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

University of Michigan
Generative Leadership: Inspiring Adaptability in an AI World
Skills you'll gain: Adaptability, Open Mindset, Thought Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Organizational Change, Strategic Leadership, Dealing With Ambiguity, Leadership, Business Transformation, Digital Transformation, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Threat Management, Emotional Intelligence
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Master Data Analysis with Pandas: Learning Path 1 (Enhanced)
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, NumPy, Python Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Advanced Clinical Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Data Management, Clinical Research, Data Quality, Health Informatics, Biostatistics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Data Analysis, Data Modeling, Data Science, Analytics, Statistical Reporting, R Programming, SQL
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
DeepLearning.AI
Knowledge Graphs for RAG
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Query Languages, Data Storage Technologies, Data Storage, Semantic Web, Unstructured Data, Graph Theory, Text Mining
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
72 reviews
Intermediate · Project · Less Than 2 Hours
École Polytechnique
Optique non-linéaire
Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Laboratory Equipment, Mathematical Modeling, Differential Equations, Physics, Experimentation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
56 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Insper
Gestão de Dados Científicos
Skills you'll gain: Data Sharing, Data Management, Information Management, Data Storage, Data Quality, Metadata Management, Data Collection, General Science and Research, Data Literacy, Technical Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Use Tableau for Your Data Science Workflow
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Data Presentation, Data Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Statistical Visualization, Tableau Software, Data Ethics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Scatter Plots, Heat Maps, Data Analysis, Descriptive Analytics, Geospatial Information and Technology, Analytical Skills, Application Deployment, Network Analysis, Financial Data, Data Integrity
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Test-Driven Development
Skills you'll gain: Continuous Delivery, Test Driven Development (TDD), Unit Testing, Continuous Deployment, Continuous Integration, CI/CD, Agile Methodology, Test Automation, Code Review, Maintainability, Software Development, Mockups, Software Development Methodologies, Test Case, Development Testing, Software Testing, Integration Testing, Debugging, Python Programming, Version Control
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
80 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Analyzing Macro-Environmental Factors Using Creately
Skills you'll gain: Competitive Analysis, Market Opportunities, Strategic Thinking, Business Strategy, New Business Development, Market Analysis, Business Analysis, Entrepreneurship, Risk Analysis, Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
107 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
KodeKloud
Terraform for the Absolute Beginner with Hands-on Labs
Skills you'll gain: Terraform, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Cloud Infrastructure, IT Automation, Cloud API, Configuration Management, Command-Line Interface, Version Control
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Universidades Anáhuac
Fundamentos de Investigación Científica
Skills you'll gain:
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Calculus for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Engineering Calculations, Differential Equations, Integral Calculus, Engineering Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Algebra, Advanced Mathematics, Trigonometry, Physics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Derivatives
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Generative Leadership: Inspiring Adaptability in an AI World: University of Michigan
Master Data Analysis with Pandas: Learning Path 1 (Enhanced): Coursera Project Network
Advanced Clinical Data Science: University of Colorado System
Knowledge Graphs for RAG: DeepLearning.AI
Optique non-linéaire: École Polytechnique
Gestão de Dados Científicos: Insper
Use Tableau for Your Data Science Workflow: University of California, Irvine
Test-Driven Development: LearnQuest
Analyzing Macro-Environmental Factors Using Creately: Coursera Project Network
Terraform for the Absolute Beginner with Hands-on Labs: KodeKloud

Political Science Courses