What are the best political science courses on Coursera?

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.

Can I study political science for free on Coursera?

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.

What will I learn in a political science course?

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.

Do I need a background in history or law to take a political science course?

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 .

Can Coursera’s political science courses help with academic or career goals?

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.

Top Political Science Courses - Learn Political Science Online

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Find the Best Political Science Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Manipulation and Cleaning in R
Skills you'll gain: Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Data Wrangling, Data Quality, Tidyverse (R Package), Data Transformation, R Programming, Text Mining, Generative AI, Data Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Integrity, Microsoft Copilot
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Coursera
Experience Essentials: Unlocking the UX Process with Miro
Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Prototyping, Wireframing, User Research, Design Thinking, Collaborative Software
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Google Cloud
Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) with Vertex AI: Model Evaluation - 繁體中文
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Continuous Monitoring, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning Methods, Google Cloud Platform, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Quality, Automation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Google Cloud
Google Cloud에서 생성형 AI 앱 만들기
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
Intégrer des applications avec Gemini 1.0 Pro sur Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
JavaScript Data and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Javascript, Application Programming Interface (API), JSON, Restful API, Web Applications, Software Testing, Performance Tuning, Unit Testing, Debugging, Maintainability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualization
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course
Status: New
Coursera
Handshake Ready: Design Specs & Handoff in Figma
Skills you'll gain: Figma (Design Software), Software Design Documents, Technical Documentation, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Software Design, Prototyping, Technical Communication, Style Guides, UI Components
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Semiconductor Photonics Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Display Devices, Power Electronics, Control Systems, Computer Displays, Electronic Systems, Systems Design, Technical Design, Electronic Components, Electronics, Basic Electrical Systems, Electric Power Systems, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Electrical Power, Electronic Hardware, Equipment Design, Electronics Engineering, Systems Analysis, Electrical Engineering, Simulations
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
Status: New
Coursera
Mapping the Mission: User Personas & Journey Design in Figma
Skills you'll gain: Persona (User Experience), Figma (Design Software), User Research, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, UI/UX Strategy, User Flows, Collaborative Software, Customer Insights
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Advanced Data Applications and Integration
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course
Status: New
Coursera
Pixels with Purpose: Lo-Fi to Hi-Fi Design in Sketch
Skills you'll gain: Mockups, Prototyping, User Interface (UI), User Interface (UI) Design, Design, Design Elements And Principles, Wireframing, UI Components, User Experience Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Design Software, User Centered Design
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

Data Manipulation and Cleaning in R: Microsoft
Experience Essentials: Unlocking the UX Process with Miro: Coursera
Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) with Vertex AI: Model Evaluation - 繁體中文: Google Cloud
Google Cloud에서 생성형 AI 앱 만들기: Google Cloud
Intégrer des applications avec Gemini 1.0 Pro sur Google Cloud: Google Cloud
JavaScript Data and Applications: Microsoft
Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualization: Microsoft
Handshake Ready: Design Specs & Handoff in Figma: Coursera
Semiconductor Photonics Graduate Certificate: University of Colorado Boulder
Mapping the Mission: User Personas & Journey Design in Figma: Coursera

Political Science Courses