ESG courses can help you learn about sustainable investing, corporate social responsibility, and environmental impact assessments. You can build skills in stakeholder engagement, risk management, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Many courses introduce tools like sustainability reporting software and data analytics platforms, that support evaluating ESG performance and making informed investment decisions.

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Risk Management, Case Studies, Business Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Corporate Sustainability, Governance, Investment Management, Portfolio Management, Diversity and Inclusion, Corporate Strategy, Waste Minimization, Sustainable Business, Environmental Issue, Investments, Business Ethics, Crisis Management, Insurance, Return On Investment, Finance
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Business, Strategic Prioritization, Corporate Sustainability, Prioritization, Business Ethics, Sustainable Development, Adaptability, Governance, Accountability, Emotional Intelligence, Open Mindset, Discussion Facilitation, Diversity and Inclusion, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Strategic Thinking, Compliance Management, Advocacy, Change Management, Strategic Decision-Making
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Corporate Finance Institute
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Business, Compliance Management, Business Risk Management, Business Intelligence, Stakeholder Analysis, Environmental Issue, Corporate Strategy, Governance, Performance Analysis, Case Studies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

IMD - International Institute for Management Development
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Business, Sustainable Development, Business Ethics, Compliance Management, Sustainability Reporting, Environmental Management Systems, Stakeholder Management, Governance, Climate Change Mitigation, Stakeholder Engagement, Case Studies, Leadership, Risk Management, Business Strategy, Organizational Change, Simulation and Simulation Software
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Waste Minimization, Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Issue, Business Ethics, Insurance, Product Lifecycle Management, Climate Change Mitigation, Environmental Regulations, Business Risk Management, Sustainability Reporting, Stakeholder Engagement
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Corporate Sustainability, Stakeholder Engagement, Sustainable Business, Governance, Business Metrics, Sustainable Development, Sustainability Reporting, Business Reporting, Environmental Issue, Stakeholder Analysis, Performance Measurement, Business Ethics, Investments, Diversity and Inclusion, Climate Change Mitigation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Risk Management, Case Studies, Business Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Corporate Sustainability, Investment Management, Portfolio Management, Investments, Financial Analysis, Return On Investment, Sustainable Business, Governance
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Generative AI, Data Ethics, Responsible AI, Sustainable Business, Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Sustainability Reporting, Business Ethics, Prompt Engineering, Artificial Intelligence
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Business, Business Reporting, Data Storytelling, Compliance Reporting, Data Visualization, Performance Reporting, Sustainability Standards, Environmental Regulations, Stakeholder Communications, Strategic Communication, Return On Investment, Risk Management, Investment Management, Finance
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Business, Sustainable Development, Corporate Sustainability, Stakeholder Engagement, Environmental Issue, Business Ethics, Stakeholder Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Business Communication, Trend Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainability Reporting, Sustainable Business, Business Reporting, Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Governance, Financial Reporting, Business Metrics, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Environmental Issue, Business Ethics, Compliance Reporting, Stakeholder Analysis, Risk Management, Performance Measurement, Corporate Strategy, Finance, Financial Services
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainability Standards, Sustainable Development, Sustainability Reporting, Sustainable Business, Corporate Sustainability, Consulting, Business Consulting, Environmental Management Systems, Product Lifecycle Management, Environment, Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Browse the ESG courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
ESG courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding and implementing environmental, social, and governance principles in business practices. These include the fundamentals of ESG, sustainability strategies, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Learners will explore topics such as environmental impact assessment, social impact measurement, and governance frameworks. Advanced courses might cover ESG reporting standards, sustainable finance, and ethical investment strategies. Practical projects and case studies help learners apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to integrate ESG principles into business operations.‎
Yes. You can start learning Environmental, Social, and Governance topics on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in ESG topics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Choosing the right ESG course depends on your current knowledge level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that introduce the basics of ESG, including key concepts, sustainability strategies, and CSR practices. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on ESG reporting, impact measurement, and governance frameworks. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on sustainable finance, ethical investment, or preparing for certifications such as the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.‎
A certificate in ESG can open up various career opportunities in sustainability, finance, and corporate governance. Common roles include ESG analyst, sustainability consultant, corporate social responsibility manager, and ethical investment advisor. These positions involve developing and implementing ESG strategies, conducting sustainability assessments, and advising organizations on ethical practices and sustainable investments. With the growing importance of ESG principles in business operations and investment decisions, earning a certificate in ESG can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as finance, corporate governance, and sustainability consulting.‎