What is political science?

Political science is an area of study that focuses on government and politics at various levels. When you study political science, you look at the factors that drive decisions and actions as well as their consequences. You can observe national, state, or local politics and examine how they work, and you can focus on international politics. Political scientists study theories about political systems and compare different types of governments and how they work. They also look at the history of political movements and how those movements have affected today's political climate. Interactions between nations and other international actors also drive the study of political science.

Why study political science?

Learning about political science can help you better understand how society works in the world around you. When you build a base of knowledge of how government and its systems work, you'll understand the news better and you'll have a better grasp of how various policy decisions will affect you and others. The historical context of political science also gives you insight into how past events have affected and driven current trends. An understanding of political science can help you not only find a career in politics, but it also allows you to make more informed decisions as a voter and make your voice heard as a citizen.

What are typical careers that use political science?

People who study political science often work in governmental or non-governmental organizations, for campaigns, or as lobbyists. Once you've completed your studies in political science, you can find jobs as a policy analyst or consultant at a think tank that helps comment on and shape public policy. You may be able to write about politics as a journalist or columnist as well. There are often job opportunities for people with backgrounds in political science in the fields of law and business, and universities hire political science professors too.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn political science?

Online courses on Coursera can give you a broad foundation of the concepts behind political science, as well as its practical applications. You can begin with courses that explain the basics then move on to more specialized topics like the American Constitution, politics in urban environments, and the moral foundations of political science. Whether you want to better engage as a citizen or look for a new career in the political science field, online courses on Coursera can help.

What are the benefits of taking an online Political Science course?

Online Political Science courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Political Science skills. Choose from a wide range of Political Science courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Political Science courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Political Science, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Political Science Courses - Learn Political Science Online

Results for "political science"

Status: Free
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, Economics, Economic Development, Governance, Culture
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
347 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Yale University
Moral Foundations of Politics
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Justice, Public Policies, Social Sciences, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Governance, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Socioeconomics, Economics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
5.9K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Università di Napoli Federico II
Global Politics
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Research, Governance, Systems Thinking, Cultural Diversity, Economics, Environment and Resource Management, Conflict Management
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
44 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of London
Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Diplomacy, Social Sciences, Public Policies, Social Justice, Systems Thinking, Policy Analysis, Governance, Cultural Diversity
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Università di Napoli Federico II
Understanding Political Concepts
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Research, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Interactive Learning, Research Methodologies
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Sciences Po
Politics and Economics of International Energy
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Economic Development, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Economics, Political Sciences, Market Dynamics, Trend Analysis, Socioeconomics, Environment, Supply And Demand, Public Safety and National Security
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Amsterdam
Introduction to Communication Science
Skills you'll gain: Culture, Interpersonal Communications, Media and Communications, Liberal Arts, Social Studies, Sociology, Research, Non-Verbal Communication, Qualitative Research, Journalism
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Università di Napoli Federico II
Comparative Political Systems
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Public Policies, Systems Thinking, Governance, Research, Research Methodologies, Qualitative Research
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Amsterdam
Classical Sociological Theory
Skills you'll gain: Sociology, Social Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Socioeconomics, Culture, Political Sciences, Qualitative Research, Trend Analysis, Scientific Methods
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
DeepLearning.AI
AI For Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Market Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Team Building, Machine Learning, Strategic Thinking, Generative AI, Data Science, Deep Learning, Business Ethics, Artificial Neural Networks, Business Transformation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
46K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Universiteit Leiden
Political Economy of Institutions and Development
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, International Relations, Social Studies, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Economic Development, Governance, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Economics, Global Marketing, Cultural Diversity, Sociology, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
370 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: [object Object]
Google
Google Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Rmarkdown, Interactive Data Visualization, Interviewing Skills, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Ggplot2, Tableau Software, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Sampling (Statistics), Analytics, Stakeholder Management
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
164K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months