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Creativity is often seen as something you either have or you don’t—but how do you actually learn to be more creative? Reading about innovation is one thing, but applying it in a way that leads to real results is another. Inspiration alone doesn’t cut it.

Without structured learning, you might find yourself:

  • Struggling to break out of predictable thinking patterns.
  • Gathering ideas but lacking a process to refine and execute them.
  • Watching creativity stall in a team setting because no one knows how to turn abstract concepts into action.
  • Relying on random inspiration and big ideas to strike you.

That’s where these creativity and innovation courses come in. They go beyond theory, offering practical tools, expert insights, and hands-on strategies to help you build and apply creativity in meaningful ways. Below, you’ll find the best courses, who they’re for, and what makes them worth your time.

Best Creativity and Innovation Courses Shortlist

Here's my shortlist of the best creativity and innovation courses I think are helpful:

  1. Creativity and Innovation (Harvard DCE)
  2. Leading for Creativity and Innovation (eCornell)
  3. Creativity, Innovation and Transformation (The Pennsylvania State University)
  4. Creative Thinking and Innovation (The University of Sydney)
  5. Creativity and Innovation Certificate (LSU Online)
  6. Creativity and Innovation (Tufts University)
  7. Interdisciplinary Certificate in Creativity and Innovation (ICCI) (University of Georgia)
  8. Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship (The University of Texas at Austin)
  9. Innovation and Creativity Management (RWTH Aachen University)
  10. STEAM: Supporting Creativity for Innovation (University of San Diego)
  11. Sparking Creativity and Innovation (Walden University)
  12. Leading for Creativity (IDEO U)
  13. Creativity, Design Thinking, and Innovation for Business (Udemy)

Find more details about each course below.

Overview of the Best Creativity and Innovation Courses

Below are my detailed summaries of the best creativity and innovation courses that made it onto my shortlist.

1. Creativity and Innovation (Harvard DCE)

Creativity and Innovation course page screenshot
Harvard DCE’s Creativity and Innovation course blends case studies, group projects, and hands-on exercises to explore how creativity fuels organizational innovation.

This course explores the dynamic relationship between creativity and innovation in professional environments. Students examine strategies for fostering creative thinking, managing innovation, and developing impactful ideas within organizations. Through case studies, exercises, and group projects, participants gain hands-on experience in applying creativity to drive real-world results.

  • Who It’s For: Professionals seeking to enhance creativity and innovation in their organizations
  • Topics Covered:
    • Fostering creativity
    • Managing innovation
    • Developing organizational cultures
    • Tools for individual and group creativity
    • Leading innovation efforts
  • Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
  • Exam Required?: No
  • Duration: 4 months
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 2 hours per week
  • Eligibility Requirements: A completed bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • Price: $3,340
  • Take The Course: Harvard DCE
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2. Leading for Creativity and Innovation Course (eCornell)

Leading for Creativity and Innovation course website page screenshot
eCornell’s Leading for Creativity and Innovation course focuses on practical strategies for fostering innovation, emphasizing organizational structures and idea-generation frameworks.

This course from eCornell provides actionable strategies for fostering creativity and innovation within organizations. It demystifies the concept of innovation, focusing on how creative ideas can translate into meaningful results. Participants will explore ways to encourage innovative thinking and build environments that support it effectively.

  • Who It’s For: Professionals with over three years of experience aiming to influence and drive results
  • Topics Covered:
    • Organizational structures for innovation
    • Frameworks for idea generation
    • Best practices for encouraging innovation
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 3 to 5 hours per week
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Contact for pricing
  • Take The Course: eCornell

3. Creativity, Innovation and Transformation (The Pennsylvania State University)

Creativity, Innovation, and Transformation course page screenshot
Coursera’s Creativity and Innovation course offers a self-paced framework for personal transformation, helping individuals tap into their creative potential to navigate change.

This course examines how individuals can tap into their innate creativity and innovative abilities to embrace change in a dynamic world. It offers a thoughtful framework for personal transformation, encouraging learners to connect with their creative potential in meaningful ways. The modules are designed to inspire growth and foster a deeper understanding of how creativity can shape lives and communities.

  • Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to enhance their creativity and innovation skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Innovation Toolbox
    • Creative Diversity
    • CENTER Model
    • Transformation
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 3 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 16 hours; Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Free
  • Take The Course: Coursera

4. Creative Thinking and Innovation (The University of Sydney)

The Creative Thinking and Innovation Course landing page screenshot
Coursera’s Creative Thinking and Innovation course introduces practical techniques and insights from industry innovators to help beginners develop a creative mindset and generate new ideas.

