• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Social Science

Beginner Social Science Courses

Beginner social science courses can help you learn research methods, data analysis, and foundational theories in sociology, psychology, and political science. You can build skills in critical thinking, understanding human behavior, and analyzing social structures. Many courses introduce tools such as surveys, statistical software, and qualitative analysis techniques, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world contexts and gain insights into societal trends and issues.


Popular Beginner Social Science Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Davis

    Computational Social Science

    Skills you'll gain: Social Network Analysis, Network Analysis, Data Wrangling, Natural Language Processing, Web Scraping, Social Sciences, Data Ethics, Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Research, Simulations, Data Processing, Big Data, Systems Thinking, Social Studies, Trend Analysis, Data Science, AI Enablement, Research Methodologies, Agentic systems

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Davis

    Computational Social Science Methods

    Skills you'll gain: Social Network Analysis, Social Sciences, Network Analysis, Social Studies, Data Science, Machine Learning, Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Simulations, Big Data, Digital Transformation, Predictive Modeling

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    350 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Amsterdam

    Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences

    Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Scientific Methods, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Research, Research Design, Sampling (Statistics), Research Reports, Science and Research, Interviewing Skills, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Research Methodologies, Social Sciences, Surveys, Quantitative Research, Statistics, Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference, R Programming

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7.8K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Adobe

    Social Media Content and Strategy

    Skills you'll gain: Adobe Express, Social Media Content, Social Media, Content Creation, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Content Performance Analysis, Social Media Management, Social Media Campaigns, Adobe Firefly, Intellectual Property, Target Audience, Web Content, Marketing Materials, Instagram, Drive Engagement, Target Market, Customer Engagement, Content Strategy, Branding

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    316 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Social Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Psychology, Persuasive Communication, Sociology, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Behavior Management, Conflict Management, Research, Diversity Awareness, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Status: AI skills
    AI skills
    M

    Meta

    Meta Social Media Marketing

    Skills you'll gain: Social Media Management, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Target Audience, Social Media Campaigns, Paid media, Social Media Strategy, Instagram, Content Creation, Marketing Effectiveness, Online Advertising, Persona Development, Marketing Analytics, Advertising Campaigns, Advertising, Content Performance Analysis, Marketing Materials, Presentations, Digital Marketing, Brand Management

    Build toward a degree

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

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Davis

    Digital Technology and Social Change

    Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Responsible AI, Digital Communications, Machine Learning, Data Ethics, Business Transformation, Blockchain, Emerging Technologies, Social Impact, Technology Strategies, Data Storage, AI Enablement, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Assets, Fundraising and Crowdsourcing, Technology Solutions, Business Ethics, Artificial Neural Networks, Generative AI

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    37 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    P

    Parsons School of Design, The New School

    Economics: Society, Markets, and [In]equality

    Skills you'll gain: Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Socioeconomics, Economics, Market Dynamics, Social Justice, Economic Development, Labor Relations, Sustainable Development, International Relations, World History, Global Marketing, Behavioral Economics, Innovation, Leadership, Critical Thinking, Communication

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    55 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

    Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 1

    Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Science and Research, Research Design, Surveys, Qualitative Research, Research, Research Methodologies, Sociology, Political Sciences, Experimentation, Anthropology, Economics

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    51 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Michigan

    Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change

    Skills you'll gain: Social Work, Community and Social Work, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Advocacy, Cultural Sensitivity, Diversity Awareness, Research, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Systems Thinking, Human Development, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    439 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Social Norms, Social Change I

    Skills you'll gain: Sociology, Social Sciences, Social Impact, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Public Policies, Cultural Diversity, Surveys, Qualitative Research, Data Collection, Research

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Michigan

    Using Public Policy for Social Change

    Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Social Justice, Advocacy, Public Policies, Political Sciences, Health Policy, Social Impact, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Community and Social Work, Program Evaluation, Public Administration, Case Studies, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Research, Problem Solving

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    172 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Searches related to social science

social science research
social science research methods
social science methods
social science statistics
social science courses
social science research methodology
social science free
social science approaches to the study of chinese society part 1
1234…508

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

  • Computational Social Science: University of California, Davis
  • Computational Social Science Methods: University of California, Davis
  • Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences: University of Amsterdam
  • Social Media Content and Strategy: Adobe
  • Social Psychology: Wesleyan University
  • Meta Social Media Marketing: Meta
  • Digital Technology and Social Change: University of California, Davis
  • Economics: Society, Markets, and [In]equality: Parsons School of Design, The New School
  • Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 1: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change: University of Michigan

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

Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • English Speaking
  • Generative AI (GenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Project Management
  • Python

Certificates & Programs

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Machine Learning Certificate
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
  • UI / UX Design Certificate

Industries & Careers

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Education & Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
  • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Preparing for the PMP Certification
  • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
  • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

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
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok