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Systems Thinking Courses

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.


Popular Systems Thinking Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Coursera

    Systems Thinking Basics

    Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Creative Thinking, Innovation, Systems Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Analysis, Business Systems Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Critical Thinking, Organizational Change, Decision Making, Collaboration, Data Visualization

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    68 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Developing a Systems Mindset

    Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Team Building, Business Leadership, Project Planning, Strategic Thinking, Organizational Strategy, Project Management, Relationship Building, Root Cause Analysis, Communication Strategies, Critical Thinking

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    175 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free
    Free
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Systems Thinking In Public Health

    Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Health Systems, Health Policy, Public Health, Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Simulations

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    957 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Introduction to Systems Engineering

    Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Design Reviews, Engineering Management, Requirements Analysis, User Requirements Documents, Test Engineering, Systems Design, Business Requirements, Systems Thinking, Systems Architecture, Test Planning, Systems Analysis, Functional Requirement, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Risk Management Framework, Program Management, Risk Management

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    148 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    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
    ·
    735 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    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, Proactivity, Negotiation, Business Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Surveys, Creative Thinking, Scientific Methods, Decision Making, Recognizing Others, Active Listening, Cognitive flexibility, Research Methodologies

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    134 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Virginia

    Design Thinking

    Skills you'll gain: Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Innovation, Ideation, Stakeholder Analysis, Creative Thinking, User Research, Human Centered Design, Design Research, Project Scoping, User Experience Design, User Experience, Persona Development, Project Planning, Process Mapping, Value Engineering, Product Development, Growth Mindedness, Strategic Thinking, Creativity

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    278 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Status: AI skills
    AI skills
    I

    IBM

    IBM Systems Analyst

    Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Process Mapping, Process Analysis, Business Analysis, Interactive Data Visualization, Business Process Improvement, Stakeholder Analysis, Process Optimization, Data Visualization, IBM Cognos Analytics, Requirements Management, Process Design, Systems Design, Systems Analysis, Communication Planning, Business Process Modeling, Information Technology, Release Management, Database Management, Agile Methodology

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.8K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    T

    Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Critical thinking: reasoned decision making

    Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking, Independent Thinking, Decision Making, Strategic Thinking, Systems Thinking, Research, Creative Thinking, Analysis

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    108 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado System

    Agile Systems Engineering Leadership

    Skills you'll gain: Team Management, Teamwork, Team Building, Team Motivation, Organizational Leadership, Leadership and Management, Conflict Management, Motivational Skills, Organizational Structure, Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, Leadership, Employee Engagement, Agile Methodology

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    LearnQuest

    IoT Systems and Industrial Applications with Design Thinking

    Skills you'll gain: User Research, Internet Of Things, Usability Testing, Prototyping, Design Thinking, Ideation, Automation, Advanced Analytics, User Experience Design, Big Data, User Centered Design, IT Security Architecture, Interaction Design, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Human Centered Design, Data Management, Robotics, Control Systems, Hardware Architecture, Manufacturing Processes

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    52 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado System

    Agile Systems Engineering

    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, Team Motivation, Organizational Leadership, Engineering Management, Risk Management, Waterfall Methodology, Lean Methodologies, Leadership and Management

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Searches related to systems thinking

systems thinking basics
systems thinking in public health
sustainability through soccer: systems-thinking in action
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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular systems thinking courses

  • Systems Thinking Basics: Coursera
  • Developing a Systems Mindset: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Systems Thinking In Public Health: Johns Hopkins University
  • Introduction to Systems Engineering: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking: IBM
  • Strategic Thinking for Everyone: Arizona State University
  • Design Thinking: University of Virginia
  • IBM Systems Analyst: IBM
  • Critical thinking: reasoned decision making: Tecnológico de Monterrey
  • Agile Systems Engineering Leadership: University of Colorado System

Skills you can learn in Entrepreneurship

Innovation (38)
Modeling (25)
Business Model (18)
Plan (16)
Investment (15)
Market (economics) (15)
Product (12)
Planning (11)
Social Entrepreneurship (10)
Strategic Management (10)
Business Plan (9)
Business Strategy (6)

Frequently Asked Questions about Systems Thinking

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 an approach that views complex systems as interconnected wholes rather than isolated parts. It emphasizes understanding the relationships and interactions within a system, which can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. This perspective is crucial in various fields, including business, healthcare, and environmental studies, as it helps identify root causes of issues and fosters innovative solutions. By adopting systems thinking, individuals can better navigate complexities and anticipate the consequences of their actions.‎

Careers in systems thinking are diverse and can be found in various sectors. Roles such as systems analyst, project manager, and organizational development consultant often require a strong understanding of systems thinking principles. Additionally, positions in public health, environmental management, and business strategy increasingly value this skill set. Professionals equipped with systems thinking can contribute to improving processes, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and driving sustainable practices.‎

To effectively engage in systems thinking, several key skills are essential. Critical thinking allows individuals to analyze complex problems and identify patterns. Communication skills are vital for articulating ideas and collaborating with others. Additionally, problem-solving abilities enable practitioners to devise innovative solutions. Familiarity with tools and methodologies related to systems analysis, such as causal loop diagrams and system dynamics, can also enhance one's effectiveness in this area.‎

There are several online courses available that focus on systems thinking. Notable options include Systems Thinking Basics, which introduces foundational concepts, and Systems Thinking In Public Health, which applies these principles to health-related challenges. For those interested in practical applications, the Sustainability through Soccer: Systems-Thinking in Action course offers a unique perspective on using systems thinking in real-world scenarios.‎

Yes. You can start learning systems thinking on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many systems thinking courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in systems thinking, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning systems thinking involves a combination of theoretical understanding and practical application. Start by exploring foundational courses that introduce key concepts and frameworks. Engage with case studies and real-world examples to see how systems thinking is applied in various contexts. Additionally, practice using systems thinking tools, such as mapping out systems or analyzing feedback loops, to reinforce your learning and develop your skills.‎

Typical topics covered in systems thinking courses include systems dynamics, feedback loops, causal relationships, and modeling techniques. Courses often explore how to identify and analyze complex problems, design interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Additionally, learners may study the application of systems thinking in specific fields, such as public health, environmental sustainability, and organizational development.‎

For training and upskilling employees, courses like Systems Thinking Basics can provide foundational knowledge that is applicable across various industries. Additionally, specialized courses such as Systems Thinking In Public Health can help organizations address specific challenges within their sectors. Tailoring training programs to include systems thinking can enhance problem-solving capabilities and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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