• 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

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Cape Town

      Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, Creative Problem-Solving, Innovation, Community Development, Resourcefulness, Social Justice, Systems Thinking, Diversity and Inclusion, Complex Problem Solving, Social Work, Cultural Diversity, Empowerment, Problem Solving, Personal Development

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

      Introducción a Java

      Skills you'll gain: Java, Java Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Software Design, Program Development, Algorithms, Data Structures, Debugging

      4.1
      Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
      ·
      938 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • L

      Lund University

      Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities

      Skills you'll gain: Community Development, Socioeconomics, Sustainability Reporting, Land Management, Environmental Issue, Governance, Environmental Policy, Innovation, Experimentation, Stakeholder Engagement, Technology Solutions

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • N

      Northwestern University

      Modern Robotics, Course 1: Foundations of Robot Motion

      Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Torque (Physics), Simulation and Simulation Software, Matlab, Linear Algebra, Angular

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      988 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      DeepLearning.AI

      AI For Everyone (すべての人のためのAIリテラシー講座)

      Skills you'll gain: Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Neural Networks, Digital Transformation, Deep Learning, Team Building, Technical Management, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Data Ethics, Data Science

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      281 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of London

      Introduction to Computer Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Development Environment, Javascript, Program Development, Computer Graphics, Computer Programming, User Interface (UI), Interactive Design, Human Computer Interaction, Data Management, Animations

      4.1
      Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
      ·
      904 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Caltech

      The Science of the Solar System

      Skills you'll gain: Science and Research, Research, Physical Science, Scientific Methods, Life Sciences, Physics, Water Resources, Advanced Mathematics, Chemistry, Environment, Biology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      799 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      Emotional and Social Intelligence

      Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Emotional Intelligence, Relationship Management, Empathy, Communication Strategies, Social Skills, Personal Development, Stress Management, Self-Awareness, Self-Discipline, Professional Development, Mindfulness, Adaptability

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • S

      Stanford University

      Food Sustainability, Mindful Eating, and Healthy Cooking

      Skills you'll gain: Food and Beverage, Cooking, Nutrition and Diet, Cultural Diversity, Environment, Compassion, Environmental Issue, Resourcefulness, Mindfulness, Waste Minimization, Food Safety and Sanitation, Adaptability, Environmental Science, Product Lifecycle Management, Behavioral Health, Self-Awareness, Pollution Prevention, Creativity, Decision Making, Emerging Technologies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      565 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Florida

      Sustainable Agricultural Land Management

      Skills you'll gain: Water Resources, Land Management, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Regulations, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Issue, Environment, Environmental Science, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Research

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      616 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • E

      EDHEC Business School

      Introduction to Portfolio Construction and Analysis with Python

      Skills you'll gain: Investment Management, Portfolio Management, Asset Management, Risk Analysis, Financial Modeling, Risk Management, Financial Analysis, NumPy, Probability Distribution, Python Programming, Simulations, Pandas (Python Package), Matplotlib, Data Manipulation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Alberta

      Astro 101: Black Holes

      Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Storytelling, Scientific Methods, Mechanics, General Science and Research, Simulations, Scientific Visualization

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Searches related to political science

    chinese politics part 1 – china and political science
    1…697071…633

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

    • Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation: University of Cape Town
    • Introducción a Java: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
    • Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities: Lund University
    • Modern Robotics, Course 1: Foundations of Robot Motion: Northwestern University
    • AI For Everyone (すべての人のためのAIリテラシー講座): DeepLearning.AI
    • Introduction to Computer Programming : University of London
    • The Science of the Solar System: Caltech
    • Emotional and Social Intelligence: University of California, Davis
    • Food Sustainability, Mindful Eating, and Healthy Cooking: Stanford University
    • Sustainable Agricultural Land Management: University of Florida

    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