Visualization and Storytelling Using Data

Download Brochure

Get Your Brochure

Course Dates

STARTS ON

TBD

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4–6 hours per week

Course Fee
Course Fee

For Your Team

Enroll your team and learn with your peers

Learn More

Why You Need Data Visualization in Your Professional Tool Kit

Data has the power to tell a compelling story, guide conversations, and influence decisions with profound consequences for swift business actions. Research shows that data-driven organizations are more likely to retain customers and be more profitable–but it’s your job to explain how the data supports your major points and to influence key decision-makers.

“As professionals working with data, we have the power to change minds and change the trajectory of business outcomes if we tell the right data stories.”

-Michelle S. Glaser, MPH
Director of Data Analytics Adjunct Professor, Columbia Engineering

Who Is This Course For?

The Visualization and Storytelling Using Data course is designed for professionals who work with data regularly and strive to make a bigger impact on business outcomes. Anyone in the following roles will benefit from learning the key principles of visualization, developing a data point of view, and honing a message.

  • Business Analysts
  • Data Scientists
  • Business Consultants
  • Program Managers
  • Marketing Managers
  • Product Managers

Course Highlights

Decorative image relating to text that follows

Live Fireside Chat with Faculty

Decorative image relating to text that follows

Design Exercises

Decorative image relating to text that follows

Peer Discussion Groups

Decorative image relating to text that follows

Applicable to any software choice (Tool-Agnostic approach)

Decorative image relating to text that follows

Final Capstone Project with Real-World Application

Decorative image relating to text that follows

Certificate of Completion from Columbia Engineering

Learning Outcomes

  • Build a data story that is supported by a point of view and recommendation that is capable of driving business decisions and enhances career growth.
  • Communicate more clearly by selecting the right visual for your data.
  • Select and use appropriate charts for a variety of common data types
  • Implement design choices to ensure a clean visual appearance, clear messaging, and a coherent point of view
  • Implement design choices to include simple, yet informative text elements

Syllabus

This course is comprised of six weekly modules, offering a systematic approach for delivering applied design theory principles in a way that adds tremendous value to your role and your organization.

MODULE 1:

KPI DEVELOPMENT AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR DATA POINT OF VIEW

As you start your data visualization journey, it's important to recognize your power as an analyst and the potential for a good data story to change business trajectories. In this module, you'll learn how to set yourself up for success to present an impactful analysis that is capable of effecting change in an organization.

MODULE 2:

INTRODUCTION TO DATA VISUALIZATION

Explore the role of data visualization in business and learn about the most common chart types. As you work through this module, you will refine your thoughts regarding the visual communication aspects of your data visualizations and think about how the visuals align with your key messages.

MODULE 3:

OPTIMIZING CHARTS

Most analysts are capable of creating charts, but not all analysts are skilled at creating highly effective and visually appealing ones. In this module, you will recognize common mistakes and areas where visual communication efforts can be improved to increase impact. By learning how to elevate your charts' usefulness, you can increase your own impact in reports created for an executive audience.

MODULE 4:

BUILDING A DATA STORY: AUDIENCE AND ATTENTION

At this point, you know how to create compelling charts, and now you'll learn how to combine charts and language to build a compelling story. In this module, you'll learn how to call attention to important messages and construct a data point of view for individual charts.

MODULE 5:

BUILDING A DATA STORY: DETAILS AND IMPACT

In this module, you will pull the concepts from the previous modules together to create recommendations and influence executives in their organizational decision-making processes. It is important to know how to sculpt a strong data story because sharing insights from the data is what matters most to executives, supporting more positive outcomes for the organization.

MODULE 6:

INCREASINGLY COMPLEX VISUALIZATIONS

In this final module, you will examine several advanced chart types and a data story style called a dashboard. As someone who handles data, you will be responsible for using the most appropriate data visualization tool for any job at hand, and the advanced topics presented in this module will help you create high-impact reports.

MODULE 1:

KPI DEVELOPMENT AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR DATA POINT OF VIEW

As you start your data visualization journey, it's important to recognize your power as an analyst and the potential for a good data story to change business trajectories. In this module, you'll learn how to set yourself up for success to present an impactful analysis that is capable of effecting change in an organization.

MODULE 4:

BUILDING A DATA STORY: AUDIENCE AND ATTENTION

At this point, you know how to create compelling charts, and now you'll learn how to combine charts and language to build a compelling story. In this module, you'll learn how to call attention to important messages and construct a data point of view for individual charts.

MODULE 2:

INTRODUCTION TO DATA VISUALIZATION

Explore the role of data visualization in business and learn about the most common chart types. As you work through this module, you will refine your thoughts regarding the visual communication aspects of your data visualizations and think about how the visuals align with your key messages.

MODULE 5:

BUILDING A DATA STORY: DETAILS AND IMPACT

In this module, you will pull the concepts from the previous modules together to create recommendations and influence executives in their organizational decision-making processes. It is important to know how to sculpt a strong data story because sharing insights from the data is what matters most to executives, supporting more positive outcomes for the organization.

MODULE 3:

OPTIMIZING CHARTS

Most analysts are capable of creating charts, but not all analysts are skilled at creating highly effective and visually appealing ones. In this module, you will recognize common mistakes and areas where visual communication efforts can be improved to increase impact. By learning how to elevate your charts' usefulness, you can increase your own impact in reports created for an executive audience.

MODULE 6:

INCREASINGLY COMPLEX VISUALIZATIONS

In this final module, you will examine several advanced chart types and a data story style called a dashboard. As someone who handles data, you will be responsible for using the most appropriate data visualization tool for any job at hand, and the advanced topics presented in this module will help you create high-impact reports.

Faculty

Profile picture of faculty, Michelle S. Glaser, MPH

Michelle S. Glaser, MPH

Director of Data Analytics Adjunct Professor, Columbia Engineering

Michelle Glaser is an analytics leader who has built the analytics team and culture at multiple organizations. She is an epidemiologist-turned-analyst who has a passion for numbers that enables her to effectively build and drive global analytics strategies. She excels at translating ambiguous business needs into actionable problems and identifying the right methodologies to address them. Her passion is helping professionals use data to create stories that drive better decision making and improve business outcomes.

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded upon successful completion of the programme

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a verified digital certificate from Emeritus in collaboration with Columbia Engineering Executive Education.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 315 840 3227 (US) / +44 203 838 0797 (UK) / +65 3129 4176 (SG)

Apply Now

Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!