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: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced CSS & Responsive Web Design
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, HTML and CSS, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Design, Version Control, GitHub, Front-End Web Development, Mobile Development, Web Development, Typography
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
Modernización de sitios web con IA generativa en GC
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Packt
Blender 4 - Geometry Nodes for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Prototyping, Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Patient Care Coordinators and Case Management
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Patient Coordination, Practice Management Software, Care Coordination, Case Management, Health Technology, Technology Roadmaps, Health Care Administration, Medical History Documentation, Prompt Engineering, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Change Control, Business Process Automation, Automation, Software As A Service
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Portfolio Managers: Smarter Asset Allocation
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Asset Management, Investment Management, Generative AI, Investments, Prompt Engineering, Wealth Management, Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Regulatory Compliance, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Risk Management, Risk Analysis, Real Time Data
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Google Workspace Troubleshooting
Skills you'll gain: Google Workspace, Gmail, Technical Support, Email Security, Help Desk Support, Technical Communication, Systems Administration, Debugging, Data Access, Cloud Storage, Event Monitoring, File Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
Portfolio Power: Compelling UX Case Studies in Sketch
Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, User Experience, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Centered Design, UI/UX Research, Storytelling, Usability Testing, Technical Design, Prototyping, Mockups, Wireframing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Simplilearn
Foundations of Generative AI Models
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Real Time Data, Deep Learning, Scalability, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Tensorflow, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Emerging Technologies, Data Ethics, Natural Language Processing, Innovation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Product Strategy and Roadmapping
Skills you'll gain: Product Roadmaps, Product Strategy, User Story, Agile Product Development, Product Management, Stakeholder Management, Product Requirements, New Product Development, Product Lifecycle Management, Product Development, User Requirements Documents, Project Management, Innovation, Technology Strategies, Change Management, Cloud Platforms, Market Research, Prioritization
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Master ChatGPT & OpenAI APIs – Build AI Tools in Python
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, OpenAI, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Technical Communication, Natural Language Processing, Application Programming Interface (API), Application Development, User Interface (UI)
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 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: New
Coursera Instructor Network
Alteryx Mastery: Data Analytics & Workflow Automation
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Alteryx, Data Visualization, Business Analytics, Data Governance, Workflow Management, Operational Efficiency, Data Cleansing, Data Management, Data Manipulation, Data Transformation, Data Analysis, Business Process Automation, Data Integration, Automation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

Advanced CSS & Responsive Web Design: Packt
Modernización de sitios web con IA generativa en GC: Google Cloud
Blender 4 - Geometry Nodes for Beginners: Packt
GenAI for Patient Care Coordinators and Case Management: Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Portfolio Managers: Smarter Asset Allocation: Coursera Instructor Network
Google Workspace Troubleshooting: Google Cloud
Portfolio Power: Compelling UX Case Studies in Sketch: Coursera
Foundations of Generative AI Models: Simplilearn
Product Strategy and Roadmapping: Microsoft
Master ChatGPT & OpenAI APIs – Build AI Tools in Python: Packt

Political Science Courses