This course explores how to develop creative thinking skills and apply them to generate innovative ideas. It offers practical techniques to enhance creativity and provides insights from successful innovators across industries. Through engaging content, learners discover how creativity drives breakthroughs in both personal and professional settings.

  • Who It’s For: Beginners seeking to enhance their creative thinking skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Innovation concepts
    • Approaches to stimulate innovation
    • Creative thinking and mindset development
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 3 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 13 hours; Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Free
  • Take The Course: Coursera

5. Creativity and Innovation Certificate (LSU Online)

Course page screenshot for Creativity and Innovation Certificate
The Creativity and Innovation Certificate is offered both online and in-person, covering topics such as critical thinking, and innovation and creativity within teams and organizations.

This certificate program helps learners rediscover their creative potential and apply it to real-world challenges. It provides interactive lessons, case studies, and expert guidance to support innovative problem-solving in professional settings. With accessible, mobile-friendly content, participants can build practical skills to drive impactful solutions.

  • Who It’s For: Individuals looking to enhance creative skills for organizational problem-solving
  • Topics Covered:
    • Introduction to Critical Thinking
    • Personal Creativity
    • Creativity in Teams and Organizations
    • Innovation in Teams and Organizations
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? Yes
  • Duration: 18 hours 
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: English proficiency is required prior to enrollment.
  • Price: $249
  • Take The Course: LSU Online

6. Creativity and Innovation (Tufts University)

Creativity and Innovation Course page screenshot
The Creativity and Innovation Course by Tufts is a three-month long course covering the impact of creativity on organizational culture, systems thinking, and even self awareness.

This course explores foundational principles of creativity and innovation, emphasizing their application in diverse settings. It offers a structured approach to understanding the interplay between personal and organizational factors that influence creative processes. Designed to foster practical insights, it equips learners with tools to think creatively and solve complex problems effectively.

  • Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to enhance creative thinking skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Self-awareness
    • Impact of organizational culture on creativity
    • Systems thinking
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
  • Exam Required? Yes
  • Duration: 2 to 3 months
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (unofficial transcript required).
    • Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency:
      • TOEFL (Internet-Based): 100 (no "My Best Scores").
      • IELTS: 6.5+
      • PTE: 68+
      • Duolingo: 120
  • Price: Contact for pricing
  • Take The Course: Tufts University College

7. Interdisciplinary Certificate in Creativity and Innovation (ICCI) (University of Georgia)

Course page screenshot for Interdisciplinary Certificate in Creativity and Innovation
The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Creativity and Innovation (ICCI) is a certificate program offering both an online and in-person course for graduate students.

This certificate program blends expertise from various departments to cultivate creativity and innovation across disciplines. It encourages learners to integrate knowledge, explore unconventional approaches, and develop valuable problem-solving skills. With a focus on collaboration and flexibility, the program enhances creative thinking for both academic and professional advancement.

  • Who It’s For: Graduate students aiming to enhance creativity and innovation skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Creativity education
    • Art education
    • Science education
    • Innovation management
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 15 hours
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 15 hours
  • Eligibility Requirements: Must be a current graduate student.
  • Price: Contact for pricing
  • Take The Course: University of Georgia

8. Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship (The University of Texas at Austin)

Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship Course website page
The Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship Course is an online 19-hour course designed to foster creative thinking to help propel students and professionals into their career and academic goals.

This interdisciplinary course equips students with entrepreneurial skills through tailored coursework and hands-on experiences. Participants earn a certificate by completing foundational courses, specialized strands, and internships or research projects aligned with their interests. The program fosters practical application of creative and innovative thinking to achieve career and academic goals.

  • Who It’s For: Undergraduates seeking to develop entrepreneurial and creative skills for innovative roles.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Creative thinking and entrepreneurship
    • Idea generation, prototyping, and problem-solving
    • Teamwork, collaboration, and resilience
    • Interdisciplinary learning and hands-on research or internships
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 19 hours
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 19 hours
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Contact for pricing
  • Take The Course: The University of Texas at Austin

9. Innovation and Creativity Management (The University of Texas at Austin)

Innovation and Creativity Management Course landing page screenshot
The Innovation and Creativity Management Course offers a 6-week online or in-person course covering real-life case studies, project review techniques, a final exam, and more.

This course teaches strategies to effectively manage creativity and innovation within organizations. It explores a structured approach to guiding new product concepts through key stages, from development to launch. Using practical exercises and real-world examples, learners gain tools to foster creativity and drive successful innovation projects.

