What is 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.

Why is it important to learn systems thinking?

Systems thinking is valuable to learn because it offers you an effective way to assess and analyze complex and persistent problems that happen over time. Having an awareness of systems thinking may help you to recognize that systems operate by laws, and these laws can have consequences for our actions that we are unaware of. In a workplace setting, an understanding of systems thinking is valuable to help you put together teams across different departments and tackle unique business challenges.

What are typical careers involved with systems thinking?

Careers in systems thinking can be found in a range of operational systems, such as educational, environmental, medical, political, and economic systems. You can find roles as a product designer, or a solutions architect, for example. In large organizations, common career roles that involve systems thinking lean toward the operational aspects of the organization, including operations directors, human resources executives, and senior planning executives. Being able to see the big picture in order to move toward collective problem solving is at the heart of working in systems thinking.

How can taking online courses help me learn systems thinking?

Taking online courses to learn systems thinking may provide you with exciting new problem-solving skills that can help you in organizational practices. When you take online courses for systems thinking, you may learn how to pull together new knowledge, identify actions and interventions, and implement strong recommendations. Learning about systems thinking may help you solve complex problems, like developing a new product, or figuring out how to effectively use cross-functional teams. Systems thinking insights can help with your own ideas of seeing chronic problems in a new light over time.

What are the benefits of taking an online Systems Thinking course?

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

What Systems Thinking courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Systems Thinking, 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 Systems Thinking Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Systems Thinking Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
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, Collaboration, Data Visualization
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
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, Systems Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
936 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Institute for the Future
Futures Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Forecasting, Visionary, Innovation, Proactivity, Strategic Thinking, Strategic Planning, Cognitive flexibility, Creative Thinking, Action Oriented, Simulations, Optimism, Planning, Community Organizing, Creativity, Systems Thinking, Virtual Reality, Trend Analysis, Brainstorming, Empathy, Market Trend
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Yale University
Connected Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Strategic Leadership, Leadership, Team Leadership, Team Building, Team Management, Leadership and Management, Visionary, Time Management, Prioritization, Planning, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Goal Setting, Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
736 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
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
639 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Systems Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Failure Analysis, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Requirements Management, Scope Management, Design Reviews, Project Scoping, Root Cause Analysis, Program Management, Requirements Analysis, User Requirements Documents, Test Engineering, Cost Management, Contract Management, Systems Design, Business Requirements, Systems Thinking, Project Risk Management, Risk Management
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
130 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
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, Communication Strategies, Surveys, Creative Thinking, Scientific Methods, Decision Making, Recognizing Others, Cognitive flexibility, Research Methodologies
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
98 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Developing a Systems Mindset
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Project Planning, Business Systems Analysis, Strategic Leadership, Team Leadership, Business Leadership, Community Development, Stakeholder Analysis, Cultural Responsiveness, Organizational Strategy, Project Management, Relationship Building, Root Cause Analysis, Communication Strategies
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
166 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Virginia
Design Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Innovation, Ideation, Stakeholder Analysis, Creative Thinking, User Research, Human Centered Design, Creative Problem-Solving, Design Research, Open Mindset, Project Scoping, Persona Development, Project Planning, Value Engineering, Product Development, Growth Mindedness, User Feedback, Strategic Thinking, Creativity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
252 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Systems Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Test Planning, Data Storytelling, Business Analysis, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Analysis, Process Optimization, Data Visualization, Requirements Management, Systems Design, Stakeholder Management, Systems Analysis, Database Design, Process Analysis, Behavior-Driven Development, Information Technology, Computer Hardware, Database Management, Inventory Management System, Product Lifecycle Management, Agile Methodology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.6K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Virginia
Sustainability through Soccer: Systems-Thinking in Action
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Sustainable Systems, Sustainability Standards, Visionary, Creative Thinking, Cognitive flexibility, Environmental Issue, Social Justice, Adaptability, Resilience
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
44 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Strategic Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Strategic Decision-Making, Systems Thinking, Strategic Planning, Business Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Decision Making, Contingency Planning, Analysis, Trend Analysis, Case Studies, Strategic Prioritization, Competitive Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Market Intelligence, Performance Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months