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Critical Thinking and Decision Science Specialization
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Economics
Critical Thinking and Decision Science Specialization
Build Critical Thinking and Decision Skills.
Use models, statistics, and GenAI prompts to evaluate evidence and make better decisions.
Instructors: Richard E. Nisbett +3 more
Enroll for free
Starts Jul 20
2,773 already enrolled
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4 course series
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.7
from 4,972 reviews of courses in this program
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
4 course series
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.7
from 4,972 reviews of courses in this program
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
About
Outcomes
Courses
Testimonials
Previous
Next
What you'll learn
Apply decision-science models to compare options and explain outcomes.
Turn real problems into algorithms using decomposition, abstraction, and evaluation.
Use GenAI prompting and a Critical Thinking Framework to test claims and reduce bias.
Skills you'll gain
Logical Reasoning
Critical Thinking
Deductive Reasoning
Experimentation
Mathematical Modeling
Simulations
Programming Principles
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Systems Thinking
Predictive Modeling
Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling
Statistical Methods
Decision Making
Analysis
Data Analysis
Statistical Inference
Data Literacy
Analytical Skills
Computational Thinking
Show all
Tools you'll learn
Prompt Engineering
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
10 languages available
Recently updated!
May 2026
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Earn a career certificate from University of Michigan
Specialization - 4 course series
In this Specialization, you’ll strengthen critical thinking and decision science by combining model thinking, computational problem solving, evidence-based reasoning, and practical GenAI prompting. You’ll learn how different models explain the same situation in different ways—so you can choose better assumptions, spot tradeoffs, and test strategies before you act. You’ll also practice turning messy problems into clear steps a computer could execute, using problem identification, decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithms, and evaluation.
Across lessons on statistics, the law of large numbers, correlation, experiments, prediction, cognitive biases, and logic, you’ll build habits for judging claims you see at work and in the media. You’ll then use GenAI as a thinking partner for customizing a Critical Thinking Framework, selecting and guiding models with clear constraints, and improving reliability by asking for evidence, alternatives, and checks.
By the end of this Specialization, you will be able to:
Apply model-based reasoning (e.g., networks, games, randomness) to explain outcomes and compare decisions.
Decompose real-world problems into algorithms and evaluate solutions against goals and constraints.
Judge evidence using statistical and scientific reasoning, including experiments vs. correlations and uncertainty.
Build and reuse GenAI prompts that support critical thinking with explicit assumptions, sources, and evaluation steps.
Applied Learning Project
You'll practice through quizzes, activities, and a four-part final project. In Model Thinking, you’ll complete 10 quizzes plus a midterm and final exam, with short in-video knowledge checks.
In Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking, you’ll use a fillable graphic organizer in three case studies—airport surveillance, epidemiology (Vaccinated/Susceptible/Infected/Recovered groups), and human trafficking—and then attempt related quizzes. Your Final Project requires you to choose a location and natural disaster, write a context paragraph, submit an iterated organizer (problem ID, decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction) with a justification, and create a visual algorithm depiction for an executable plan.
Mindware adds pre-lecture prompts, interactive activities, and graded quizzes. The GenAI course includes various multiple-choice graded assignments and a Progressive Prompting Exercise that builds a prompt using Active Prompting Elements and a Critical Thinking Framework.
Model Thinking
Course 1, 28 hoursCourse 1•28 hoursCourse details
What you'll learn
Understand how models make us better thinkers.
Learn how social scientists frame and interpret models.
