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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.

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Find the best Political Science course for your goals

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    Moral Foundations of Politics

    Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Justice, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Social Sciences, European History, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Governance, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Socioeconomics, Economics

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    Università di Napoli Federico II

    Understanding Political Concepts

    Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Critical Thinking, Research, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Governance, Sociology, Interactive Learning, Research Methodologies

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    29 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

    Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science

    Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Public Policies, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, International Relations, Socioeconomics, Economics, Economic Development, Governance, Culture

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    352 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Amsterdam

    Classical Sociological Theory

    Skills you'll gain: Sociology, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Socioeconomics, Culture, Political Sciences, Economics, Qualitative Research, Research Methodologies, Science and Research

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of London

    Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World

    Skills you'll gain: Diplomacy, International Relations, Crisis Intervention, Sustainable Development, Human Services, Political Sciences, Public Policies, Social Studies, Coordination, Social Justice, Public Safety and National Security, Governance, Policy Analysis, World History, Case Studies

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.8K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    Università di Napoli Federico II

    Global Politics

    Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Diplomacy, World History, Research, Governance, Environmental Issue, Cultural Diversity, Intercultural Competence, Economics, Climate Change Adaptation

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    55 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    Universiteit Leiden

    Political Economy of Institutions and Development

    Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, International Relations, Sustainable Development, Socioeconomics, Economic Development, Governance, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Economics, Global Marketing, Cultural Diversity, Sociology, Analysis

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    383 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • J

    Johns Hopkins University

    The Mathematics of Democracy, Politics and Manipulation

    Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Public Policies, Game Theory, Demography, Logical Reasoning, Applied Mathematics

    5
    Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    21 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The University of Edinburgh

    Introduction to Philosophy

    Skills you'll gain: Liberal Arts, Political Sciences, Social Studies, Research, Science and Research, Psychology, Scientific Methods, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9.7K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    S

    Sciences Po

    Politics and Economics of International Energy

    Skills you'll gain: Oil and Gas, Energy and Utilities, Climate Change Mitigation, International Relations, Environmental Issue, Electric Power Systems, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Economics, Political Sciences, Market Dynamics, Sustainable Development

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.9K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    Introduction to Data Science (Public Policy)

    Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Research Design, Matplotlib, Research, Data Ethics, Data Collection, Seaborn, Data Science, Data Literacy, Data Visualization Software, Histogram, JSON, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Python Programming, Natural Language Processing, Data Structures, Programming Principles

    Build toward a degree

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    Università di Napoli Federico II

    Comparative Political Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Governance, World History, Research Methodologies, Case Studies

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    33 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Political Science learners also search

politics
social sciences
social science research
advanced social sciences
science
information science
sociology
diplomacy
1234…738

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

  • Moral Foundations of Politics : Yale University
  • Understanding Political Concepts: Università di Napoli Federico II
  • Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Classical Sociological Theory : University of Amsterdam
  • Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World: University of London
  • Global Politics: Università di Napoli Federico II
  • Political Economy of Institutions and Development: Universiteit Leiden
  • The Mathematics of Democracy, Politics and Manipulation: Johns Hopkins University
  • Introduction to Philosophy: The University of Edinburgh
  • Politics and Economics of International Energy: Sciences Po

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.

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