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

Status: Free Trial
CertNexus
Extract, Transform, and Load Data
Skills you'll gain: Extract, Transform, Load, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Data Processing, Data Transformation, Data Warehousing, Data Integration, Data Quality, Data Import/Export, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
Intermediate · 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
16 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Disaster Risk
Skills you'll gain: Failure Analysis, Risk Analysis, Risk Modeling, Risk Management, Project Risk Management, Analysis, Disaster Recovery, Systems Analysis, Vulnerability Assessments, Simulation and Simulation Software, Qualitative Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Instructor Network
GIS Mastery: Spatial Data, Remote Sensing, Decision Support
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Global Positioning Systems
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universitat de Barcelona
Strategies for winning. Meteorology in a round the world regatta
Skills you'll gain: Safety Assurance, Mathematical Modeling, Predictive Modeling, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Global Positioning Systems, Water Resources, Telecommunications, Risk Control
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
140 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Gemini in Google Sheets
Skills you'll gain: Workflow Management, Productivity Software, Google Sheets, Prompt Engineering, Google Workspace, Generative AI, Project Planning, Spreadsheet Software
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
Rice University
Anatomy & Physiology: Regulation, Integration, & Control
Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Neurology, Pharmacology, Kinesiology, Life Sciences, Medical Terminology, Biology
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique
Silicon Thin Film Solar Cells
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Energy and Utilities, Electronic Components, Chemistry, Manufacturing Processes, Production Process, Physics
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
119 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Golf Course Management: Best Practices
Skills you'll gain: Architecture and Construction, Landscape Architecture, Land Management, Water Resources, Property Maintenance, Environmental Science
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 3: How Does It All End?
Skills you'll gain: Anthropology, Social Sciences, Cultural Diversity, Sociology, Psychology, Education and Training, Science and Research, Ancient History, Research, Neurology, Legal Proceedings
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Building Intelligent Troubleshooting Agents
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Natural Language Processing, Generative AI Agents, Prompt Engineering, Test Case, Agentic systems, Human Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Debugging, Artificial Intelligence, Performance Tuning, Python Programming, Machine Learning
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Extract, Transform, and Load Data: CertNexus
Sports Turf Management: Best Practices: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Disaster Risk: Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
GIS Mastery: Spatial Data, Remote Sensing, Decision Support: Coursera Instructor Network
Strategies for winning. Meteorology in a round the world regatta : Universitat de Barcelona
Gemini in Google Sheets: Google Cloud
Kalman Filter Boot Camp (and State Estimation): University of Colorado System
Anatomy & Physiology: Regulation, Integration, & Control: Rice University
Silicon Thin Film Solar Cells: École Polytechnique
Golf Course Management: Best Practices: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Political Science Courses