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
E2E Testing
E2e Course Test Fixtures Learner Fireflies Source
Skills you'll gain: Test Tools, Test Engineering, System Testing, Application Programming Interface (API), Test Planning, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Acceptance Testing, Testability
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of London
Graduate Diploma in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Game Design, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Agile Software Development, Animations, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Network Security, Web Applications, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Database Design, Web Development, Generative AI, Usability Testing
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
University of London
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Game Design, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Agile Software Development, Animations, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Network Security, Web Applications, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Database Design, Web Development, Generative AI, Usability Testing
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Certificado en Introducción a la Ciencia de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Predictive Analytics, Unsupervised Learning, Data Cleansing, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Science, Descriptive Analytics, Supervised Learning, Regression Analysis, Scientific Visualization, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Processing, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistical Machine Learning, Data Manipulation, Statistical Visualization, Machine Learning
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Northeastern University
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Skills you'll gain:
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to JavaScript Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Data Validation, Javascript, Data Structures, Scripting, Program Development, Programming Principles, Web Development Tools, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Development Environment, Maintainability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of London
International Foundation Programme for Computer Science (IFP)
Skills you'll gain:
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Magíster en Ciencia de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Revenue Management, Data Ethics, Customer Analysis, Descriptive Analytics, FinTech, Database Design, People Analytics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Biostatistics, Predictive Analytics, Statistical Reporting, Unsupervised Learning, Digital Transformation, Deep Learning, Risk Analysis, Bayesian Statistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Cloud Security, Network Model, Data Visualization
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
JavaScript Career Launch and Capstone
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course
Status: New
Coursera
Prototype to Success: Figma Prototyping Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Figma (Design Software), Prototyping, Interactive Design, 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
Google Cloud
透過 Agentspace 加速交流知識
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
SQL Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft SQL Servers, SQL, Transact-SQL, Data Transformation, Relational Databases, Data Manipulation, Databases, Database Management, Microsoft Copilot, Generative AI, Data Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

E2e Course Test Fixtures Learner Fireflies Source: E2E Testing
Graduate Diploma in Computer Science: University of London
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science: University of London
Certificado en Introducción a la Ciencia de Datos: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Master of Science in Engineering Management: Northeastern University
Introduction to JavaScript Programming: Microsoft
International Foundation Programme for Computer Science (IFP): University of London
Magíster en Ciencia de Datos: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
JavaScript Career Launch and Capstone: Microsoft
Prototype to Success: Figma Prototyping Essentials: Coursera

Political Science Courses