• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Political Science

    Political Science Courses

    Political science courses can help you learn how governments function, how policies are made, and how political systems shape societies around the world.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

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

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.
    Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.
    Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.
    Complete graduate-level learning without committing to a full degree program.
    Earn a university-issued career credential in a flexible, interactive format.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Find the Best Political Science Course for Your Goals

    • G

      Google

      The Nuts and Bolts of Machine Learning

      Skills you'll gain: Feature Engineering, Applied Machine Learning, Statistical Machine Learning, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Predictive Modeling, Unsupervised Learning, Data Ethics, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Supervised Learning, Random Forest Algorithm, Data Analysis, Performance Tuning, Python Programming

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      508 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)

      Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets

      Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Experimentation, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, Physical Science, Systems Of Measurement, Mathematical Modeling, Estimation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      Essential Design Principles for Tableau

      Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization Software, Tableau Software, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Data Analysis, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Usability, Design Elements And Principles, Color Theory, Data Ethics, Human Factors, Aesthetics

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • D

      Duke University

      Java Programming: Principles of Software Design

      Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Software Engineering, Computer Programming, Software Design, Predictive Modeling, Algorithms, Data Structures, Performance Testing, Debugging, Application Programming Interface (API)

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      K

      Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

      MRI Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Medical Imaging, Medical Equipment and Technology, Image Analysis

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      448 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • M

      Meta

      Introduction to Android Mobile Application Development

      Skills you'll gain: Android Studio, Android Development, Android (Operating System), Mobile Development, Gradle, Application Development, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Virtual Environment, Extensible Markup Language (XML), UI Components

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • T

      Tsinghua University

      Learn English

      Skills you'll gain: Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Mental Health, Learning Strategies, Culture, Stress Management, Liberal Arts, English Language, Social Sciences, Literacy, Language Learning, Economics, Interpersonal Communications, Psychology, Writing, Research, Business Management, Grammar, Higher Education, Oral Comprehension

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      929 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The Pennsylvania State University

      Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases

      Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Microbiology, Public Health, Social Sciences, Community Health, Emerging Technologies, Mathematical Modeling, Molecular Biology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.7K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

      Whole genome sequencing of bacterial genomes - tools and applications

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Data Analysis Software, Database Development, Analysis, Data Pipelines, Data Processing, Public Health, Data Quality

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Alberta

      Sample-based Learning Methods

      Skills you'll gain: Reinforcement Learning, Sampling (Statistics), Machine Learning Algorithms, Simulations, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Machine Learning, Algorithms, Probability Distribution

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Alberta

      Design Patterns

      Skills you'll gain: Model View Controller, Software Design Patterns, Software Design, Unified Modeling Language, Object Oriented Design, Code Review, Software Architecture, Programming Principles, Maintainability, Software Technical Review, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Android Development

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • K

      Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

      Biochemical Principles of Energy Metabolism

      Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Respiration, Pathology, Biology, Life Sciences, Nutrition and Diet, Chronic Diseases, Molecular Biology, Clinical Nutrition, Internal Medicine, Oncology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      814 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Searches related to political science

    chinese politics part 1 – china and political science
    1…686970…633

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

    • The Nuts and Bolts of Machine Learning: Google
    • Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets: UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
    • Essential Design Principles for Tableau: University of California, Davis
    • Java Programming: Principles of Software Design: Duke University
    • MRI Fundamentals: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
    • Introduction to Android Mobile Application Development : Meta
    • Learn English: Tsinghua University
    • Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases: The Pennsylvania State University
    • Whole genome sequencing of bacterial genomes - tools and applications: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
    • Sample-based Learning Methods: University of Alberta

    Why Learn Political Science?

    Political science explores power, governance, public policy, and global affairs—examining how decisions are made and how they affect people’s lives. It combines critical thinking, research, and communication to understand political systems and social change. Learning political science can help you engage more deeply in civic life, pursue careers in law or policy, and analyze issues shaping the world today.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Political Science

    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.‎

    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.‎

    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.‎

    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.‎

    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.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Do Not Sell/Share
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok