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

Packt

Mobile Development with .NET MAUI

Skills you'll gain: Mobile Development, Cross Platform Development, Restful API, .NET Framework, Authentications, User Interface (UI), Application Programming Interface (API), C# (Programming Language), Microsoft Visual Studio, Model View Controller, Development Environment, Data Access, Software Design Patterns, Data Modeling

Status: Free Trial

Microsoft

Data Visualization and Reporting with Generative AI

Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Dashboard, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Visualization, Infographics, Data Visualization Software, Business Reporting, Data Ethics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Generative AI, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Artificial Intelligence

Status: Free Trial

University of California San Diego

Learn to Teach Java: Sequences, Primitive Types and Using Objects

Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments

Status: Free Trial

L&T EduTech

Introduction of Pile Foundation

Skills you'll gain: Construction, Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering, Building Codes, Civil Engineering, Structural Analysis, Engineering Design Process, Engineering Drawings, Engineering Calculations

Status: Free Trial

Packt

Advanced PyTorch Techniques and Applications

Skills you'll gain: PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Natural Language Processing, Generative AI, Deep Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Text Mining, Supervised Learning, Image Analysis, Machine Learning, Google Cloud Platform, Application Deployment, Flask (Web Framework)

Coursera Project Network

Create a responsive seat selector UI in HTML, CSS, and JS

Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, HTML and CSS, Web Design, UI Components, Front-End Web Development, User Interface (UI), Javascript, Mobile Development, Interactive Design, Cross Platform Development

Status: Free Trial

LearnQuest

Python Scripting: Dates, Classes and Collections

Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, Data Modeling, Data Structures, Scripting, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Python Programming, Software Design

Status: Free Trial

Columbia University

Visual Perception

Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Dimensionality Reduction, Artificial Neural Networks, Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning, Graph Theory, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Feature Engineering

Coursera Project Network

Using probability distributions for real world problems in R

Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, R Programming, Statistical Visualization, Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Analysis, Data Science, Probability

Universidad de Palermo

Programación Orientada a Objetos con Java

Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Software Design Patterns, Programming Principles

Coursera Project Network

OpenAI API for Beginners: Create AI Assistants with ChatGPT

Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, OpenAI, Python Programming, Application Programming Interface (API), Generative AI, Application Development

Status: Free Trial

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Discovering the Basics of Wetlands

Skills you'll gain: Water Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Environmental Engineering, Land Management, Microbiology, Geographic Information Systems, Chemistry

Political Science Courses

Filter by

Subject
Required

Language
Required

Learning Product
Required

Level
Required

Duration
Required

Skills
Required

Subtitles
Required

Educator
Required