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.

Best Strategic Thinking Courses & Certificates [2025]

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, Analysis, Trend Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Risk Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Market Intelligence, Performance 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, Visionary, Research, Influencing, Strategic Decision-Making, Data Collection, Systems Thinking, Strategic Planning, Investigation, Proactivity, Negotiation, Business Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Communication Strategies, Creative Thinking, Scientific Methods, Decision Making, Active Listening, Cognitive flexibility, Research Methodologies
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
85 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
192 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
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, Business Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Business Ethics, Team Management, Team Motivation, Leadership Development, Leadership, Negotiation
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
10K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Yale University
Introduction to Negotiation: A Strategic Playbook for Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator
Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Contract Negotiation, Conflict Management, Mediation, Leadership, Communication, Persuasive Communication, Influencing, Relationship Building, Collaboration, Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
EDHEC Business School
Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Strategic Thinking, Forecasting, Strategic Decision-Making, Stakeholder Engagement, Organizational Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Business Transformation, Business Strategy, Trend Analysis, Innovation, Creativity, Emerging Technologies
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
228 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Imperial College London
Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Creativity, Curiosity, Problem Solving, Collaboration
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, Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Ideation, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Cognitive flexibility, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
842 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Illinois Tech
Strategy & Economic Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Market Dynamics, Supply And Demand, Game Theory, Product Lifecycle Management, Business Strategy, Competitive Analysis, Business Economics, Innovation, Economics, Market Trend, Strategic Decision-Making, Price Negotiation, Strategic Thinking, Global Marketing, Market Analysis, Value Propositions, Consumer Behaviour, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Adaptability
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
166 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Copenhagen Business School
Strategic Management and Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Business Planning, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Thinking, Plan Execution, Goal Setting, Resource Management, Organizational Strategy, Peer Review, Competitive Analysis, Innovation, Organizational Structure, Project Implementation, Strategic Planning, Market Analysis, Culture Transformation, Change Management, Business Strategies, Business, Global Marketing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Creative Problem-Solving, Creative Thinking, Root Cause Analysis, Professional Development, Critical Thinking, Analysis, Personal Development, Decision Making
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
569 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, Decision Making, Creativity, Organizational Effectiveness, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Solutions, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Professional Development, Root Cause Analysis, Personal Development, Critical Thinking, Adaptability, Analysis, Analytical Skills
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks