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 Michigan
Applied Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Network Analysis, Feature Engineering, Plot (Graphics), Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Pandas (Python Package), Applied Machine Learning, Supervised Learning, Text Mining, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Network Model, Jupyter, NumPy, Graph Theory, Data Manipulation, Natural Language Processing, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Unstructured Data
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
34K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: [object Object]
IBM
IBM Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, SQL, Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Jupyter, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Mining, Data Cleansing, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Generative AI, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
140K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Network Routing, Program Development, Debugging, Network Model, Bioinformatics, Advanced Mathematics, Operations Research, Data Storage, Development Testing, Software Testing, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Programming Principles, Epidemiology, Computer Programming, C++ (Programming Language)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Research Design, Research Methodologies, Biostatistics, Science and Research, Health Care, Research, Statistical Analysis, Risk Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.8K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Revolutionary Ideas: Utility, Justice, Equality, Freedom
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Policy Analysis, Governance, Research, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Economics, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
303 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Universidad de Chile
América Latina en los cambios internacionales: amenazas y oportunidades.
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Diplomacy, Social Sciences, Global Marketing, Political Sciences, Socioeconomics, Public Policies, Cultural Diversity, Economics, Economic Development, Governance
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Revolutionary Ideas: Borders, Elections, Constitutions, Prisons
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Social Justice, International Relations, Liberal Arts, Governance, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Economics, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
29 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Data Science Methodology
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Peer Review, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Cleansing, Business Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Processing, Business Requirements, Data Mining, Predictive Modeling, Data Storytelling, User Feedback, Decision Tree Learning, Stakeholder Engagement
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
21K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Introduction to Data Science in Python
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter, NumPy, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Cleansing, Data Import/Export, Probability & Statistics, Python Programming, Programming Principles
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
27K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Geneva
Genre : quels enjeux ? Violences, globalisation, biomédecine, sexualités.
Skills you'll gain: Social Justice, Sociology, Social Sciences, Diversity Awareness, International Relations, Anthropology, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Medical Science and Research, Cultural Diversity, Science and Research, Political Sciences
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
354 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: [object Object]
IBM
IBM Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Plotly, Data Presentation, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, SQL, Generative AI, Interactive Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Big Data, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Excel Formulas, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
88K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, SQL, Descriptive Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistics, Data Visualization, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Databases, Stored Procedure, Web Scraping, Relational Databases, R Programming, Automation, Computer Programming Tools, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
70K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months