  • Who It’s For: Professionals in product management, engineering, and marketing
  • Topics Covered:
    • Innovation Process Stages
    • Creativity and Leadership
    • Real-life Case Studies
    • Project Review Techniques
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? Yes
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 6 to 8 hours per week; Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None, but MTI002x Customer-Centric Innovation is recommended; MTI001x is beneficial.
  • Price:
    • Without Certificate: Free
    • With Certificate: $249
  • Take The Course: edX

10. STEAM: Supporting Creativity for Innovation (University of San Diego)

Course STEAM: Supporting Creativity for Innovation Course website page screenshot
The STEAM: Supporting Creativity for Innovation Course caters to k-12 educators and higher education faculty. 180 days, self-paced, with no prerequisites.

This course focuses on fostering creativity to drive innovation, particularly within STEAM learning environments. It highlights strategies for creating spaces where brainstorming can thrive and explores tools to enhance functionality in engaging learners through innovative projects. Participants will also upskill their ability to connect creativity to human history and understand its role in shaping impactful learning experiences.

  • Who It’s For: K-12 educators and higher education faculty
  • Topics Covered:
    • Creativity and innovation in education
    • Strategies for enhancing student creativity
    • Role of culture in STEAM education
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? Yes
  • Duration: 180 days
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: $317
  • Take The Course: University of San Diego | Professional & Continuing Education

11. Sparking Creativity and Innovation (University of San Diego)

Sparking Creativity and Innovation Course landing page screenshot
The Sparking Creativity and Innovation Course is the perfect 1-hour creative-thinking booster for anyone looking to explore the concept and practical applications of creativity.

This micro-course guides participants in rediscovering creative and innovative thinking to enhance learning and personal growth. It provides practical strategies and tools to foster a culture of creativity while addressing misconceptions and barriers. Learners develop an action plan to integrate creative approaches into their personal and professional lives, focusing on sustained well-being and future growth.

  • Who It’s For: Individuals looking to enhance creativity, apply innovative strategies, or reignite personal and professional motivation.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Definitions and importance of creativity and innovation
    • Historical context of creativity
    • Strategies for integrating creativity into daily life
    • Interactive exercises and knowledge checks
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 180 days
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 1 hour; Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Price: $45
  • Take The Course: Walden University's Lifelong Learning Platform

12. Leading for Creativity (IDEO U)

Leading for Creativity Course page screenshot
The Leading for Creativity Course, built for both individuals and teams, runs for 5 weeks both in-person and online for about 4 hours a week.

This course focuses on cultivating leadership skills to foster creativity within teams and organizations. Participants learn practical techniques to navigate uncertainty, build trust, and encourage innovation through experimentation. Guided by IDEO leaders, the program helps unlock team potential and create an environment that supports creative growth.

  • Who It’s For: Individuals and teams interested in enhancing their creative leadership skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Leadership philosophy
    • Building a culture of innovation
    • Guiding teams through uncertainty
    • Crafting impactful questions
    • Designing rituals for creativity
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 5 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 4 hours per week
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: $799 
  • Take The Course: IDEO U

13. Creativity, Design Thinking, and Innovation for Business (Udemy)

Course page screenshot for Creativity, Design Thinking, and Innovation for Business
The Creativity, Design Thinking, and Innovation for Business Course is a 3-hour course built to help business leaders foster creative thinking in the workplace, attract talent, and implement design thinking methodologies.

This course provides practical tools to build a workplace culture that fosters creativity and innovation. Participants learn to implement design thinking methodologies, develop creative problem-solving skills, and encourage open idea-sharing within teams. Through proven strategies, it equips learners to overcome organizational blocks and drive transformative growth.

  • Who It’s For: Business leaders seeking to cultivate creativity and innovation.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Fostering innovative corporate culture
    • Encouraging idea sharing
    • Attracting innovative talent
    • Implementing design thinking methodologies
    • Overcoming barriers to creativity
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 3 hours and 10 minutes
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 3 hours and 10 minutes; Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: $18.99
  • Take The Course: Udemy

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Hannah Clark

Hannah Clark is the Editor of The Product Manager. Following six years of experience in the tech industry, she pivoted into the content marketing space. She’s spent the better part of the past decade working in marketing agencies and offering freelance branding and content development services. Today, she’s a digital publisher who is privileged to work with some of the most brilliant voices in the product world. Driven by insatiable curiosity and a love of bringing people together, her mission is to foster a fun, vibrant, and inspiring community of product people.