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, 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
69 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
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, Communication Strategies, Surveys, Creative Thinking, Scientific Methods, Decision Making, Recognizing Others, Cognitive flexibility, Research Methodologies
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
110 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
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
243 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
IE Business School
Foundations of Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Competitive Analysis, Business Strategy, Economics, Market Dynamics, Business Economics, Strategic Thinking, Market Analysis, Strategic Planning, Strategic Marketing, Resource Management, Business Process
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
204 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
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
University of Virginia
Business Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Growth Strategies, Business Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Plan Execution, Mergers & Acquisitions, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Business Ethics, Peer Review, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Business Planning, 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

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Status: New
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Strategic Management: Business Strategy & Cases
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Strategy, Business Strategies, Business Strategy, Business Ethics, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Business Planning, Growth Strategies, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Strategic Prioritization, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Management Information Systems, Stakeholder Management, Business Administration, Plan Execution, Operational Efficiency, Business, Business Process Reengineering
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Copenhagen Business School
Strategic Management
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Business Strategy, Business Strategies, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Planning, Strategic Leadership, Business Transformation, Technology Strategies, Competitive Analysis, Global Marketing, Case Studies, Market Dynamics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
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
6 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Institute for the Future
Futures Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Forecasting, Visionary, Innovation, Proactivity, Strategic Thinking, Strategic Planning, Cognitive flexibility, Creative Thinking, Action Oriented, Simulations, Optimism, Planning, Community Organizing, Creativity, Systems Thinking, Virtual Reality, Trend Analysis, Brainstorming, Empathy, Market Trend
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Virginia
Strategic Planning and Execution
Skills you'll gain: Plan Execution, Organizational Strategy, Business Strategy, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Strategic Leadership, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Thinking, Governance, Analysis, Corporate Strategy, Business Analysis, Competitive Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
872 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
Systems Thinking Basics
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Creative Thinking, Innovation, Systems Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Analysis, Business Systems Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Critical Thinking, Organizational Change, Collaboration, Data Visualization
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks