Creative thinking courses can help you learn brainstorming techniques, problem-solving strategies, and innovative design principles. You can build skills in idea generation, critical analysis, and collaborative creativity. Many courses introduce tools like mind mapping software, design thinking frameworks, and creativity exercises that facilitate the application of these skills in various contexts.

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Ideation, Creativity, Cognitive flexibility, Problem Solving, Collaboration
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Ideation, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Cognitive flexibility, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Generative AI, Prototyping, Analysis
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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

The University of Sydney
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Innovation, Ideation, Brainstorming, Cognitive flexibility, Design Thinking, Open Mindset, Curiosity, Resourcefulness, Strategic Thinking
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Creative Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Brainstorming, Cognitive flexibility, Ideation, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Generative AI, Prototyping
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Ideation, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Innovation, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Brainstorming, Resourcefulness, Creativity, Curiosity, Strategic Thinking, Innovation, Decision Making, Collaboration
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Creativity, Creative Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Brainstorming, Cognitive flexibility, Persistence, Ingenuity, Curiosity, Resourcefulness, Innovation, Problem Solving, Growth Mindedness, Adaptability, Personal Development, Motivational Skills
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Brainstorming, Interpersonal Communications, Creativity, Personal Development, Professional Development, Creative Thinking, Branding, Collaboration, Constructive Feedback, Reliability, Productivity, Communication, Graphic Design, Adaptability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

The Pennsylvania State University
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Cultural Diversity, Open Mindset, Visionary, Adaptability, Personal Development, Initiative and Leadership, Persistence, Collaboration, Experimentation
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Ideation, Brand Strategy, Adobe Express, Adobe Firefly, Target Audience, Creative Problem-Solving, Conceptual Design, Creative Thinking, Branding, Creativity, Graphic Design, Entrepreneurship, Design, Adobe Photoshop, Business Strategy, Adobe Illustrator, Artificial Intelligence, Communication, Digital Marketing
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Adobe Firefly, Storyboarding, Adobe Express, Prompt Engineering, Responsible AI, Collaborative Software, Creativity, Adobe Creative Cloud, Prompt Engineering Tools, AI Enablement, Generative AI, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Creative Thinking, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Style Guides, Creative Design, Storytelling, Branding, Content Development and Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Creative thinking is the ability to think outside the box and generate innovative ideas. It involves approaching problems and challenges from new angles, allowing for unique solutions and perspectives. This skill is crucial in today's fast-paced world, where adaptability and innovation are key to success in various fields. Creative thinking fosters problem-solving abilities, enhances collaboration, and drives progress, making it an essential competency in both personal and professional contexts."‎
Jobs that require creative thinking span a wide range of industries. Roles such as marketing specialist, product designer, and content creator all benefit from strong creative skills. Additionally, positions in advertising, education, and technology often seek individuals who can think creatively to develop new strategies and solutions. By honing your creative thinking abilities, you can open doors to diverse career opportunities that value innovation and originality.‎
There are numerous online courses available to help you develop your creative thinking skills. Some notable options include Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success, which offers practical strategies for enhancing creativity, and Creative Thinking and Innovation, which focuses on fostering innovative ideas. These courses provide valuable insights and techniques to boost your creative capabilities.‎
Yes. You can start learning creative thinking on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in creative thinking, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning creative thinking involves engaging with various techniques and practices. Start by exploring different brainstorming methods, such as mind mapping or free writing. Participate in group discussions to gain diverse perspectives and challenge your assumptions. Additionally, practice problem-solving through real-world scenarios, and seek feedback on your ideas to refine your thinking process. Regularly exposing yourself to new experiences and knowledge can also stimulate your creativity.‎
Creative thinking courses typically cover a range of topics, including brainstorming techniques, innovation strategies, and problem-solving frameworks. You may also explore the relationship between creativity and critical thinking, as well as tools for fostering collaboration and teamwork. Courses often include practical exercises and case studies to help you apply these concepts in real-world situations, enhancing your ability to think creatively.‎
For training and upskilling employees, courses like Creative Thinking Tools for Success and Leadership Specialization can be particularly effective. These programs are designed to equip teams with the skills needed to foster innovation and collaboration in the workplace. By investing in creative thinking training, organizations can enhance their problem-solving capabilities and drive growth.‎