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

Coursera Project Network
Querying Databases Using SQL SELECT statement
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Query Languages, Database Management, Data Manipulation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
171 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Real-Time Embedded Systems Theory and Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Software Systems, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, System Design and Implementation, Linux, Systems Analysis, Verification And Validation, Algorithms
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
NIIT
Introduction to building Web Pages using HTML5 and CSS3
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Development Tools, Web Design and Development, Web Design, Front-End Web Development, Semantic Web, Integrated Development Environments
3.1
Rating, 3.1 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Compassionate Leadership Through Service Learning with Jane Goodall and Roots & Shoots
Skills you'll gain: Community Organizing, Compassion, Community Development, Community Outreach, Needs Assessment, Program Evaluation, Empathy, Data Mapping, Teaching, Initiative and Leadership, Empowerment, Curriculum Planning, Working With Children, Collaboration, Student Engagement, Planning, Environmental Issue
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
151 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Lund University
Introduction to Particle Accelerators (NPAP MOOC)
Skills you'll gain: Radiation Protection, Radiography, Semiconductors, Radiology, Physics, Emerging Technologies, Medical Imaging, Electrical Engineering, X-Ray Computed Tomography, Laboratory Experience, Science and Research, Simulation and Simulation Software
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
200 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
AI for Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning Methods, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Image Analysis, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Statistical Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Automation, Algorithms
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Intimacy of Creativity: Entering the Minds of Composers
Skills you'll gain: Musical Composition, Music Theory, Music, Music History, Classical Music, Creativity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
76 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Create a no-code responsive website with Webflow
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Content Management, Web Design and Development, Web Content
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
123 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Customer Service with Python: Build a Chatbot using ChatGPT
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Service, Application Programming Interface (API), User Flows, Python Programming, Test Case, Development Environment, E-Commerce, Debugging
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Universidad Austral
Desarrollo de páginas con Angular
Skills you'll gain: Angular, JavaScript Frameworks, Continuous Integration, TypeScript, JSON, Application Frameworks, Restful API, Test Automation, Web Services, Unit Testing, Web Applications, NoSQL, API Gateway, UI Components, Event-Driven Programming, Routing Protocols, Data Validation
3.1
Rating, 3.1 out of 5 stars
138 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to R: Basic R syntax
Skills you'll gain: R Programming, Statistical Programming, Development Environment, Programming Principles, Data Import/Export
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
46 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Introduction to Android graphics
Skills you'll gain: Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Android Development, Computer Graphic Techniques, Animation and Game Design, Virtual Reality, Linear Algebra
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
71 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

Querying Databases Using SQL SELECT statement: Coursera Project Network
Real-Time Embedded Systems Theory and Analysis: University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to building Web Pages using HTML5 and CSS3: NIIT
Compassionate Leadership Through Service Learning with Jane Goodall and Roots & Shoots: University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Particle Accelerators (NPAP MOOC): Lund University
AI for Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics: University of Michigan
Intimacy of Creativity: Entering the Minds of Composers: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Create a no-code responsive website with Webflow: Coursera Project Network
Customer Service with Python: Build a Chatbot using ChatGPT: Coursera Project Network
Desarrollo de páginas con Angular: Universidad Austral

Political Science Courses