Courses

In the SMU Data Visualization and Storytelling Certificate program, you'll have a real-time online class meeting once a week for 1.5 hours. Each week you'll also have approximately 3.5 hours of out-of-class videos, assignments and reading.

Modules

Learn to analyze for data credibility, evaluate data to support insights and choose appropriate types of data visualizations as well as begin building your own data visualization toolbox.
  • Analyze a visualization for data credibility.
  • Evaluate data to support insights.
  • Choose appropriate types of data visualizations.
  • Critique data visualizations.
  • Build a data visualization toolbox.

Learn to utilize color and design principles to optimize understanding and accessibility of charts.
 
  • Demonstrate ability to focus audience's attention on the key message in a chart.
  • Identify false visualizations.
  • Utilize color to optimize understanding and accessibility of charts.
  • Identify deception or bias in charts and data visualizations.
  • Build a data visualization toolbox.

Learn why storytelling with data is important and how to apply effective storytelling techniques in business situations.
 

Learn to design, build, and evaluate the success of an infographic.

  • Design an infographic using data visualizations, text and layout
  • Build an infographic landing page
  • Write a message to an influencer website for infographic promotion.
  • Evaluate the success of an infographic.

Learn best practices in dashboard design and how to build dashboards using Microsoft Excel and Tableau Public

  • Critique a dashboard design.
  • Demonstrate best practices in dashboard design.
  • Build a dashboard using Excel.
  • Build a dashboard using Tableau Public.

Learn to build presentation slides with optimized text and design that employ the data story arc.

 

  • Apply DataViz Design to presentation tools.
  • Use the Data Story Arc to build presentation slides.
  • Optimize use of text in presentation slides.
  • Communicate insights to senior management.

Upcoming Start Dates

February 26, 2025

Wednesdays

7 - 8:30 p.m. CT

+ 3.5 hours self-study weekly

12 weeks

Live online