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

Skip to search results

Filter by

Subject
Required

Computer Science(3,288)

Data Science(1,846)

Physical Science and Engineering(1,009)

Health(430)

Language
Required

The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

English(6,311)

Spanish(3,254)

French(2,874)

Arabic(2,808)

Learning Product
Required

Guided Projects(736)

Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.

Courses(5,815)

Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.

Projects(137)

Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.

Specializations(792)

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.

Professional Certificates(102)

Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.

MasterTrack® Certificates(8)

Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.

Degrees(44)

Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.

Postgraduate Diploma(1)

Complete graduate-level learning without committing to a full degree program.

Graduate Certificates(7)

Earn a university-issued career credential in a flexible, interactive format.

Level
Required

Beginner(3,680)

Intermediate(2,924)

Advanced(356)

Mixed(622)

Duration
Required

Less Than 2 Hours(873)

1-4 Weeks(3,059)

1-3 Months(2,840)

3-6 Months(788)

6-12 Months(16)

1-4 Years(44)

Skills
Required

Data Analysis(809)

Generative AI(629)

Artificial Intelligence(601)

Debugging(578)

Subtitles
Required

English(6,716)

Spanish(3,489)

French(3,106)

Arabic(2,994)

Educator
Required

Coursera Project Network(725)

Packt(519)

Google Cloud(460)

University of Colorado Boulder(361)

Find the Best Political Science Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Statistical Analysis and Advanced Techniques
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Manipulation and Transactions in SQL Server
Skills you'll gain: Transaction Processing, Microsoft SQL Servers, SQL, Data Manipulation, Relational Databases, Databases, Data Integrity, Generative AI, Performance Tuning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
Validate & Elevate: Usability Testing in Sketch
Skills you'll gain: Usability Testing, Software Design Documents, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, UI/UX Research, Prototyping, Test Planning, Design Software
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
User DNA: Crafting Personas & Journey Maps in Miro
Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, Persona (User Experience), User Experience, Design Research, User Research, User Centered Design, Usability, User Flows, Persona Development, Research, Qualitative Research, Design Software, Graphical Tools, Prioritization
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
JavaScript Development Tools and React
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course
Google Cloud
Responsible AI for Developers: Fairness & Bias - Polski
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Open Source Technology, Google Cloud Platform, Tensorflow
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Coursera
Interaction Intelligence: Advanced Prototyping with Figma
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Figma (Design Software), Prototyping, Mockups, User Interface (UI), Interaction Design, Usability, User Experience Design, User Flows, Animations
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
Blueprint the Experience: User Flows in Miro
Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, User Flows, Wireframing, User Centered Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Mockups, Usability, Prototyping, Design Software
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
R Programming Essentials with Microsoft Tools
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, GitHub, Data Manipulation, Git (Version Control System), Software Documentation, Microsoft Development Tools, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Copilot, Data Import/Export, R Programming, Statistical Reporting, Statistical Analysis, Development Environment, Data Cleansing, Integrated Development Environments, Descriptive Statistics, Programming Principles, Debugging, Data Structures
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Mastering MongoDB 7.0
Skills you'll gain: MongoDB, Data Modeling, Query Languages, Data Security, Database Architecture and Administration, NoSQL, System Monitoring, Database Management, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Transaction Processing, Performance Tuning, Scalability, Encryption
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Coursera
Mapping the Mission: User Personas & Journey Design in Figma
Skills you'll gain: Persona (User Experience), Figma (Design Software), User Research, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, UI/UX Strategy, User Flows, Collaborative Software, Customer Insights
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
Handshake Ready: Design Specs & Handoff in Figma
Skills you'll gain: Figma (Design Software), Software Design Documents, Technical Documentation, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Software Design, Prototyping, Technical Communication, Style Guides, UI Components
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks