Systems thinking courses can help you learn how to analyze complex systems, identify interdependencies, and develop holistic solutions. You can build skills in mapping system dynamics, recognizing feedback loops, and applying causal loop diagrams. Many courses introduce tools like system modeling software and simulation techniques, that support visualizing interactions and predicting outcomes in various contexts, such as environmental management, organizational development, and public policy.

Coursera
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
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Institute for the Future
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
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Prompt Patterns, Generative AI, Systems Analysis, Business Workflow Analysis, Systems Architecture, Solution Architecture, Business Process Automation, LLM Application, Stakeholder Analysis, Software Architecture, Systems Thinking, Responsible AI, Machine Learning, Project Documentation, Stakeholder Communications, Technical Consulting
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Health Systems, Health Policy, Public Health, Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Simulations, Systems Analysis
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Strategic Leadership, Leadership, Team Leadership, Team Building, Team Management, Leadership and Management, Visionary, Time Management, Prioritization, Planning, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Goal Setting, Communication
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Failure Analysis, Model Based Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Requirements Management, Scope Management, Design Reviews, Project Scoping, Root Cause Analysis, Test Engineering, Program Management, Systems Thinking, User Requirements Documents, Cost Management, Contract Management, Systems Design, Product Lifecycle Management, Business Requirements, Risk Management, Requirements Analysis
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Arizona State University
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
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Innovation, Ideation, Stakeholder Analysis, Creative Thinking, User Research, Human Centered Design, Creative Problem-Solving, Design Research, Open Mindset, Project Scoping, Persona Development, Project Planning, Process Mapping, Value Engineering, Product Development, Growth Mindedness, Strategic Thinking, Creativity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Professional Development, Creative Problem-Solving, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Personal Development, Analysis, Agile Project Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Project Planning, Business Systems Analysis, Strategic Leadership, Team Leadership, Business Leadership, Community Development, Stakeholder Analysis, Cultural Responsiveness, Organizational Strategy, Project Management, Relationship Building, Root Cause Analysis, Communication Strategies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: User Research, Internet Of Things, Usability Testing, Prototyping, Design Thinking, Ideation, Automation, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Interaction Design, Information Systems Security, Human Centered Design, Data Management, Systems Architecture, Embedded Software, Real Time Data, Hardware Architecture, Network Protocols, Systems Integration, Interoperability
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Verification And Validation, Team Management, Systems Architecture, Requirements Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Scrum (Software Development), Systems Development Life Cycle, Teamwork, Configuration Management, Team Building, Agile Methodology, Scaled Agile Framework, Systems Development, Team Motivation, Organizational Leadership, Engineering Management, Risk Management, Waterfall Methodology, Leadership and Management
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Systems thinking is a systemic methodology and philosophy used to approach problem-solving for systems. In one aspect, systems thinking is a recognition of the way that people view system issues and the approaches that are taken. Instead of one manager or leader solving a problem, systems thinking creates a way for a team or department to use their collective intelligence and experience to solve a persistent problem. In another aspect, systems thinking is a commonly shared language and a set of tools that seeks to address important, ongoing issues that the group is aware of but have been unsuccessful in solving with common methods previously.
Systems thinking is valuable to learn because it offers you an effective way to assess and analyze complex and persistent problems that happen over time. Having an awareness of systems thinking may help you to recognize that systems operate by laws, and these laws can have consequences for our actions that we are unaware of. In a workplace setting, an understanding of systems thinking is valuable to help you put together teams across different departments and tackle unique business challenges.
Careers in systems thinking can be found in a range of operational systems, such as educational, environmental, medical, political, and economic systems. You can find roles as a product designer, or a solutions architect, for example. In large organizations, common career roles that involve systems thinking lean toward the operational aspects of the organization, including operations directors, human resources executives, and senior planning executives. Being able to see the big picture in order to move toward collective problem solving is at the heart of working in systems thinking.
Taking online courses to learn systems thinking may provide you with exciting new problem-solving skills that can help you in organizational practices. When you take online courses for systems thinking, you may learn how to pull together new knowledge, identify actions and interventions, and implement strong recommendations. Learning about systems thinking may help you solve complex problems, like developing a new product, or figuring out how to effectively use cross-functional teams. Systems thinking insights can help with your own ideas of seeing chronic problems in a new light over time.
Online Systems Thinking courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Systems Thinking skills. Choose from a wide range of Systems Thinking courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.
When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Systems Thinking, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.