Governance, broadly defined, refers to the ways in which society or groups within it organize to make decisions. Thus, while the word “governance” naturally brings to mind “the government,” this concept extends beyond politics to encompass groups of people of any size working together to achieve a collective goal. Understanding how these systems work and knowing how to make your voice heard within them is important for everyone, whether you’re looking to pursue a career in politics or management - or if you just want to be a good citizen.

At scales ranging from a high school chess club to the United States to the United Nations, systems of governance include several key elements: mechanisms for establishing authority, processes for decision-making, and means of enforcing accountability to ensure that these collective decisions are followed.

For example, in the United States, it’s easy enough to simply say that we live in a democracy. But the way that votes are aggregated at the local, state, and national levels, the rules by which our elected representatives make laws, and the different ways that laws are enforced are all critical factors in determining the outcomes produced by America’s system of governance compared to other democracies.

Studying this discipline is all about understanding the importance of these details, as well as how these intertwined elements interact. Having expertise in governance lets you draw connections between how campaigns are financed and how candidates govern, helping to inform your decisions as a voter, as a contributor to political campaigns, or as a political professional yourself. It can also help you anticipate how the structure and the members of your board of directors can determine the course of your company, providing crucial insights to guide the development of your startup as an entrepreneur.

Politicians may be the most familiar examples of professionals in governance, but you don’t have to run for office to have a rewarding career in this area. There are an incredibly wide range of jobs in both the public and private sector that can benefit from knowledge of the structures, processes, and personalities that shape decision-making. And, because this field can impact virtually every aspect of society, you can find jobs related to governance no matter what your specific area or issue of interest.

For example, if you are fascinated by international affairs, you can work in the foreign service as a diplomat, as a national security analyst in the military, or as an academic researcher at a foreign policy think tank. If you’re passionate about environmental issues, you can use a background in governance to work at the local, state, or national-level departments tasked with maintaining air and water quality, or as an expert on issues like climate change or toxic pollution at a non-profit advocacy group. More generally, professionals in public management and administration play an essential role in carrying out day-to-day operations across every area of government.

Governance expertise can be helpful in the private sector as well. The ability to structure effective decision-making systems can benefit the performance of executives, operations managers, and startup founders. Regulatory advisors and consultants can provide invaluable insights on the ways that government policies can impact business revenue and taxation. And banks, hedge funds, and other financial institutions employ a wide range of analysts to identify and measure political risks that can affect investment decisions.

Knowledge of governance and society is essential, whether you want to be an engaged citizen, an effective manager, or a successful politician - and online courses and Specializations on Coursera are making this universally-applicable education more accessible than ever. You can take courses from prestigious institutions like Princeton University, Yale University, the University of Virginia, and the University of London, all at a lower cost than on-campus students with no compromise in quality.

If your career aspirations are in government, you can study public policy, political science, or international diplomacy. Courses in sociology, criminal justice, and forensic science can help you develop expertise in how laws are created and enforced. And if you want to dive into big picture issues, you can learn about human rights, sustainability, and the role of morality in politics.

And regardless of your specific interests in governance and society, online education options available on Coursera offer a combination of low costs and a flexible schedule that can be very appealing for learners that are already working full-time or raising a family.