Business Strategy, Leadership, Strategic Decision-Making, Organizational Strategy, Business Planning, Business Development, Leadership and Management, Competitive Analysis, Corporate Strategy, Business Management, Organizational Change

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    16 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    LearnKartS

    Master Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

    Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Growth Mindedness, Creative Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Creative Problem-Solving, Strategic Thinking, Cognitive flexibility, Brainstorming, Continuous Improvement Process, Systems Thinking, Analytical Skills, Decision Making, Process Analysis, Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making

    5
    Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Virginia

    Business Strategy

    Skills you'll gain: Growth Strategies, Business Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Plan Execution, Mergers & Acquisitions, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Planning, Business Ethics, Peer Review, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Strategic Decision-Making, Governance, Stakeholder Management, New Business Development, Business Research, Analysis, Project Management

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.7K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    D

    Dartmouth College

    Strategic Leadership: Impact, Change, and Decision-Making

    Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Creativity, Talent Management, Communication, Innovation, Strategic Decision-Making, Personal Development, Curiosity, People Development, Professional Networking, Collaboration, Leadership Development, Productivity, Time Management, Self-Awareness, Strategic Leadership, Business Leadership, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Leadership

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    651 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

1234…290

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular strategic thinking courses

  • Strategic Thinking: Arizona State University
  • Strategic Thinking for Everyone: Arizona State University
  • Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities: EDHEC Business School
  • Strategic Leadership and Management: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success: Imperial College London
  • Generative AI Strategic Leader: Vanderbilt University
  • Strategic Management and Innovation: Copenhagen Business School
  • Creative Thinking Tools for Success and Leadership: Imperial College London
  • Strategic Business Leadership: University of Glasgow
  • Master Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: LearnKartS

Frequently Asked Questions about Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking is the process of planning for the future by considering the long-term goals and the means to achieve them. It involves analyzing complex situations, identifying opportunities and threats, and making informed decisions that align with an organization's vision. This skill is crucial in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, as it enables individuals and organizations to navigate uncertainties, allocate resources effectively, and maintain a competitive edge.‎

Jobs that involve strategic thinking span various industries and roles. Positions such as strategic planner, business analyst, project manager, and marketing strategist often require strong strategic thinking skills. Additionally, leadership roles, including executive positions, rely heavily on the ability to think strategically to guide teams and organizations toward their objectives.‎

To excel in strategic thinking, you should develop a range of skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential, as they allow you to analyze situations and devise effective solutions. Communication skills are also important for articulating strategies clearly to stakeholders. Furthermore, understanding data analysis and market trends can enhance your strategic insights, enabling you to make informed decisions.‎

There are several online courses available to enhance your strategic thinking skills. Notable options include the Strategic Thinking for Everyone Specialization and the Strategic Thinking course. These programs cover essential concepts and practical applications, helping you build a solid foundation in strategic thinking.‎

Yes. You can start learning strategic thinking on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many strategic thinking courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in strategic thinking, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning strategic thinking involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Start by enrolling in online courses that focus on strategic concepts and frameworks. Engage in case studies and real-world scenarios to apply what you've learned. Additionally, consider seeking mentorship or networking with professionals in strategic roles to gain insights and advice.‎

Typical topics covered in strategic thinking courses include frameworks for strategic analysis, decision-making processes, competitive analysis, and the development of strategic plans. Courses may also explore the role of leadership in strategy and how to align organizational goals with strategic initiatives.‎

For training and upskilling employees in strategic thinking, consider programs like the Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization or the Strategic Business Leadership Specialization. These courses are designed to equip teams with the skills needed to think strategically and drive organizational success.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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