What is political science?

Political science is an area of study that focuses on government and politics at various levels. When you study political science, you look at the factors that drive decisions and actions as well as their consequences. You can observe national, state, or local politics and examine how they work, and you can focus on international politics. Political scientists study theories about political systems and compare different types of governments and how they work. They also look at the history of political movements and how those movements have affected today's political climate. Interactions between nations and other international actors also drive the study of political science.

Why study political science?

Learning about political science can help you better understand how society works in the world around you. When you build a base of knowledge of how government and its systems work, you'll understand the news better and you'll have a better grasp of how various policy decisions will affect you and others. The historical context of political science also gives you insight into how past events have affected and driven current trends. An understanding of political science can help you not only find a career in politics, but it also allows you to make more informed decisions as a voter and make your voice heard as a citizen.

What are typical careers that use political science?

People who study political science often work in governmental or non-governmental organizations, for campaigns, or as lobbyists. Once you've completed your studies in political science, you can find jobs as a policy analyst or consultant at a think tank that helps comment on and shape public policy. You may be able to write about politics as a journalist or columnist as well. There are often job opportunities for people with backgrounds in political science in the fields of law and business, and universities hire political science professors too.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn political science?

Online courses on Coursera can give you a broad foundation of the concepts behind political science, as well as its practical applications. You can begin with courses that explain the basics then move on to more specialized topics like the American Constitution, politics in urban environments, and the moral foundations of political science. Whether you want to better engage as a citizen or look for a new career in the political science field, online courses on Coursera can help.

What are the benefits of taking an online Political Science course?

Online Political Science courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Political Science skills. Choose from a wide range of Political Science courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Political Science courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Political Science, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Political Science Courses - Learn Political Science Online

Explore the Political Science Course Catalog

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Graph Theory, Development Environment, Data Storage, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Data Storage Technologies, Debugging, Program Development, Database Systems, Database Theory, Network Routing, Computational Thinking
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Meta
Meta React Native
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, User Research, Usability Testing, Unix Commands, Restful API, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, SQL, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Mobile Development, Design Research, Cross Platform Development, Linux Commands, React.js, Web Development Tools
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
10K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Santa Cruz
C, Go, and C++: A Comprehensive Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Go (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Software Design Patterns, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Unit Testing, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Program Development, Software Design, Graph Theory, Computer Science, Software Testing, File Systems, Computational Thinking
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.3K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer
Skills you'll gain: Istio, Node.JS, Software Development Life Cycle, Server Side, MongoDB, Application Deployment, CI/CD, Kubernetes, Cloud-Native Computing, React Redux, NoSQL, Restful API, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Cloud Applications, Containerization, GitHub, HTML and CSS, Ajax, Interviewing Skills
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Meta
Meta Android Developer
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Android Studio, Restful API, Version Control, User Research, Usability Testing, Git (Version Control System), Data Structures, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Unix Commands, Android Jetpack, Android Development, Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, Kotlin, User Experience Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Design Research, Mobile Development
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8.3K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2
Skills you'll gain: Research Design, Research Methodologies, Social Sciences, Research, Qualitative Research, Survey Creation, Statistical Analysis, Data Collection, Higher Education, Sample Size Determination, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Probability & Statistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Deductive Reasoning, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Combinatorics, Algorithms, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Advanced Mathematics
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Alfaisal University | KLD
تحقيق السعادة في بيئة العمل | Achieving Happiness at Work
Skills you'll gain: Employee Engagement, Stress Management, Employee Retention, Positivity, Workforce Management, Rapport Building, Emotional Intelligence, Relationship Building, Resilience, Self-Awareness, Empathy, Growth Mindedness, Cooperation, Mental Health, Conflict Management, Goal Setting, Active Listening
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
767 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Deep Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, ChatGPT, Governance, Machine Learning, Business Transformation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Computer Vision, Emerging Technologies, Natural Language Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Meta
Meta iOS Developer
Skills you'll gain: React Native, iOS Development, Core Data (Software), Restful API, Version Control, Apple iOS, User Research, Usability Testing, Apple Xcode, Data Structures, Swift Programming, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), User Interface (UI), Unix Commands, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, Mobile Development
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.8K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM Back-end JavaScript Developer
Skills you'll gain: Istio, Node.JS, Software Development Life Cycle, Containerization, Server Side, MongoDB, Application Deployment, Kubernetes, Cloud-Native Computing, NoSQL, Restful API, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Cloud Applications, GitHub, Serverless Computing, Back-End Web Development, HTML and CSS, Ajax, Interviewing Skills
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Algorithms, Part I
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Java, Theoretical Computer Science, Performance Tuning, Computer Science, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Scalability
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months