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

Skip to search results

Filter by

Subject
Required

Computer Science(3,299)

Data Science(1,860)

Physical Science and Engineering(1,009)

Health(430)

Language
Required

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

English(6,340)

Spanish(3,255)

French(2,876)

Arabic(2,810)

Learning Product
Required

Guided Projects(736)

Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.

Courses(5,841)

Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.

Projects(137)

Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.

Specializations(794)

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.

Professional Certificates(102)

Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.

MasterTrack® Certificates(8)

Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.

Degrees(44)

Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.

Postgraduate Diploma(1)

Complete graduate-level learning without committing to a full degree program.

Graduate Certificates(7)

Earn a university-issued career credential in a flexible, interactive format.

Level
Required

Beginner(3,698)

Intermediate(2,935)

Advanced(355)

Mixed(622)

Duration
Required

Less Than 2 Hours(873)

1-4 Weeks(3,082)

1-3 Months(2,847)

3-6 Months(788)

6-12 Months(16)

1-4 Years(44)

Skills
Required

Data Analysis(808)

Generative AI(644)

Artificial Intelligence(609)

Debugging(579)

Subtitles
Required

English(6,745)

Spanish(3,489)

French(3,107)

Arabic(2,995)

Educator
Required

Coursera Project Network(725)

Packt(519)

Google Cloud(460)

University of Colorado Boulder(363)

Find the Best Political Science Course for Your Goals

University of Michigan
Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There
Skills you'll gain: Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Management, HVAC, Engineering, Energy and Utilities, Physics, Engineering Analysis, Plant Operations and Management, Process Analysis, Environmental Science
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Arm
Teaching AI on the Edge
Skills you'll gain: Open Source Technology, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Education Software and Technology, Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Program Development, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Ethical Standards And Conduct, Application Deployment, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Information Privacy, Performance Tuning, Data Security
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
使用 Vertex AI 和 Flutter 构建生成式 AI 智能体
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Mastering MongoDB 7.0
Skills you'll gain: MongoDB, Data Modeling, Query Languages, Data Security, Database Architecture and Administration, NoSQL, System Monitoring, Database Management, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Transaction Processing, Performance Tuning, Scalability, Encryption
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
CQRS, API Development, and Module Communication
Skills you'll gain: Restful API, Redis, .NET Framework, Application Programming Interface (API), Software Design Patterns, Scalability, PostgreSQL, Software Architecture, Middleware, Maintainability, Database Development, Data Validation, Debugging
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Web Exploits, Python Scripting & Network Attacks
Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, OSI Models, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), TCP/IP, Network Security, General Networking, Cybersecurity, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Vulnerability Assessments, Web Applications, Scripting, Generative AI, Python Programming, SQL, MySQL
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
Google Workspace のデータガバナンス
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Pivot Tables And Charts, Graphing, Spreadsheet Software, Excel Formulas, Data Analysis, Histogram, Scatter Plots, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
10K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Product Design and UX/UI Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: User Story, Usability, Design Thinking, User Interface (UI) Design, User Experience Design, Mockups, Wireframing, Usability Testing, Human Centered Design, Figma (Design Software), Artificial Intelligence, Prototyping, User Research, Data Ethics
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Simplilearn
Advanced Prompt Engineering Course
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, OpenAI, Data Synthesis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
Prototype to Success: Figma Prototyping Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Figma (Design Software), Prototyping, Mockups, Interaction Design, Design Reviews, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Wireframing, Collaborative Software, UI Components, Usability Testing, Animations
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Packt
C# Basics For Absolute Beginners in C# and .NET
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Development Environment, .NET Framework, C# (Programming Language), Integrated Development Environments, Microsoft Visual Studio, Programming Principles
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to political science

chinese politics part 1 – china and political science

1…39 40 41…640

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

Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There: University of Michigan
Teaching AI on the Edge: Arm
使用 Vertex AI 和 Flutter 构建生成式 AI 智能体: Google Cloud
Mastering MongoDB 7.0: Packt
CQRS, API Development, and Module Communication: Packt
Advanced Web Exploits, Python Scripting & Network Attacks: Packt
Google Workspace のデータガバナンス: Google Cloud
Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel: Rice University
Product Design and UX/UI Fundamentals: Microsoft
Advanced Prompt Engineering Course: Simplilearn

Political Science Courses