• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Lean

    Lean Courses Online

    Learn Lean principles for process improvement and efficiency. Understand how to eliminate waste, optimize processes, and enhance productivity.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Lean Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      K

      Kennesaw State University

      Six Sigma and the Organization (Advanced)

      Skills you'll gain: Quality Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Methodologies, Six Sigma Methodology, Process Improvement, Operational Excellence, Process Analysis, Business Process Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Project Management, Project Planning, Quality Control, Root Cause Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.6K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      K

      Kennesaw State University

      Six Sigma Advanced Define and Measure Phases

      Skills you'll gain: Process Capability, Team Management, Statistical Process Controls, Exploratory Data Analysis, Six Sigma Methodology, Probability & Statistics, Process Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Lean Six Sigma, Process Mapping, Correlation Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Regression Analysis, Process Improvement, Quality Improvement, Business Process, Graphing

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Virginia

      Digital Product Management: Modern Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: New Product Development, Product Management, Innovation, Product Improvement, Customer Insights, Design and Product, Product Roadmaps, Stakeholder Communications, Customer Engagement, Agile Methodology, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Marketing Analytics, Stakeholder Management, Product Testing, Business Modeling

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      K

      Kennesaw State University

      Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure

      Skills you'll gain: Data Collection, Lean Six Sigma, Six Sigma Methodology, Quality Improvement, Process Improvement, Business Process, Project Management, Project Planning, Customer experience improvement, Data Validation, Process Mapping, Statistics, Stakeholder Management, Statistical Analysis

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      Columbia University

      Construction Scheduling

      Skills you'll gain: Project Schedules, Project Risk Management, Scheduling, Construction Management, Timelines, Lean Methodologies, Construction, Project Management Software, Work Breakdown Structure, Resource Allocation, Probability & Statistics

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Virginia

      Product Analytics and AI

      Skills you'll gain: Customer Analysis, Analytics, Usability Testing, Product Management, Customer Insights, A/B Testing, Product Development, Agile Methodology, User Experience, Customer Demand Planning, Advanced Analytics, AI Personalization, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Science, Product Testing

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      482 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      Universidade de São Paulo

      Marketing e vendas B2B: Fechando novos negócios

      Skills you'll gain: Lead Generation, Sales Presentation, Business Marketing, B2B Sales, Customer Insights, Sales Process, Sales, Customer Retention, Target Audience, Customer Success Management, Marketing, Inside Sales, Marketing Strategies, Customer Relationship Building, Customer Acquisition Management, Marketing Automation, Marketing Communications

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      441 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      Columbia University

      Construction Finance

      Skills you'll gain: Project Finance, Construction Management, Real Estate, Cash Flows, Financial Modeling, Risk Management, Finance, Project Management, Project Risk Management, Lean Methodologies, Financial Analysis, Capital Budgeting, Commercial Real Estate, Business Mathematics, Strategic Partnership

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      N

      National Academy of Sports Medicine

      Aligning Diet and Exercise

      Skills you'll gain: Nutrition and Diet, Kinesiology, Clinical Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Preventative Care

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      58 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      K

      Kennesaw State University

      Six Sigma Advanced Improve and Control Phases

      Skills you'll gain: Statistical Process Controls, Root Cause Analysis, Lean Methodologies, Process Capability, Quality Control, Six Sigma Methodology, Process Analysis, Lean Manufacturing, Process Improvement, Continuous Improvement Process, Operational Efficiency, Waste Minimization

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      709 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      E

      Emory University

      Consulting Approach to Problem Solving

      Skills you'll gain: Data Cleansing, Six Sigma Methodology, Management Consulting, Data Quality, Analytical Skills, Complex Problem Solving, Business Consulting, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Consultative Approaches, Project Scoping, Client Services

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      365 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      K

      Kennesaw State University

      Six Sigma Advanced Analyze Phase

      Skills you'll gain: Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Six Sigma Methodology, Lean Six Sigma, Process Improvement, Process Analysis, Statistical Methods, Statistical Analysis, Statistics, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Variance Analysis

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      955 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Lean learners also search

