• 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

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

      The Science of Gastronomy

      Skills you'll gain: Food and Beverage, Nutrition and Diet, Scientific Methods, Experimentation, Color Theory, Chemistry, Research Design, Psychology, Biology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      777 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • G

      Google

      Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions

      Skills you'll gain: Spreadsheet Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Data Presentation, Business Analysis, Expectation Management, Quantitative Research, Communication

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      34K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

      Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Software Installation, Development Environment

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      231K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Washington

      Computational Neuroscience

      Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Network Model, Matlab, Machine Learning Algorithms, Artificial Neural Networks, Neurology, Computer Science, Reinforcement Learning, Computational Thinking, Mathematical Modeling, Biology, Linear Algebra, Probability & Statistics

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      DeepLearning.AI

      Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification

      Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Jupyter, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Machine Learning, NumPy, Predictive Modeling, Feature Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Python Programming, Regression Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Statistical Modeling

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      28K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Shanghai Jiao Tong University

      Fundamentals of Materials Science

      Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing Processes, Physical Science, Thermal Management, Semiconductors, Mechanics, Failure Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      183 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Manchester

      Industrial Biotechnology

      Skills you'll gain: Process Engineering, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Pharmaceuticals, Environmental Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Process Development, Microbiology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of California, Davis

      Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know

      Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis, Manufacturing Processes, Structural Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Chemistry, Thermal Management, Electronics Engineering, Physical Science, Electronics

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.5K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of London

      Foundations of Data Science: K-Means Clustering in Python

      Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Matplotlib, Probability & Statistics, Data Science, Unsupervised Learning, Statistics, NumPy, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), Data Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Descriptive Statistics, Data Manipulation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      716 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      G

      Georgia Institute of Technology

      Material Processing

      Skills you'll gain: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, Process Engineering, Physical Science, Semiconductors

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      G

      Georgia Institute of Technology

      Material Behavior

      Skills you'll gain: Chemistry, Structural Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physical Science, Engineering, Physics

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 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

    Searches related to political science

    chinese politics part 1 – china and political science
    1…91011…635

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

    • The Science of Gastronomy: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    • Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions: Google
    • Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python): University of Michigan
    • Computational Neuroscience: University of Washington
    • Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification : DeepLearning.AI
    • Fundamentals of Materials Science: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    • Industrial Biotechnology: University of Manchester
    • Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know: University of California, Davis
    • Foundations of Data Science: K-Means Clustering in Python: University of London
    • Material Processing: Georgia Institute of Technology

    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