Want to find the best online courses for critical thinking? Check out our guide on the best online courses out there for critical thinking!
Are you an academic looking to develop your critical thinking skills and enhance your ability to analyze complex information? In today’s world, where there is a vast amount of information available, it can be challenging to distinguish between fact and fiction.
Without critical thinking skills, you may fall prey to misinformation and biased opinions, hindering your ability to make well-informed decisions and arguments.
Fortunately, there is a range of online courses available that can help you strengthen your critical thinking abilities. These courses offer basic logical tools and techniques that enable learners to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments based on evidence.
In this article, we will explore the best online critical thinking courses that are ideal for academics. These courses can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in a world of information overload by enabling you to navigate complex information, assess evidence, and arrive at well-informed conclusions.
Whether you are a student, researcher, or professor, the following online courses can help you enhance your critical thinking abilities and achieve academic success.
Our selection is based on a combination of factors, but we have sorted the courses by enrollment numbers to make the list more informative. The ranking number (#1 or #10) reflects only the number of enrollments among the best courses.
| Course | Instructor(s) | 💸Pricing | ❤️Enrollments | ⭐Rating | ⌛Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #10. Decision-Making and Critical Thinking | Eduardo Pérez Gorostieta | Free ($149 for verified certificate) | ❤️❤️11,854 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐4.3 (4,285 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛5–8 hours per week (4 weeks course) |
| #9. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving in Business | Eric Zackrison | Subscription $39.99/month | ❤️❤️14,671 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.7 (5,653 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛45 minutes |
| #8. Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking | Walter Sinnott-Armstrong | Subscription $49/month | ❤️❤️❤️28,939 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.6 (475 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛5 hrs/week (4-month course) |
| #7. Decision Making: Solve Problems with Emotional Intelligence | Robin Hills | $16.99(80% off as of Feb 2023) | ❤️❤️❤️30,469 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.5 (9,285 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛4 hours 19 minutes |
| #6. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving | Mike Johansson Elizabeth Reeves O’Connor | Free ($149 for verified certificate) | ❤️❤️❤️30,685 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐4.1 (718 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛4–6 hours per week (3 weeks course) |
| #5. Critical Thinking: Fundamentals of Good Reasoning | Jonathan Berg | Free ($149 for verified certificate) | ❤️❤️❤️❤️65,316 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.3 (678 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛4–6 hours per week (9 weeks course) |
| #4. Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Informative Age | Richard E. Nisbett | Free ($149 for verified certificate) | ❤️❤️❤️❤️65,337 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.8 (1266 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛⌛13 hours |
| #3. Critical Thinking Skills for University Success | Katherine Olston Luke Alexander | Free ($149 for verified certificate) | ❤️❤️❤️❤️63,497 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.8 (984 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛⌛⌛⌛26 hours |
| #2. Logical and Critical Thinking | Tim Dare and Patrick Girard | $189.99 for a year of Unlimited learning | ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️198,525 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.8 (459 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛4 hours per week (8 weeks course) |
| #1. Think Again: How to Reason and Argue | Dr. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong Dr. Ram Neta | Free ($149 for verified certificate) | ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️294,079 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.6 (2,794 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛⌛⌛⌛25 hours |
Table of Contents
#10. Decision-Making and Critical Thinking by edX
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Free ($149 for verified certificate)
- ❤️Popularity: 11,854 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.3 (4,285 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝Instructor(s): Eduardo Pérez Gorostieta (25 years of experience as an executive in Monterrey companies. Independent consultant in the area of basic logical strategies and development for 15 years.)
- ⌛Duration: 5–8 hours per week (4 weeks course)
The “Decision-Making and Critical Thinking” online course offered by edX is designed to teach learners how to make effective decisions by applying critical thinking skills. The course covers various topics such as decision-making processes, problem-solving, reasoning, and evaluating evidence.
Learners will also have the opportunity to practice their critical thinking skills through case studies and interactive exercises. The course is self-paced and can be completed within four weeks.
