Data Visualization & Communication

Is this program for me?

The Advanced Learning Certificate Program in Data Visualization and Communication will provide professionals with an opportunity to advance their data visualization and communication skills through real-world demonstration and application. This program explores best practices and principles for communicating data to diverse audiences and provides participants with hands-on experience in creating equitable and inclusive quantitative and qualitative data visualization, dissemination products, and storytelling with data. Integrated throughout the course are fundamental practices and strategies for stakeholder engagement to ensure tailored communication of data to diverse audiences and strategies to equip students with not only theory and practice skills but an understanding of how to harness this knowledge to embed the practices within their organizations.

We will be using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint throughout the program because these tools are widely accessible and commonly used in non-profits, for-profits, academics, and organizations. Foundational understanding of Excel and PowerPoint is required.

By the end of the program, participants will:

1. Understand and apply data visualization and communication theories, best practices, and principles to generate their own equitable and inclusive data visualizations.
2. Identify best practices for communicating and presenting both quantitative and qualitative data.
3. Gain a fundamental understanding of how to apply visualization best practices to creating different chart types in Excel.
4. Develop a dissemination plan that includes the identification of tailored products for different stakeholder groups/audiences.
5. Understand a process for facilitating stakeholder engagement in data interpretation and communicating and using data,
6. Understand strategies and processes for producing data insights strategically and effectively.

Module 1:  Science of Communication and Data Visualization Best Practices
We will set the stage for the program by providing an overview of the course and key principles and best practices behind the science of communication and visualizing data, with a focus on applying accessibility and equity into data visuals. This includes exploring the characteristics of a good data visual and learning concepts and applicable steps to achieve accessibility and equity in data visuals. You’ll also discover how to create your own data visualization style guide. Additionally, we’ll delve into the mindset and principles that designers use for color and typography strategies in creating effective and engaging visuals.

Module 2:  Quantitative Data Visuals
We will dive into common chart types and the process for preparing to visualize data and how to select chart types that effectively communicate your data. We will then provide how-to demonstrations to apply these principles and best practices to enable participants to create a diverse set of charts in Excel. Then, we provide how-to demonstration videos for map-making and several more advanced and exploratory visualization types.

Module 3: Qualitative Data Visuals and Dissemination Planning
We will provide an overview of best practices and strategies for visualizing qualitative data, followed by how-to demonstrations for creating qualitative visuals. We will dive deeper into the process, steps, and considerations for developing a dissemination plan tailored to meet the needs of different stakeholder groups. We will also provide an overview of common dissemination product types, such as reports, presentations, one-pagers, dashboards, social media posts, and executive summaries. Furthermore, you’ll learn the basic principles of layout and design—such as proximity, alignment, visual hierarchy, and grids—to create visually appealing and effective data products.

Module 4: Storytelling with Data and Data Party
We will introduce data parties, a participatory approach to engaging stakeholders in data analysis and interpretation to help you identify and articulate stories in your data. This will include a mock data party to demonstrate the process and materials for participatory data. We will also cover strategies for storytelling with data to communicate data strategically and effectively.

How to Apply

Complete program applications include:

• Online application form, including statement of purpose (300-500 words)
• Submission of your current resume

Admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis. Generally, it is possible to provide an admissions decision within two weeks of receipt of a completed application. Applications for this program will close on February 27, 2026 by 5pm, US Central Time.

Admission prerequisites:

• Applicants should have (or be able to obtain) access to a computer that has Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), along with a webcam and reliable internet service.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is recommended, but not required for admission.
• All participants must be willing to comply with all Washington University policies.
• Please note that pursuing the Data Visualization & Communication Certificate course while on OPT (Optional Practical Training) is not permitted.