    Business
    Business Management
    Management
    Lean Six Sigma
    Business Development
    Operations Management
    Project Management
    Operations Analytics
    1…678…21

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular lean courses

    • Six Sigma and the Organization (Advanced): Kennesaw State University
    • Six Sigma Advanced Define and Measure Phases: Kennesaw State University
    • Digital Product Management: Modern Fundamentals: University of Virginia
    • Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure: Kennesaw State University
    • Construction Scheduling: Columbia University
    • Product Analytics and AI: University of Virginia
    • Marketing e vendas B2B: Fechando novos negócios: Universidade de São Paulo
    • Construction Finance: Columbia University
    • Aligning Diet and Exercise: National Academy of Sports Medicine
    • Six Sigma Advanced Improve and Control Phases: Kennesaw State University

    Frequently Asked Questions about Lean

    Lean is a project management methodology that emphasizes rapid iteration in the product development process and the elimination of waste. This systematic approach to business is rooted in the lean manufacturing techniques developed at Toyota in post-war Japan, and the“Toyota Production System” was critically important in enabling the efficiency gains that transformed that company into one of the world’s largest automakers.

    This philosophy has since been adapted to the needs of companies all over the world and across a wide range of industries. In manufacturing, the “Six Sigma” approach has emerged to apply a lean approach to process improvement, seeking to use statistics and data analysis to minimize variation in output to six standard deviations (or sigmas) from the control. And in software development, agile methods use lean-derived approaches like “just enough” planning to quickly prototype and bring products to market that meet user needs.‎

    Because lean methods have been harnessed by many industries seeking to improve their efficiency and gain a competitive advantage, a background in this methodology can be a gateway to a wide range of careers. Industries that employ lean and lean Six Sigma include manufacturing, construction, mining, design, and agriculture, and typical roles using these skills are found in project management, operations management, and supply chain management.

    A background in lean and “lean agile” development is also an asset to career paths in tech. Because lean and agile methodologies seek to empower individual team members to make decisions in the product development cycle, it is as important for software developers to be familiar with these processes as it is for product managers. And, with a median annual salary of $107,510 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers today are often paid as much as management roles in other industries.‎

    Certainly. Whether you want to apply lean methods to supply chain management or mobile app development, Coursera can give you the opportunity to learn online with a flexible schedule and lower costs than on-campus students. For example, you can learn Six Sigma methodology through a multiple course Specialization through the University of Georgia, or lean software development through the University of Minnesota. You can also learn about lean from leading companies like Atlassian and Boston Consulting Group.‎

    Before starting to learn Lean, you may find it helpful to have experience with using traditional software development processes, although this is not required. Introductory knowledge of agile methods would also be helpful. When you're starting to learn Lean Six Sigma, you'll find it helpful to have previous or current experience working on a team or applying a team effort to solving a problem, creating a project, or similar experience.‎

    If you are an individual or business in the software development industry and apply a team effort to developing software or any other projects, learning Lean may be right for you. Lean brings a streamlined approach to development and is designed to allow for less delivery time and more functionality. It eliminates activities that are unnecessary, thus saving time and money. It also teaches leaders how to empower team members to make decisions, which often boosts morale. If this sounds like it would be helpful to you, learning Lean is probably right for you.‎

    Topics related to Lean that you can study include time-management skills, cultural diversity, gender bias, customer satisfaction, building team morale, and goal-setting. You can also study any topics in software development, including programming languages and coding. Learning about communication skills, conflict resolution, work-life balance, marketing, agile principles, and Kanban are also topics you can pursue that are related to Lean.‎

    Software engineers and developers with a background in Lean may find work in a variety of settings and industries, including manufacturing firms, human resources and payment processing companies, insurance providers, and financial services companies. Places that hire people with a background in Lean Six Sigma to help with recruiting, training, or leading teams effectively are also varied and may include transportation companies, consulting firms, technologies corporations, manufacturing companies, and a lot more.‎

    Online Lean courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Lean skills. Choose from a wide range of Lean courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Lean, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok