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

Find the Best Political Science Course for Your Goals

Duke University
Object-Oriented Programming in Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Programming Principles, Python Programming, Simulations
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Splunk Inc.
Splunk Search Expert 103
Skills you'll gain: Splunk, Correlation Analysis, Performance Tuning, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Data Modeling, Transaction Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Sports Turf Management: Best Practices
Skills you'll gain: Construction, Grading (Landscape), Land Management, Property Maintenance, Facility Management and Maintenance, Facility Repair And Maintenance, Safety Assurance, Environment and Resource Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of London
Creative Programming for Digital Media & Mobile Apps
Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Video Game Development, Mobile Development, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Animation and Game Design, Music, Application Development, Multimedia, Computer Programming
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Packt
Practical Quantum Computing with IBM Qiskit for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: IBM Cloud, Cryptography, Algorithms, Python Programming, Linear Algebra, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Theoretical Computer Science, Emerging Technologies, Test Case, Jupyter, Physics, Simulations, Software Installation, Debugging, Development Environment
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Kalman Filter Boot Camp (and State Estimation)
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, Estimation, Matlab, Statistical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Control Systems, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Simulation and Simulation Software, Probability & Statistics, System Implementation, Differential Equations
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Circuitos con SPICE: Fundamentos de los circuitos eléctricos
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Systems, Electronics, Engineering Analysis, Schematic Diagrams, Simulation and Simulation Software
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
KodeKloud
Git Basics for DevOps
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Collaborative Software, DevOps, Software Development Tools, Linux, Open Source Technology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accounting Data Analytics with Python
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Matplotlib, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, SQL, Data Visualization Software, Seaborn, Data Processing, Data Structures, NumPy, Programming Principles, Business Analysis, Databases, Accounting, Relational Databases, Data Modeling, Python Programming, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Machine Learning, Regression Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
108 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Battery Comparison, Manufacturing, and Packaging
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Systems, Basic Electrical Systems, Manufacturing and Production, Manufacturing Processes, Equipment Design, Production Process, Electronic Components, Energy and Utilities, Thermal Management, Manufacturing Operations, Electrical Safety, Safety Assurance, Quality Assurance, Performance Testing, Chemistry, Environmental Issue
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Create a Supermarket app using Java OOP
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Java Programming, Software Design, Software Testing, Application Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
106 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Capstone MOOC for "Android App Development"
Skills you'll gain: Android Development, Android Studio, Software Testing, Mobile Development, Java, Development Testing, Unit Testing, Application Development, Mobile Development Tools, Integration Testing, User Interface (UI), Service Management
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks