Decision making courses can help you learn analytical thinking, risk assessment, strategic planning, and effective communication techniques. You can build skills in evaluating options, forecasting outcomes, and making data-driven choices. Many courses introduce tools like decision trees, SWOT analysis, and cost-benefit analysis, which assist in structuring your thought process and improving clarity in complex situations.

University of California, Irvine
Skills you'll gain: Performance Metric, Open Mindset, Team Management, Organizational Strategy, Collaboration
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Cambridge
Skills you'll gain: Human Learning, Child Development, Psychology, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Teaching, Decision Making, Learning Theory, Instructional Strategies, Pedagogy, Learning Strategies, Developmental Disabilities, Empathy, Working With Children, Neurology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Medical Imaging, Electrophysiology, Human Development
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Intelligence, Big Data, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Statistical Programming, Microsoft Excel, Data Visualization Software, Data Collection, Case Studies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Dartmouth College
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Strategic Decision-Making, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Behavioral Economics, Problem Solving, Leadership Development, Analysis, Goal Setting, Strategic Leadership, Risk Analysis, Adaptability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Dartmouth College
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Creativity, Talent Management, Communication, Innovation, Strategic Decision-Making, Personal Development, Curiosity, People Development, Professional Networking, Collaboration, Leadership Development, Productivity, Time Management, Self-Awareness, Strategic Leadership, Business Leadership, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Leadership
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Business Analytics, Risk Analysis, Decision Making, Predictive Analytics, Simulation and Simulation Software, Business Modeling, Data Analysis, Process Optimization, Market Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Microsoft Excel, Exploratory Data Analysis, Probability Distribution
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Dealing With Ambiguity, Performance Analysis, Performance Measurement, Customer Analysis, Adaptability, Decision Making, Strategic Prioritization, Dashboard, Strategic Thinking, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Market Opportunities, Business Metrics, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Science, Data Analysis, Operational Efficiency, Risk Management, Change Management
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Model Evaluation, Simulations, Operations Research, Probability Distribution, Mathematical Modeling, Supply Chain, Probability, Predictive Modeling, Data Preprocessing, Business Modeling, Business Analytics, Workforce Management, Analytics, Regression Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Forecasting, Excel Formulas, Statistics, Predictive Analytics
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Creative Problem-Solving, Brainstorming, Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Resourcefulness, Creativity, Curiosity, Strategic Thinking, Root Cause Analysis, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Risk Analysis, Innovation, Analytical Skills, Business Ethics, Social Impact, Business Risk Management, Analysis
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Creative Problem-Solving, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Resourcefulness, Risk Analysis, Business Ethics, Social Impact, Business Risk Management, Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Ethics, Data Integrity, Data Analysis, Tableau Software, Stakeholder Communications, Responsible AI, Verbal Communication Skills, Small Data, Decision Making, Stakeholder Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Probability & Statistics, Big Data, Data Sharing, Statistics, Spreadsheet Software, Concision, Solution Design
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Behavioral Economics, Psychology, Critical Thinking, Social Sciences, Interpersonal Communications, Diversity Awareness, Case Studies, Research
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Decision making is the process of selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives. It is a crucial skill in both personal and professional contexts, as it influences outcomes and shapes strategies. Effective decision making allows individuals and organizations to navigate complexities, assess risks, and capitalize on opportunities. In today's fast-paced world, the ability to make informed decisions can lead to better results, increased efficiency, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities.‎
A variety of jobs require strong decision-making skills. Positions in management, project coordination, and data analysis often emphasize the ability to make sound decisions. Roles such as business analyst, operations manager, and strategic planner also benefit from effective decision-making capabilities. Additionally, fields like healthcare, finance, and technology increasingly seek professionals who can analyze data and make informed choices that drive success.‎
To excel in decision making, you should develop several key skills. Critical thinking is essential for evaluating options and outcomes. Analytical skills help in interpreting data and understanding implications. Communication skills are important for articulating decisions and collaborating with others. Additionally, emotional intelligence can enhance your ability to understand the perspectives of others, which is vital in group decision-making scenarios.‎
There are numerous online courses available to enhance your decision-making skills. Some notable options include the Decision-Making for Everyone Specialization and the Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) Specialization. These courses cover various aspects of decision making, from foundational principles to advanced analytical techniques.‎
Yes. You can start learning decision making on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in decision making, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
To learn decision making effectively, start by identifying your learning goals and the specific areas you want to improve. Enroll in relevant courses, such as the Analytics for Decision Making Specialization, and engage with the material through exercises and discussions. Practice applying what you learn in real-life scenarios, and seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your skills.‎
Typical topics covered in decision-making courses include the decision-making process, analytical techniques, risk assessment, and the impact of biases on choices. Courses may also explore frameworks for effective decision making, such as data-driven approaches and ethical considerations. Understanding these topics can provide a comprehensive foundation for making informed decisions in various contexts.‎
For training and upskilling employees, courses like the Strategic Leadership: Impact, Change, and Decision-Making Specialization and the Google Data-Driven Decision Making Specialization are excellent choices. These programs focus on practical applications and strategic thinking, equipping employees with the skills needed to make effective decisions in a professional environment.‎