It is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their decision-making abilities, whether in their personal or professional life.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#9. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving in Business by LinkedIn Learning
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Subscription $39.99/month
- ❤️Popularity: 14,671 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.7 (5,653 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Eric Zackrison and Madecraft (Teacher, Trainer, Consultant, CEO of IDI.US Inc. and Madecraft is a Full-Service Learning Content Company)
- ⌛Duration: 45 mins
The “Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving in Business” course by LinkedIn Learning teaches learners how to improve their critical thinking skills in order to solve complex business problems effectively.
The course covers topics such as identifying and analyzing problems, evaluating evidence, developing and testing hypotheses, and making sound decisions.
Through practical exercises and case studies, learners can gain a better understanding of how to apply critical thinking techniques to real-world business situations.
Meet the instructors:
What you will learn:
#8. Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking by Duke on Coursera
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Free ($49 for verified certificate)
- ❤️Popularity: 28,939 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.6 (475 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Walter Sinnott-Armstrong (Practical Ethics Professor at Duke University, and Ram Neta, Associate Philosophy Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.)
- ⌛Duration: 5 hrs/week (4-month course)
The “Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking” course on Coursera is designed to teach learners how to reason effectively and think critically.
The course covers topics such as logical fallacies, argument analysis, and deductive reasoning, with a focus on developing practical skills that can be applied in a wide range of contexts.
Meet the instructors:
What you will learn:
#7. Decision Making: Solve Problems with Emotional Intelligence by Udemy
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Regular price is $84.99. Currently priced at $16.99(80% off as of Feb 2023)
- ❤️Popularity: 30,469 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.5 (9,285 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝Instructor(s): Robin Hills (Emotional intelligence coach, trainer and facilitator with over 40 years’ business and commercial experience.)
- ⌛Duration: 4 hours 19 minutes
The course covers a range of topics, including the importance of emotional intelligence in decision making, strategies for improving emotional intelligence, and practical techniques for using emotional intelligence to solve problems and make better decisions.
Students will learn how to identify and manage their emotions, how to communicate effectively, and how to use empathy and other emotional intelligence skills to navigate complex situations.
Overall, this course is designed for anyone who wants to enhance their decision-making skills by incorporating emotional intelligence into their critical thinking process.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#6. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving by edX
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Free ($199 for verified certificate)
- ❤️Popularity: 30,685 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.1 (718 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Mike Johansson and Elizabeth Reeves O’Connor (Mike Johansson is a highly experienced instructor with a strong background in emotional intelligence and decision making. Elizabeth Reeves O’Connor is a principal lecturer at Rochester Institute of Technology)
- ⌛Duration: 4–6 hours per week (3 weeks course)
The online course “Critical Thinking and Problem Solving” by edX is designed to help learners develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course covers topics such as analyzing and evaluating complex problems, making informed decisions, and framing problems effectively.
It is intended to be relevant to a wide range of disciplines and professions and includes interactive activities and case studies to help learners apply critical thinking and problem-solving strategies in real-world situations.
Meet the instructors:
What you will learn:
#5. Critical Thinking: Fundamentals of Good Reasoning by edX
The “Critical Thinking: Fundamentals of Good Reasoning” online course on edX provides an introduction to the principles of critical thinking, an essential skill for success in a variety of fields.
The course covers key concepts such as argument analysis, logical reasoning, and evidence evaluation and teaches students how to identify and avoid common errors in reasoning.
Through interactive activities and engaging examples, learners will develop their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions. This course is suitable for learners of all levels and backgrounds who want to improve their critical thinking skills.
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Free ($150 for verified certificate)
- ❤️Popularity: 65,316 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.3 (678 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Jonathan Berg (Critical thinking teacher for over 40 years, mainly at the University of Haifa, where he is a professor in the Department of Philosophy.)
- ⌛Duration: 4–6 hours per week (9 weeks course)
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#4. Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Informative Age by University of Michigan on Coursera
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Free ($49 for verified certificate)
- ❤️Popularity: 65,337 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.8 (1266 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Richard E. Nisbett (Distinguished University Professor; Co-Director of the University of Michigan’s Culture and Cognition Program; and Research Professor at the Research Center for Group Dynamics of U-M’s Institute for Social Research.)
