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

    Political Science Courses

    Political science courses can help you learn how governments function, how policies are made, and how political systems shape societies around the world.

    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.
    Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.
    Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.
    Complete graduate-level learning without committing to a full degree program.
    Earn a university-issued career credential in a flexible, interactive format.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Find the Best Political Science Course for Your Goals

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Building Web Applications in PHP

      Skills you'll gain: PHP (Scripting Language), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), MySQL, Web Applications, Web Development, Secure Coding, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Development Environment, Back-End Web Development, Database Development, Web Servers, Debugging, Data Validation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Computer Networks and Network Security

      Skills you'll gain: Networking Hardware, TCP/IP, Network Security, Network Protocols, Endpoint Detection and Response, Network Routing, Cybersecurity, Local Area Networks, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Firewall, General Networking, Information Systems Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Endpoint Security, Network Infrastructure, Network Planning And Design, Wireless Networks, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Network Analysis, Data Loss Prevention

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.4K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

      Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Liberal Arts, Ethical Standards And Conduct, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Mathematics Education, Governance

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Exam Prep

      Skills you'll gain: Azure Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Azure, Power BI, Databricks, Data Processing, Cloud Services, Data Warehousing, Database Systems, Databases, Dashboard, Data Architecture, NoSQL, Apache Spark, Database Administration, Relational Databases, MySQL, Data Store, SQL, Cloud Storage, Database Management

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      829 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      Universidad de los Andes

      Liderazgo efectivo para el siglo XXI

      Skills you'll gain: Emotional Intelligence, Self-Awareness, Resilience, Personal Development, Teamwork, Storytelling, Experimentation, Team Management, Community Development, Social Skills, Leadership, Persistence, Mindfulness, Initiative and Leadership, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Strategic Leadership, Complex Problem Solving, Empathy, Adaptability, Systems Thinking

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.6K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Code Free Data Science

      Skills you'll gain: Predictive Modeling, Data Manipulation, Predictive Analytics, Big Data, Data Mining, Statistical Methods, Data Analysis, Data Science, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Unsupervised Learning, Analytics, Software Installation

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      211 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • D

      Duke University

      Electric Industry Operations and Markets

      Skills you'll gain: Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Market Dynamics, Operating Cost, Plant Operations and Management, Operational Efficiency, Environmental Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Dispatching

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Washington

      Programming Languages, Part A

      Skills you'll gain: Software Installation, Programming Principles, Other Programming Languages, Functional Design, Ruby (Programming Language), Software Design Patterns, Computational Thinking

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.9K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • E

      Emory University

      Biohacking Your Brain's Health

      Skills you'll gain: Mental Concentration, Nutrition and Diet, Anatomy, Mental Health, Stress Management, Preventative Care, Neurology, Mindfulness, Behavioral Health, Cognitive flexibility, Biology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Exploratory Data Analysis

      Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Plot (Graphics), Ggplot2, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Visualization Software, R Programming, Scatter Plots, Graphing, Box Plots, Data Analysis, Histogram, Statistical Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Color Theory

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • T

      The University of Edinburgh

      The Truth About Cats and Dogs

      Skills you'll gain: Behavior Management, Cultural Diversity, Scientific Methods, Non-Verbal Communication, General Science and Research, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Biology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California San Diego

      Drug Development

      Skills you'll gain: Clinical Trials, Clinical Research, Pharmaceuticals, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacology, Medical Science and Research, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Commercialization, Patient Safety

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Searches related to political science

    chinese politics part 1 – china and political science
    1…515253…640

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular political science courses

    • Building Web Applications in PHP: University of Michigan
    • Computer Networks and Network Security: IBM
    • Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors: University of Pennsylvania
    • Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Exam Prep: Microsoft
    • Liderazgo efectivo para el siglo XXI: Universidad de los Andes
    • Code Free Data Science: University of California San Diego
    • Electric Industry Operations and Markets: Duke University
    • Programming Languages, Part A: University of Washington
    • Biohacking Your Brain's Health: Emory University
    • Exploratory Data Analysis: Johns Hopkins University

    Why Learn Political Science?

    Political science explores power, governance, public policy, and global affairs—examining how decisions are made and how they affect people’s lives. It combines critical thinking, research, and communication to understand political systems and social change. Learning political science can help you engage more deeply in civic life, pursue careers in law or policy, and analyze issues shaping the world today.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Political Science

    Top options include Political Economy of Institutions and Development from Universiteit Leiden, Moral Foundations of Politics from Yale University, and Understanding Political Concepts from the Università di Napoli Federico II. These courses explore political theory, governance, global politics, and public institutions.‎

    Yes. Many political science courses offer a free audit option, which allows you to access video lectures and readings at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

    You’ll learn how governments function, how political systems are structured, and how public policy is created and implemented. Topics may also include political ideologies, international relations, comparative politics, and the role of institutions and citizens in shaping political outcomes.‎

    No prior background is required for most introductory courses. Many are designed for general learners and start with foundational concepts. More advanced or specialized courses may build on prior knowledge in law, economics, or history.‎

    Yes. These courses are valuable for learners preparing for university study, professionals in public service, educators, or anyone interested in policy, governance, or international affairs. Earning a certificate can support applications for academic programs or enhance your understanding of current global issues.‎

    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
    • Do Not Sell/Share
    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