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(3,270)

Data Science(1,847)

Physical Science and Engineering(1,006)

Health(432)

Language
Required

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

English(6,291)

Spanish(3,253)

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(5,792)

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(794)

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(2,901)

Advanced(358)

Mixed(622)

Duration
Required

Less Than 2 Hours(873)

1-4 Weeks(3,038)

1-3 Months(2,840)

3-6 Months(787)

6-12 Months(16)

1-4 Years(44)

Skills
Required

Data Analysis(808)

Generative AI(628)

Artificial Intelligence(599)

Debugging(581)

Subtitles
Required

English(6,695)

Spanish(3,490)

French(3,107)

Arabic(2,995)

Educator
Required

Coursera Project Network(725)

Packt(520)

Google Cloud(462)

University of Colorado Boulder(361)

Results for "political science"

Status: New
Google Cloud
Créer des applications d'IA générative sur Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
Websitemodernisierung mit generativer KI in Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Google Workspace Security - Français
Skills you'll gain: Single Sign-On (SSO), Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Google Workspace, Application Security, Cloud Security, Security Management, Application Programming Interface (API), Authentications, Threat Detection, Identity and Access Management, Multi-Factor Authentication, User Accounts
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Gemini in Google Docs - 简体中文
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, Google Workspace, Large Language Modeling, Grammar, Technical Writing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Gemini for DevOps Engineers - Deutsch
Skills you'll gain: Kubernetes, DevOps, CI/CD, Google Cloud Platform, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), System Design and Implementation, Development Environment, Application Performance Management, Natural Language Processing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Incident Response and Defense with OpenVAS
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course
Google Cloud
Responsible AI for Developers: Fairness & Bias - 한국어
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Google Cloud Platform, Tensorflow, Open Source Technology, Machine Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Simplilearn
Advanced GenAI Tools Course
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Collaborative Software, Innovation, Business Process Automation, Workflow Management, Content Creation, Automation, Technology Strategies, Prompt Engineering, Productivity Software, Business Technologies, Business Workflow Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Team Building, Artificial Intelligence, Prototyping, Video Editing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Gemini for end-to-end SDLC - 한국어
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Google Cloud Platform, Development Testing, Application Lifecycle Management, Web Applications, CI/CD, Application Development, Cloud Development, Software Development, Test Case, Generative AI, Query Languages, Debugging, Data Access
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Google Cloud
Vertex AI と Flutter による生成 AI エージェントの構築
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
Integración de aplicaciones con Gemini 1.0 Pro en GC
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Gemini for Application Developers - Português Brasileiro
Skills you'll gain: Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Applications, Cloud Development, Generative AI, Application Development, Software Architecture, Software Development Tools, Integrated Development Environments, Prompt Engineering
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks