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(3,270)

Data Science(1,847)

Physical Science and Engineering(1,006)

Health(432)

Language
Required

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

English(6,291)

Spanish(3,253)

French(2,874)

Arabic(2,808)

Learning Product
Required

Guided Projects(736)

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

Courses(5,792)

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(3,680)

Intermediate(2,901)

Advanced(358)

Mixed(622)

Duration
Required

Less Than 2 Hours(873)

1-4 Weeks(3,038)

1-3 Months(2,840)

3-6 Months(787)

6-12 Months(16)

1-4 Years(44)

Skills
Required

Data Analysis(808)

Generative AI(628)

Artificial Intelligence(599)

Debugging(581)

Subtitles
Required

English(6,695)

Spanish(3,490)

French(3,107)

Arabic(2,995)

Educator
Required

Coursera Project Network(725)

Packt(520)

Google Cloud(462)

University of Colorado Boulder(361)

Find the Best Political Science Course for Your Goals

Microsoft
Indexing, Performance Optimization & Functions in SQL Server
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course
Status: New
Google Cloud
Auf generativer KI basierende Anwendungen in GC entwickeln
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Microsoft
Security, Maintenance & Integration with BI Tools
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course
Universidad de los Andes
Maestría en Inteligencia Analítica de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Network Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Data Storytelling, Deep Learning, Predictive Modeling, Data Presentation, Risk Analysis, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Project Management Life Cycle, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Marketing Analytics, Cash Flows, Matplotlib, Descriptive Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Simulations, Random Forest Algorithm, Operations Research, Solution Design
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Google Cloud
Gemini in Google Slides - 日本語版
Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Generative AI, Google Workspace, Prompt Engineering
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Google Cloud
데이터 분석가를 위한 BigQuery
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
在 Google Cloud 上创建生成式 AI 应用
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Microsoft
Microsoft R Programming for Everyone
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 1 - 3 Months
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
Google Cloud
Responsible AI for Developers: Fairness & Bias - Polski
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Open Source Technology, Google Cloud Platform, Tensorflow
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad de los Andes
Maestría en Ingeniería de Software
Skills you'll gain: User Story, Process Analysis, Maintainability, Test Automation, Angular, Android Jetpack, Risk Mitigation, Cloud-Native Computing, Dashboard, Design Thinking, Site Reliability Engineering, API Design, Video Game Development, Internet Of Things, Sprint Planning, User Experience Design, Microservices, Machine Learning, Security Requirements Analysis, Cloud Applications
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Colorado Boulder
Semiconductor Photonics Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Power Electronics, Display Devices, Control Systems, Computer Displays, Electronic Systems, Systems Design, Technical Design, Electronic Components, USB, Electrical Systems, Electronics, Electrical Power, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Electronic Hardware, Equipment Design, Electric Power Systems, Electronics Engineering, Systems Analysis, Electrical Engineering
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months