Game theory, or interactive decision theory, is the study of how and why decisions are made between multiple parties. Game theory has applications in various areas of study like political science, economics, philosophy, ethics, and biology. The discipline of game theory attempts to map out the decision-making process for scenarios with multiple variables. You can think of game theory as a study of negotiation. The decision-makers in game theory can be individuals or groups, such as governments.

Why learn game theory?

Game theory sounds like it applies to sports or board games, but it's really about strategic decision making. Whether you're looking to benefit your career with better negotiation skills or you want to make better decisions in your personal life, game theory can help you analyze and understand the variables that are involved in the scenarios you face. Learning the ins and outs of game theory allows you to simulate the possible outcomes of different decisions, which can help you figure out how to make the best decisions for yourself or your business interests.

How does game theory affect my career?

You can use game theory to approach different decision-making scenarios strategically. You can apply the principles of game theory to purchasing and other transactions, and you can use them in real estate negotiations and investment decisions. Game theory even works when you're negotiating a salary increase or benefits package for your own career. Applying game theory to any of your interactive decisions can help you gain an advantage in any scenario that involves negotiating.

How can online courses help me learn game theory?

If you're new to game theory or if you have some experience with it, you can benefit from online courses on Coursera. You'll receive instruction from some of the best professors in the academic world, and they allow you to grasp both the concepts and practical applications that game theory offers. Through online courses, you'll have the opportunity to gain confident knowledge of game theory that you'll be able to apply to your career and personal pursuits.

What are the benefits of taking an online Game Theory course?

Online Game Theory courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Game Theory skills. Choose from a wide range of Game Theory courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Game Theory courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Game Theory, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Game Theory Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Game Theory Course Catalog

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Stanford University
Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making, Mathematical Modeling, Graph Theory, Bayesian Statistics, Behavioral Economics, Probability, Economics, Problem Solving, Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
The University of Tokyo
Welcome to Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Behavioral Economics, Economics, Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Business Strategy, Strategic Planning, Risk Appetite, Probability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
IIMA - IIM Ahmedabad
Strategy and Game Theory for Management
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
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
115 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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Stanford University
Game Theory II: Advanced Applications
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Bidding, Social Sciences, Resource Allocation, Political Sciences, Economics, Behavioral Economics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Probability & Statistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
650 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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Yale University
Introduction to Negotiation: A Strategic Playbook for Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator
Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Contract Negotiation, Conflict Management, Mediation, Leadership, Communication, Persuasive Communication, Influencing, Relationship Building, Collaboration, Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Illinois Tech
Business Economics and Game Theory for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Market Dynamics, Business Economics, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Thinking, Business Strategy, Price Negotiation, Supply And Demand, Economics, Market Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Consumer Behaviour, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Policy Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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National Taiwan University
賽局與產業競爭策略 (Game Theory and Business Strategy)
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Business Strategy, Business, Business Marketing, Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Case Studies, Negotiation, Competitive Analysis, Market Dynamics, Product Knowledge
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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Georgia Institute of Technology
Games without Chance: Combinatorial Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Combinatorics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Computational Logic, Mathematical Modeling
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
211 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
The Mathematics of Democracy, Politics and Manipulation
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Public Policies, Game Theory, Demography, Logical Reasoning, Applied Mathematics
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
Gamification
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Solution Design, Design Thinking, Drive Engagement, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Employee Engagement, Organizational Development, Behavioral Economics, Emerging Technologies, Risk Analysis, Customer Engagement, Psychology, Marketing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
The University of Edinburgh
Fundamentals of Music Theory
Skills you'll gain: Music Theory, Music, Classical Music, Musical Composition
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Game-Theoretic Solution Concept with Spreadsheets
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Thinking, Decision Making, Systems Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Spreadsheet Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours