Strategy courses can help you learn competitive analysis, market positioning, strategic planning, and risk management. You can build skills in scenario analysis, resource allocation, and performance measurement. Many courses introduce tools like SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, and balanced scorecards, which help you apply these skills to real business challenges. You'll also explore frameworks for decision-making and strategic alignment, equipping you to navigate complex organizational landscapes.

University of Virginia
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
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Copenhagen Business School
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, Organizational Change
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of London
Skills you'll gain: Corporate Strategy, Business Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Decision-Making, Growth Strategies, New Business Development, Business Valuation, Organizational Structure, Market Opportunities, Resource Allocation, Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Business Planning, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Strategy, Market Analysis, Analysis, Value Propositions
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Agile Product Development, Market Trend, Operational Efficiency, Strategic Thinking, Customer Insights, Customer experience strategy (CX), Innovation, Market Opportunities, Business Strategy, Customer Engagement, Technology Strategies, New Product Development, Business Modeling, Business Technologies, Organizational Change, Business Strategies, Business Transformation, Competitive Analysis, Customer Analysis
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

Copenhagen Business School
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
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

IIMA - IIM Ahmedabad
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Game Theory, Behavioral Economics, Business Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, Complex Problem Solving, Problem Solving, Strategic Leadership, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Market Dynamics, Organizational Change, Business Analysis, Economics, Digital Media Strategy, Market Opportunities, Negotiation, Risk Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Innovation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

IE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Survey Creation, Surveys, Marketing Planning, Market Research, Business Research, Product Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Value Propositions, Market Analysis, Marketing, Business Planning, Marketing Channel, Peer Review, Case Studies, Target Market, Research Design, Data Analysis, Marketing Communications, Marketing Strategies, Product Strategy
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Brand Strategy, Branding, Brand Awareness, Logo Design, Brand Management, Target Audience, Target Market, Consumer Behaviour, Value Propositions, Marketing, Customer Insights, Marketing Psychology, Marketing Strategies, Advertising, Competitive Analysis, Typography, Storytelling, Color Theory
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Vanderbilt University
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, Agentic Workflows, Prompt Patterns, Generative AI, AI Enablement, AI Orchestration, AI Product Strategy, Workflow Management, Prompt Engineering Tools, Multimodal Prompts, OpenAI, Agentic systems, AI Personalization, Thought Leadership, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Strategic Decision-Making, Responsible AI, Business Strategy
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Price Negotiation, Market Dynamics, Product Lifecycle Management, Revenue Management, Competitive Analysis, Target Market, Global Marketing, Market Share, Consumer Behaviour, Business Strategy, Product Strategy, Marketing Psychology, Marketing, Cost Accounting, Customer Insights, Customer Analysis, Value Propositions, Strategic Marketing, Economics, Presentations
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Davis
Skills you'll gain: Content Marketing, Competitive Analysis, Copywriting, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Social Media Strategy, Brand Marketing, Digital Media Strategy, Writing, Marketing Analytics, Search Engine Optimization, Business-To-Consumer, B2B Sales, Auditing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to achieve specific goals and objectives. It is crucial because it provides direction and focus, enabling organizations and individuals to allocate resources effectively and make informed decisions. In a rapidly changing environment, having a clear strategy helps navigate challenges and seize opportunities, making it essential for success in both business and personal endeavors.
Jobs in strategy can vary widely across industries. Common roles include strategic planner, business analyst, management consultant, and product manager. These positions often require individuals to analyze market trends, develop strategic initiatives, and collaborate with teams to implement plans. Additionally, roles in digital marketing strategy and competitive analysis are increasingly in demand as businesses seek to enhance their market presence.
Some of the best online strategy courses include the Business Strategy Specialization and the Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Specialization. These programs offer insights into strategic frameworks and real-world applications, helping you develop a robust understanding of strategy in various contexts.
Yes. You can start learning strategy on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in strategy, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning strategy involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Start by exploring foundational courses that cover key concepts and frameworks. Engage in case studies and real-world scenarios to apply what you learn. Networking with professionals in the field and seeking mentorship can also enhance your understanding and provide valuable insights.
Typical topics covered in strategy courses include strategic planning, competitive analysis, market research, and resource allocation. Courses may also explore digital strategy, innovation management, and the intersection of strategy with finance and sustainability. This diverse curriculum equips learners with the tools needed to develop effective strategies in various business contexts.
For training and upskilling employees, the Digital Strategy Specialization and the AI Innovation & Product Strategy Specialization are excellent choices. These programs focus on contemporary strategic challenges and equip teams with the skills to navigate the evolving business landscape effectively.