• 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

    • I

      IBM

      Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL

      Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, SQL, Descriptive Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistics, Data Visualization, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Web Scraping, Relational Databases, Stored Procedure, Databases, Computer Programming Tools, Automation, Data Analysis Software, Python Programming

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      71K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • D

      DeepLearning.AI

      Mathematics for Machine Learning and Data Science

      Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability & Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Probability Distribution, Probability, Linear Algebra, Statistical Inference, Applied Mathematics, NumPy, Calculus, Dimensionality Reduction, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Python Programming, Jupyter, Data Manipulation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.7K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations

      Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Big Data, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis, Dashboard, IBM Cognos Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Data Mining, Apache Hadoop, Tree Maps, Excel Formulas, Data Wrangling, Apache Hive, Data Collection, Data Mart, Microsoft Excel, Data Warehousing, Data Quality, Data Cleansing, Data Import/Export

      Build toward a degree

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      27K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      I

      IBM

      IBM Data Engineering

      Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Data Warehousing, Apache Hadoop, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Web Scraping, Linux Commands, Database Design, SQL, IBM Cognos Analytics, MySQL, Apache Spark, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Data Store, Jupyter, Generative AI, Professional Networking

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      58K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IBM

      IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R

      Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Interactive Data Visualization, Shiny (R Package), Data Wrangling, Exploratory Data Analysis, Relational Databases, Big Data, Data Visualization Software, Ggplot2, Database Design, Data Analysis, IBM Cognos Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Data Presentation, Data Mining, Dashboard, Excel Formulas, Data Manipulation, Web Scraping, Microsoft Excel

      Build toward a degree

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      28K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Applied Software Engineering Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Linux Commands, Unit Testing, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Software Design, Version Control, File Management, Jupyter, Scrum (Software Development), Application Deployment, Collaborative Software, Automation, Flask (Web Framework), Web Scraping, Python Programming, Software Testing

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      47K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IBM

      IBM Back-End Development

      Skills you'll gain: Istio, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Linux Commands, Unit Testing, Object-Relational Mapping, Application Deployment, NoSQL, Kubernetes, Bash (Scripting Language), MongoDB, Shell Script, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Cloud Applications, Containerization, GitHub, Jupyter, Grafana

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      49K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IBM

      IBM DevOps and Software Engineering

      Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, Istio, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Continuous Integration, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Linux Commands, Agile Software Development, Unit Testing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Application Deployment, Test Driven Development (TDD), Gherkin (Scripting Language), Jenkins, Kubernetes, Bash (Scripting Language), Git (Version Control System), DevOps, Jupyter, Grafana

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      60K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • D

      Duke University

      Programming Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Testing, Debugging

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Data Science

      Skills you'll gain: Shiny (R Package), Rmarkdown, Exploratory Data Analysis, Regression Analysis, Leaflet (Software), Version Control, Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Data Science, Statistical Inference, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, Plotly, Machine Learning Algorithms, Plot (Graphics), Knitr

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      51K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Alberta

      Indigenous Canada

      Skills you'll gain: Art History, Social Studies, Storytelling, Cultural Diversity, Culture, Social Justice, Intercultural Competence, Socioeconomics, World History, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Community Development, Land Management, Governance

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      23K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Key Technologies for Business

      Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Services, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Security, Data Literacy, Cloud Infrastructure, Data Mining, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Computing, Generative AI, Cloud Development, Data Ethics, Cloud Storage, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Big Data, Data Analysis, Data Science, Deep Learning

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      100K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Searches related to political science

    chinese politics part 1 – china and political science
    1…678…635

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

    • Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL: IBM
    • Mathematics for Machine Learning and Data Science: DeepLearning.AI
    • Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations: IBM
    • IBM Data Engineering: IBM
    • IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R: IBM
    • Applied Software Engineering Fundamentals: IBM
    • IBM Back-End Development: IBM
    • IBM DevOps and Software Engineering: IBM
    • Programming Fundamentals: Duke University
    • Data Science: Johns Hopkins University

    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
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    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