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

University of California, Santa Cruz

Cyber-Physical Systems: Modeling and Simulation

Skills you'll gain: Systems Design, Model Based Systems Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Simulations, Control Systems, Embedded Systems, Systems Analysis, Computational Logic, Digital Communications, Differential Equations, Estimation

Status: Free Trial

Universidad de los Andes

Emprendimiento y métodos ágiles de desarrollo en videojuegos

Skills you'll gain: Scrum (Software Development), Value Propositions, Sprint Retrospectives, Business Modeling, Video Game Development, Agile Methodology, Presentations, Entrepreneurship, Game Design, Target Audience, Sprint Planning, Target Market, Agile Project Management, Persona Development, Market Opportunities, Product Testing

Status: Free Trial

Johns Hopkins University

Advanced Data Visualization with R

Skills you'll gain: Rmarkdown, Tidyverse (R Package), Ggplot2, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Visualization, Data Manipulation, Scatter Plots, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, R Programming, Data Mapping, Animations

Status: Free Trial

University of California, Davis

Data Manipulation in JavaScript

Skills you'll gain: Ajax, Javascript and jQuery, Data Validation, JSON, Javascript, Event-Driven Programming, Web Development Tools, Application Programming Interface (API), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Maintainability, Debugging

Status: Free

Amazon Web Services

Planning a Generative AI Project

Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Business Planning, Technology Roadmaps, Project Risk Management, Project Planning, Risk Analysis, Technical Design

University of California, Davis

SQL für Data Science

Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, SQL, Data Quality, Data Manipulation, Database Design, Data Transformation, Query Languages, Data Modeling, Databases, Relational Databases, Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics

Status: Free Trial

INSEAD

Blockchain in Financial Services: Strategic Action Plan

Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Plan Execution, Business Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, Feasibility Studies, Work Breakdown Structure, Project Implementation, Market Opportunities, Project Design, Solution Design, Financial Services, Business Modeling, Competitive Analysis, Market Analysis, Value Propositions, Market Research

Status: New

Jordan University of Science and Technology

General Histology

Skills you'll gain: Cardiology, Anatomy, Pathology, Neurology, Life Sciences, Biology, Structural Analysis, Laboratory Experience

Packt

Project Finance & Excel: Build Financial Models from Scratch

Skills you'll gain: Financial Modeling, Project Finance, Timelines, Return On Investment, Financial Statements, Financial Analysis, Balance Sheet, Construction Management, Capital Expenditure, Operating Cost, Income Statement, Cash Flow Forecasting, Microsoft Excel, Scheduling, Cash Flows, Revenue Forecasting

Status: Free Trial

Xi'an Jiaotong University

SQL Server数据库技术

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft SQL Servers, SQL, Relational Databases, Database Management, Databases, Database Design, Database Architecture and Administration, Stored Procedure, Query Languages, Software Installation, C# (Programming Language), Data Integrity, Data Security, User Accounts

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

Rigid Body Dynamics

Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Vibrations, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Calculus

University of Michigan

Mindfulness, Dignity, and the Art of Human Connection

Skills you'll gain: Intercultural Competence, Compassion, Cultural Diversity, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development, Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, Cognitive flexibility, Resilience, Curiosity, Creativity

Political Science Courses

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Find the Best Political Science Course for Your Goals

Cyber-Physical Systems: Modeling and Simulation