What are the best leadership courses on Coursera?

Top leadership courses include Leading People and Teams from the University of Michigan , Strategic Leadership and Management from the University of Illinois , and Organizational Leadership from Northwestern University . These programs cover emotional intelligence , strategic thinking , team dynamics, and inclusive leadership practices.

Can I take free leadership courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning leadership skills on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many leadership courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in leadership, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a leadership course?

You’ll learn how to motivate teams, manage conflict, communicate with clarity, make strategic decisions, and build trust. Some courses also include frameworks for organizational change, personal leadership development, and cross-cultural communication.

Do I need management experience to take a leadership course?

Not at all. Coursera offers leadership courses for learners at every level—from aspiring leaders to senior managers. Beginner courses focus on core principles, while advanced programs address executive strategy and organizational leadership.

Can Coursera’s leadership courses help advance my career?

Yes. Leadership skills are highly valued across industries. Coursera’s leadership courses can help you build confidence, lead more effectively, and demonstrate your growth with a recognized certificate—whether you’re seeking a promotion, switching careers, or strengthening your role as a leader.

Best Leadership Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Leadership Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Northwestern University
Organizational Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Influencing, Persuasive Communication, Design Thinking, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Leadership, Strategic Communication, Innovation, Collaboration, Crisis Management, Negotiation, Organizational Leadership, Ideation, Team Leadership, Resource Allocation, Human Centered Design, Teamwork, Motivational Skills, Corporate Communications, Marketing Strategies, Marketing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
IIMA - IIM Ahmedabad
Leadership Skills
Skills you'll gain: Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Team Leadership, Change Management, Leadership and Management, Business Leadership, Business Ethics, Self-Awareness, Culture Transformation, Personal Development, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Influencing, Empowerment, Communication, Relationship Building, Mindfulness
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Yale University
Connected Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Strategic Leadership, Leadership, Team Leadership, Team Building, Professional Development, Team Management, Leadership and Management, Action Oriented, Visionary, Time Management, Prioritization, Complex Problem Solving, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Goal Setting, Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
717 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Strategic Leadership and Management
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Organizational Change, Stakeholder Management, Organizational Structure, Corporate Strategy, Governance, Conflict Management, Organizational Strategy, Trustworthiness, Team Building, Strategic Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Business Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Business Ethics, Team Management, Team Motivation, Leadership Development, Leadership, Negotiation
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
10K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Leading People and Teams
Skills you'll gain: Talent Management, Team Motivation, Team Building, Teamwork, Team Management, Talent Pipelining, Influencing, Team Leadership, People Development, Team Performance Management, Employee Onboarding, Employee Coaching, Conflict Management, Talent Recruitment, Performance Review, Employee Engagement, Interviewing Skills, Persuasive Communication, Leadership, Business Leadership
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
University of Glasgow
Defining Strategic Business Leadership - SBL 1
Skills you'll gain: Leadership Development, Organizational Change
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management, Empathy, Leadership Development, Personal Development, Leadership, Self-Awareness, Professional Development, Adaptability, Relationship Building, Team Management, Self-Discipline, Communication, Active Listening, Stress Management, Decision Making, Mindfulness
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
124 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
Effective Leadership: Master Management Styles
Skills you'll gain: Leadership Development, Leadership, Leadership and Management, Team Leadership, Adaptability, Professional Development, Business Leadership, Organizational Leadership, People Management, Team Management, Team Motivation, Coaching, Self-Awareness
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
88 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
Strategic Leadership: Impact, Change, and Decision-Making
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, Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership and Management, Self-Awareness, Strategic Leadership, Business Leadership, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
618 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Agile Approaches for Modern Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Culture Transformation, Strategic Thinking, Team Building, Team Leadership, Strategic Leadership, Organizational Change, Team Management, Organizational Strategy, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Decision-Making, Team Motivation, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Agile Methodology, Business Leadership, Cognitive flexibility, Business Transformation, Leadership Development, Innovation, Corporate Strategy, Change Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Copenhagen Business School
Leadership in 21st Century Organizations
Skills you'll gain: Culture Transformation, Talent Management, Crisis Management, Innovation, Business Leadership, Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Leadership, Team Leadership, Organizational Strategy, Business Transformation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Communication, Governance, Change Management, Decision Making, Collaboration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Agile Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Change Management, Organizational Change, Agile Methodology, Meeting Facilitation, Positivity, Team Building, Resilience, Scrum (Software Development), Team Management, Sprint Retrospectives, Innovation, Sprint Planning, Culture Transformation, Organizational Development, Agile Project Management, Virtual Teams, Team Leadership, Business Transformation, Leadership Development, Project Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months