Corporate Social Responsibility courses can help you learn ethical business practices, stakeholder engagement, sustainability strategies, and social impact assessment. You can build skills in effective communication, strategic planning, and evaluating corporate policies that promote social good. Many courses introduce tools like impact measurement frameworks and stakeholder analysis software, that support applying these skills in practical work and ensuring that corporate initiatives align with community needs.

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Business Ethics, Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Business, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Development, Governance, Supply Management, Corporate Strategy, Business Strategy, Business Strategies, Supply Chain, Social Impact, Organizational Structure
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 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, Social Impact, Discussion Facilitation, Diversity and Inclusion, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Strategic Thinking, Advocacy, Change Management, Strategic Decision-Making
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Alex Genadinik
Skills you'll gain: Business Ethics, Data Ethics, Responsible AI, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Corporate Sustainability, Leadership Studies, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), AI Security, Decision Making, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Personally Identifiable Information, Artificial Intelligence, Compliance Training, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Risk Analysis, Governance
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

The University of Hong Kong
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Business, Business Ethics, Governance, Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Environment and Resource Management, Business Leadership, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Environmental Issue, Sustainability Reporting, Social Impact, Stakeholder Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Finance, Business Development, Climate Change Mitigation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Case Studies, Stakeholder Engagement, Business Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Corporate Sustainability, Governance, Investment Management, Portfolio Management, Diversity and Inclusion, Corporate Strategy, Waste Minimization, Sustainable Business, Investments, Portfolio Risk, Climate Change Adaptation, Equities, Finance
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Business, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Strategy, Business Transformation, Business Ethics, Social Impact, Organizational Change, Stakeholder Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Systems Thinking
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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, Stakeholder Management, Environmental Issue, Stakeholder Analysis, Business Ethics, Corporate Strategy, Investment Management, Community Development, Investments, Risk Management, Diversity and Inclusion, Climate Change Mitigation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Business Ethics, Organizational Strategy, Sustainable Business, Business Strategy, Governance, Compliance Management, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Stakeholder Engagement, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Sustainability Reporting, Business Risk Management, Diversity and Inclusion, Innovation
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

London Business School
Skills you'll gain: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Business, Sustainable Development, Corporate Strategy, Business Ethics, Social Impact, Business Leadership, Decision Making, Stakeholder Engagement, Innovation
Intermediate · Course · 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

University of Manchester
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Business, Corporate Sustainability, Business Ethics, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Development, Intercultural Competence, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Team Oriented, Decision Making, Cultural Diversity, Systems Thinking, Stakeholder Management
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Communications, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Communication Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Performance Reporting, Report Writing, Strategic Communication, Marketing Effectiveness, Community Outreach, Performance Metric, Data Storytelling, Presentations, Relationship Building, Data Visualization
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to the practices and policies undertaken by corporations to have a positive impact on society. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including ethical labor practices, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. CSR is important because it helps businesses operate ethically while contributing to societal goals. By prioritizing CSR, companies can enhance their brand reputation, foster customer loyalty, and attract top talent, all while making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.‎
A variety of job opportunities exist in the field of corporate social responsibility. Positions may include CSR manager, sustainability consultant, corporate communications specialist, and community relations director. These roles often involve developing and implementing CSR strategies, engaging with stakeholders, and measuring the impact of CSR initiatives. As businesses increasingly recognize the value of social responsibility, the demand for professionals skilled in this area continues to grow.‎
To succeed in corporate social responsibility, several key skills are essential. These include strong communication abilities, analytical thinking, project management, and a solid understanding of ethical practices and sustainability principles. Additionally, familiarity with stakeholder engagement and corporate governance can be beneficial. Developing these skills can empower you to effectively contribute to CSR initiatives and drive positive change within organizations.‎
There are numerous online courses available to help you learn about corporate social responsibility. Some notable options include Global sustainability and corporate social responsibility: Be sustainable and Business for Good: Fundamentals of Corporate Responsibility. These courses provide valuable insights into CSR practices and strategies, equipping you with the knowledge needed to make a difference in the corporate world.‎
Yes. You can start learning corporate social responsibility on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in corporate social responsibility, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
To learn corporate social responsibility, consider enrolling in online courses that cover relevant topics and skills. Start by exploring introductory courses that provide a foundational understanding of CSR principles. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and apply what you learn through practical projects or case studies. Consistent practice and real-world application will enhance your understanding and prepare you for a career in this field.‎
Typical topics covered in corporate social responsibility courses include ethical business practices, sustainability strategies, stakeholder engagement, and the impact of corporate actions on society and the environment. Courses may also explore case studies of successful CSR initiatives and frameworks for measuring the effectiveness of CSR programs. This comprehensive approach equips learners with the tools needed to implement effective CSR strategies.‎
For training and upskilling employees in corporate social responsibility, consider programs like the Campus to Corporate Training Program Specialization. This specialization focuses on bridging the gap between academic knowledge and corporate expectations, making it ideal for organizations looking to enhance their CSR capabilities. Additionally, courses that emphasize practical applications and real-world case studies can be particularly beneficial for workforce development.‎