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

Duke University

Introduction to FastAPI framework

Skills you'll gain: Restful API, Application Programming Interface (API), Application Deployment, Software Documentation, Web Applications, JSON, Application Development, Server Side, Program Development, Test Tools, Python Programming, Data Validation

Duke University

Web Scraping with Python

Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Scripting, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Development, Unstructured Data, Web Applications, Python Programming

University of Geneva

Calvin - Histoire et réception d'une Réforme

Skills you'll gain: Ethical Standards And Conduct, Culture, Social Studies, World History, European History, Political Sciences

Status: Free Trial

LearnQuest

Introduction to Java as a Second Language

Skills you'll gain: Java, Java Programming, Eclipse (Software), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Development Environment, Computer Programming, Program Development, Virtual Machines, Web Applications, Software Installation

Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH)

Science and Technology in the Silla Cultural Heritage

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Culture, Art History, Social Studies, Anthropology, Cultural Diversity, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Water Resources, Architectural Design, Construction, Structural Engineering, Hydraulics, Structural Analysis, Geometry, Engineering Analysis, Vibrations, Manufacturing and Production

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

Math for AI beginner part 1 Linear Algebra

Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Supervised Learning

Status: Free

Coursera Project Network

Create website videos with Canva

Skills you'll gain: Product Demonstration, Web Content, Video Production, Presentations, Marketing Materials, Data Visualization, Content Creation, Company, Product, and Service Knowledge, Video Editing, Team Oriented, Storytelling

Status: Free Trial

Microsoft

Manage Resources in Azure

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, Cloud Management, Application Deployment, Cloud Computing, Windows PowerShell, Cloud Services, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Software As A Service, Virtual Machines, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Command-Line Interface, Verification And Validation

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado System

Software Requirements Prioritization: Risk Analysis

Skills you'll gain: Security Requirements Analysis, Requirements Analysis, Risk Management Framework, Scalability, Verification And Validation, Software Visualization

EIT Digital

I/O-efficient algorithms

Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Storage Technologies, Algorithms, Graph Theory, File Systems, Data Access, Performance Tuning, Analysis

Status: Free Trial

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Researcher's Guide to Omic Data

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Research Design, Exploratory Data Analysis, Metadata Management, Experimentation, Science and Research, R Programming, Scientific Methods, Spatial Analysis, Data Collection, Data Quality, Data Validation, Quantitative Research, Biology, Qualitative Research, Analysis

Status: Free Trial

Packt

Introduction to Rust Programming and Core Concepts

Skills you'll gain: Rust (Programming Language), Development Environment, Programming Principles, Computer Programming Tools, Data Structures, Algorithms

Political Science Courses

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