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
Meta
البرمجة باستخدام JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Web Development Tools, Javascript, Unit Testing, Scripting, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Node.JS, Scripting Languages, JSON, Debugging, Computer Programming, Package and Software Management, Functional Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Introduction to Flask framework
Skills you'll gain: Flask (Web Framework), Web Applications, Package and Software Management, Debugging, Program Development, Development Environment, Python Programming
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Scrimba
Clean Code Basics: How to Write Maintainable Code
Skills you'll gain: Maintainability, Code Review, Debugging, Style Guides, Software Documentation, Software Design Patterns, Programming Principles, Technical Communication
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Fundamentals of Risk-Based and White-Box Test Techniques
Skills you'll gain: Software Testing, Code Coverage, Test Case, Application Programming Interface (API), API Design, Unit Testing, Test Tools, Test Planning, Integration Testing, Risk Analysis, Risk Management
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Board Infinity
Writing Effective Technical Documentation
Skills you'll gain: Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Technical Communication, Software Documentation, Software Design Documents, Collaborative Software, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Typography, Multimedia, Proofreading, Design Elements And Principles, GitHub, Application Programming Interface (API), Version Control
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
When to Regulate? The Digital Divide and Net Neutrality
Skills you'll gain: Policy Development, Policy Analysis, Socioeconomics, Cyber Governance, Public Policies, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Network Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Economics
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IIT Roorkee
Linear Algebra Basics
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Machine Learning Algorithms, NumPy, Dimensionality Reduction, Advanced Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Python Programming
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Generate a User Experience (UX) Onboarding Map in Miro
Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), User Interface (UI) Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Persona (User Experience), User Experience, User Flows, User Experience Design, UI/UX Research, Usability, Mockups, User Centered Design, Process Mapping, Brand Awareness
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Whizlabs
Getting Started with Microsoft Fabric
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Pipelines, Data Transformation, Data Analysis, Microsoft Azure, Analytics, Data Warehousing, Data Integration, Data Cleansing, Data Modeling, Dashboard, Data Governance, SQL
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Back-End Web Developers
Skills you'll gain: Database Management, Back-End Web Development, Generative AI, Performance Tuning, API Design, Application Programming Interface (API), Databases, Web Development, Server Side, Artificial Intelligence
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Amazon Web Services
Getting Started with Amazon Personalize
Skills you'll gain: AI Personalization, Amazon Web Services, Amazon S3, Predictive Modeling, Applied Machine Learning, Technical Consulting
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Sustainable Infrastructure on the Development Agenda
Skills you'll gain: Corporate Sustainability, Sustainability Reporting, Economic Development, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Project Finance, Construction, Project Management, Environmental Policy
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

البرمجة باستخدام JavaScript: Meta
Introduction to Flask framework: Duke University
Clean Code Basics: How to Write Maintainable Code: Scrimba
Fundamentals of Risk-Based and White-Box Test Techniques: Board Infinity
Writing Effective Technical Documentation: Board Infinity
When to Regulate? The Digital Divide and Net Neutrality: University of Colorado Boulder
Linear Algebra Basics: IIT Roorkee
Generate a User Experience (UX) Onboarding Map in Miro : Coursera Project Network
Getting Started with Microsoft Fabric: Whizlabs
GenAI for Back-End Web Developers: Coursera Instructor Network

Political Science Courses