Skills you'll gain
Category: Mathematical ModelingMathematical Modeling
Category: CoordinationCoordination
Category: Predictive ModelingPredictive Modeling
Category: Network AnalysisNetwork Analysis
Category: Strategic Decision-MakingStrategic Decision-Making
Category: Decision MakingDecision Making
Category: InnovationInnovation
Category: ProbabilityProbability
Category: Social SciencesSocial Sciences
Category: EconomicsEconomics
Category: Mathematics and Mathematical ModelingMathematics and Mathematical Modeling
Category: Probability & StatisticsProbability & Statistics
Category: Strategic ThinkingStrategic Thinking
Category: Diversity AwarenessDiversity Awareness
Category: Market DynamicsMarket Dynamics
Category: Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking
Category: Data-Driven Decision-MakingData-Driven Decision-Making
Category: Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development
Category: Systems ThinkingSystems Thinking
Category: Social StudiesSocial Studies
Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking
Course 2, 12 hoursCourse 2•12 hoursCourse details
What you'll learn
Recognize Computational Thinking concepts in practice through a series of real-world case examples.
Develop solutions through the application of Computational Thinking concepts to real world problems.
Skills you'll gain
Category: Computational ThinkingComputational Thinking
Category: AlgorithmsAlgorithms
Category: EpidemiologyEpidemiology
Category: Computer ProgrammingComputer Programming
Category: Programming PrinciplesProgramming Principles
Category: Problem SolvingProblem Solving
Category: Disaster RecoveryDisaster Recovery
Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Information Age
Course 3, 13 hoursCourse 3•13 hoursCourse details
What you'll learn
Apply decision-making methods from this course to your own life.
Identify key terms that relate to causes of cognitive bias.
Better assess probability based on contextual factors.
Skills you'll gain
Category: Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking
Category: Decision MakingDecision Making
Category: ExperimentationExperimentation
Category: Deductive ReasoningDeductive Reasoning
Category: Research DesignResearch Design
Category: Logical ReasoningLogical Reasoning
Category: Cognitive flexibilityCognitive flexibility
Category: AdaptabilityAdaptability
Category: Analytical SkillsAnalytical Skills
Category: Statistical MethodsStatistical Methods
Category: Data LiteracyData Literacy
Category: Statistical InferenceStatistical Inference
Category: Data AnalysisData Analysis
Category: Regression AnalysisRegression Analysis
Category: Science and ResearchScience and Research
Category: AnalysisAnalysis
Category: Behavioral EconomicsBehavioral Economics
Category: Critical Thinking and Problem SolvingCritical Thinking and Problem Solving
Category: Bayesian StatisticsBayesian Statistics
Category: ForecastingForecasting
Leveraging GenAI to Develop Critical Thinking Skills
Course 4, 6 hoursCourse 4•6 hoursCourse details
What you'll learn
Define critical thinking and use it to evaluate external information effectively
Employ a critical thinking framework for everyday use
Recognize how critical thinking enhances information analysis and decision-making speed with practice
Demonstrate how GenAI and critical thinking support fact-based thinking and defensible positions
Skills you'll gain
Category: Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking
Category: Generative AIGenerative AI
Category: AI literacyAI literacy
Category: Critical Thinking and Problem SolvingCritical Thinking and Problem Solving
Category: AI PersonalizationAI Personalization
Category: Decision MakingDecision Making
Category: Independent ThinkingIndependent Thinking
Category: Responsible AIResponsible AI
Category: AI powered creativityAI powered creativity
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Instructors
Richard E. Nisbett
University of Michigan
1 Course•86,189 learnersView all 4 instructors
Offered by
University of MichiganLearn more
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Frequently asked questions
Is Critical Thinking & Decision Science a good fit if I’m new to decision science?
Yes. The Specialization starts with accessible foundations (critical thinking, evidence, and computational thinking) and builds toward model-based decision-making and GenAI-supported evaluation. You’ll reinforce concepts through quizzes, activities, and a structured final project.
Do I need programming to succeed in this Specialization?
No coding is required. You’ll learn to think in clear, step-by-step algorithms and communicate solutions in ways a computer could execute, without writing software.
What will I do with GenAI in this Specialization?
You’ll build a Critical Thinking Framework and a personal prompt library, then practice using Active Prompting Elements to request evidence, compare alternatives, and reduce hallucinations. You’ll also complete a multi-part prompting exercise that you can reuse for future work.
Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
Can I just enroll in a single course?
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Can I take the course for free?
No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?
This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.Show all 8 frequently asked questions
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Starts Jul 20
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