• 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
      G

      Google

      Design a User Experience for Social Good & Prepare for Jobs

      Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, UI/UX Research, User Centered Design, Design Thinking, Professional Development, Usability, Interviewing Skills, Responsive Web Design, Web Applications, Mobile Development, Mockups, Prototyping, Generative AI

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      P

      Princeton University

      Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines

      Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Computer Science, Computer Architecture, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Java Programming, Computer Hardware

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      700 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Everyday Excel

      Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Microsoft Excel, Regression Analysis, Data Validation, Data Visualization, Depreciation, Data Management, Excel Macros, Excel Formulas, Statistical Modeling, Financial Analysis, Cash Flows, Predictive Modeling, Financial Modeling, Analysis, Microsoft Word, Business Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Complex Problem Solving, Financial Forecasting

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.9K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • T

      The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

      Positive Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Positivity, Optimism, Resilience, Compassion, Personal Development, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability, Relationship Building, Psychology, Creativity, Mindfulness, Community Health

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Meta

      Programming with JavaScript

      Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Javascript, Unit Testing, Web Applications, Programming Principles, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Event-Driven Programming, Node.JS, JSON, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Debugging, Package and Software Management, Program Development, Functional Design

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      Universidade de São Paulo

      Introdução à Ciência da Computação com Python Parte 1

      Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Computer Science, Python Programming, Algorithms

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      Duke University

      Dog Emotion and Cognition

      Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Learning Theory, Training Programs, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Experimentation, Research, Scientific Methods, Non-Verbal Communication, Biology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.6K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Anatomy

      Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Respiration, Gynecology, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Urology, Kinesiology, Medical Imaging, Vital Signs, General Medicine, Biology, Medical Terminology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.9K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos

      Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Dashboard, IBM Cognos Analytics, Tree Maps, Scatter Plots, Pivot Tables And Charts, Microsoft Excel, Histogram

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google Cloud

      Machine Learning on Google Cloud

      Skills you'll gain: Feature Engineering, Prompt Engineering, Google Cloud Platform, Generative AI, Tensorflow, Keras (Neural Network Library), MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Cloud Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Pipelines, Dataflow, Cloud Platforms, Data Management, Data Governance, Workflow Management, Application Deployment, Deep Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.7K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Davis

      Fundamentals of GIS

      Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Sharing, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Metadata Management, Data Quality, Data Mapping, File Management, Data Presentation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.8K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      Bayesian Statistics

      Skills you'll gain: Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Bayesian Statistics, R Programming, Forecasting, Statistical Inference, Statistical Modeling, Technical Communication, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistical Machine Learning, Statistical Methods, Statistical Analysis, Advanced Analytics, Mathematical Modeling, Microsoft Excel, Markov Model, Probability Distribution, Probability & Statistics, Unsupervised Learning, Regression Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.5K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Searches related to political science

    chinese politics part 1 – china and political science
    1…282930…638

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

    • Design a User Experience for Social Good & Prepare for Jobs: Google
    • Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines: Princeton University
    • Everyday Excel: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Positive Psychology : The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Programming with JavaScript: Meta
    • Introdução à Ciência da Computação com Python Parte 1: Universidade de São Paulo
    • Dog Emotion and Cognition: Duke University
    • Anatomy: University of Michigan
    • Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos: IBM
    • Machine Learning on Google Cloud: Google Cloud

    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