- ⌛Duration: 13 hours
“Critical Thinking for the Informative Age” is an online course offered by Coursera that teaches students how to evaluate and think critically about information in the digital age. The course covers topics such as how to identify biases, assess credibility, and analyze arguments.
It also provides practical strategies for evaluating sources and making informed decisions in a world flooded with information. The course is designed to be accessible to learners at all levels and can be taken for free or with a fee for a certificate.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#3. Critical Thinking Skills for University Success by the University of Sydney on Coursera
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: $49 for verified certificate
- ❤️Popularity: 63,497 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.8 (984 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Katherine Olston and Luke Alexander (Katherine Olston is Deputy Director (Digital Learning) at the Centre for English Teaching (CET), the University of Sydney, Australia. Luke Alexander works at the University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching as a Learning Designer with the Graduate Programs Team.)
- ⌛Duration: 26 hours
Critical Thinking Skills for University Success” is an online course offered by the University of Leeds on Coursera. The course is designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and become more effective learners.
Through a series of modules, participants will learn how to analyze arguments, identify assumptions, evaluate evidence, and make sound decisions. The course also covers topics such as problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills.
The course is suitable for students who are preparing for university studies or those who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. By the end of the course, students will have developed the tools and techniques to think critically about complex issues and succeed academically.
Meet the instructors:
What you will learn:
#2. Logical and Critical Thinking by FutureLearn
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Subscription fee of $189.99 for one year of Unlimited learning
- ❤️Popularity: 198,525 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.8 (459 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝Instructor(s): Tim Dare and Patrick Girard (Head of Philosophy at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Patrick Girard is a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.)
- ⌛Duration: 4 hours per week (8 weeks course)
“Logical and Critical Thinking” is an online course offered by FutureLearn, designed to help learners develop essential skills for effective reasoning and decision-making.
The course covers a range of topics, including identifying arguments, evaluating evidence, moral theories, spotting logical fallacies, and making sound judgments.
Through interactive activities, case studies, and discussions with fellow learners, participants will learn to analyze and critique arguments, consider multiple perspectives, and develop a framework for rational thinking.
This course is suitable for anyone looking to improve their critical thinking skills, whether for personal or professional development. The course is self-paced, and learners can choose to participate for free or purchase a certificate upon completion.
Meet the instructors:
What you will learn:
#1. Think Again: How to Reason and Argue by Coursera
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Free (Optional $199 for verified certificate)
- ❤️Popularity: 294,079 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐Rating: 4.6 (2,794 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝Instructor(s): Dr. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong and Dr. Ram Neta (Dr. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong is a highly respected philosopher and professor at Duke University. Dr. Ram Neta is a well-known and respected philosopher who has published extensively on topics related to ethics, epistemology, and decision-making.)
- ⌛Duration: 25 hours
“Think Again: How to Reason and Argue” is an online course offered by Coursera that teaches learners the fundamentals of critical thinking, logic, and argumentation.
Through interactive video lectures, quizzes, and assignments, learners will develop practical skills in identifying, analyzing, and evaluating arguments. The course covers topics such as logical fallacies, reasoning by analogy, and the art of persuasion, and is taught by experienced instructors.
Whether you are looking to enhance your personal decision-making skills or prepare for a career that requires strong critical thinking skills, “Think Again” is an excellent resource.
Meet the instructors:
What you will learn:
Final Thoughts
In today’s rapidly changing world, critical thinking has become an essential skill that is highly sought after by employers and individuals alike. Online courses for critical thinking offer an accessible and convenient way for people to develop and enhance this skill from the comfort of their homes.
By taking an online course for critical thinking practice, individuals can learn how to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make logical conclusions based on evidence. These courses also provide opportunities for learners to practice their critical thinking skills through interactive exercises.
Did we miss anything?
Let us know in the comment below if there is any course that you feel strongly about.
