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
56 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
95 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 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
234 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
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: 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
200 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

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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
860 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Glasgow
Defining Strategic Business Leadership - SBL 1
Skills you'll gain: Leadership Development, Organizational Change
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Market Share, Value Propositions, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Adaptability
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
177 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 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
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
5.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
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, Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership and Management, Self-Awareness, Strategic Leadership, Business Leadership, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
626 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months