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

Exploratorium

Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms

Skills you'll gain: Collaboration, Creativity, Mechanics, Research, Creative Problem-Solving, Experimentation, Innovation, Mechanical Engineering, Aesthetics, Construction

Status: Free Trial

Whizlabs

Data Engineering in AWS

Skills you'll gain: Data Collection, AWS SageMaker, Feature Engineering, Amazon Web Services, Data Migration, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Jupyter, Dimensionality Reduction, Exploratory Data Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Machine Learning

GenAI in Data Analytics

Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Business Analytics, Analytics, Data Quality, Business Analysis, Data Ethics, Prompt Engineering, Process Optimization, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, ChatGPT, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing

Status: New

Status: Free Trial

Microsoft

Automation and Scripting with Python

Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Git (Version Control System), Scripting, Version Control, Test Automation, Software Testing, Cloud API, Automation, Restful API, Application Programming Interface (API), Scalability, Python Programming, Data Cleansing, Performance Tuning, File Management

Status: New

Status: Free Trial

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Wetland Science and Conservation

Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Community Outreach, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Water Resources, Cultural Diversity, Land Management, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Cultural Sensitivity, Environmental Laws, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Issue, Environmental Policy, Environment, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Science, Biology, Research Reports, Environment and Resource Management

Status: Free Trial

EDHEC Business School

Python and Machine-Learning for Asset Management with Alternative Data Sets

Skills you'll gain: Text Mining, Network Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Machine Learning Methods, Financial Data, Unstructured Data, Predictive Modeling, Web Scraping, Advanced Analytics, Financial Statements, Financial Market, Financial Analysis, Asset Management, Python Programming, Investment Management, Data Analysis, Risk Analysis, Consumer Behaviour

Status: Free Trial

Packt

Foundations of 3D Modelling in Blender

Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Animation and Game Design, Content Management, User Interface (UI)

Status: Free Trial

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

FinTech Disruptive Innovation: Implications for Society

Skills you'll gain: FinTech, Market Trend, Financial Services, Emerging Technologies, Workforce Development, Innovation, Banking, Digital Transformation, Technology Strategies, Business Transformation, Market Dynamics, Analysis

Status: Free Trial

Johns Hopkins University

CUDA at Scale for the Enterprise

Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Event-Driven Programming, Scalability, C and C++, Distributed Computing, Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, System Programming, Data Processing, Software Development, Performance Tuning, Hardware Architecture, Algorithms

Status: Free Trial

University of California, Irvine

Intro to Analytic Thinking, Data Science, and Data Mining

Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Data Mining, Data Science, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Big Data, Analytics, Business Intelligence, Descriptive Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Literacy, Predictive Analytics, Data Processing, Small Data

Coursera Project Network

Learn About JSON with JavaScript

Skills you'll gain: JSON, NoSQL, Cloud API, Javascript, Data Store, Data Import/Export

Status: Free Trial

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

NoSQL systems

Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Database Systems, MongoDB, Data Store, Databases, Database Design, Relational Databases, Query Languages, Apache Cassandra, Scalability, Graph Theory, Unstructured Data, Maintainability

Political Science Courses

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