Self-Paced, Flexible Online Course
Foundations of Data Visualization course
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Foundations of Data Visualization
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Transform Data into Actionable Insights
Learn to apply best practices in design and visual encoding
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Understand the foundations of human visual perception and how principles inform effective visualization
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Explain core visual design principles for creating clear and accurate representations of data
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Evaluate visualization techniques, their strengths, limitations, and potential for misleading representations
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Describe the stages of the visual design process within the context of information visualization.
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Differentiate among major data types and explain appropriate visualization approaches for each
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Identify established data visualization tools and environments within the field of information visualization
Earn a certificate from Johns Hopkins University
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#6 National University Rankings
U.S. News & World Report, 2025
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#1 Computer Information Technology
U.S. News & World Report, 2025
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#1 Biomedical Engineering Program
US News and World Report
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#13 Best Global University
U.S. News & World Report, 2024
KEY COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Why Choose This Course?
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Flexible format
Benefit from an asynchronous, self-paced learning journey, featuring engaging video walkthroughs and recorded sessions by Johns Hopkins University faculty.
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Application-focused learning
Understand how to apply best practices in design and visual encodin through real-world use cases and analytical assessments.
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Earn Continuing Education Units
Earn two Continuing Education Units upon completion of this course, allowing you to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and skill advancement.
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Globally recognized credential
Earn a globally recognized data visualization Certificate of Completion from Johns Hopkins University upon completing the course.
Tools and Techniques
Visualization Techniques
Visual Encodings
Programming Libraries & Notebooks
Heterogeneous Data Representation
Interactive Design
Visualization Techniques
Visual Encodings
Programming Libraries & Notebooks
Heterogeneous Data Representation
Interactive Design
- Overview
- Learning Path
- Curriculum
- Projects
- Certificate
- Faculty
- Fees
This program is Ideal For
Professionals and organizations seeking deeper data insights to drive better decisions in competitive markets.
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Early- to Mid-Career Data Professionals
Seeking to build strong foundations in presenting and interpreting data to create clear and meaningful visual stories.
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Analysts and Researchers
Who regularly work with complex datasets and need to communicate their findings clearly and persuasively to various stakeholders.
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Designers and Communicators
Interested in applying graphic design principles and human perception to create impactful, user-friendly data visualizations.
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Students and Academics
Who wish to build a strong foundational understanding of data visualization techniques and their theoretical underpinnings.
Experience a Unique Learning Journey
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Flexible learning journey
Learn at your own pace with a flexible, asynchronous format built for working professionals
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Engaging material
Learn through focused content, video walkthroughs, and recorded sessions by JHU faculty
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Application-focused approach
Gain actionable insights through engaging quizzes, readings, and analytical assessments
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Globally recognized credentials
Earn a Johns Hopkins Certificate of Completion and 2 Continuing Education Units upon completion
Curriculum
The curriculum for this this data visualization online course is designed by faculty at Johns Hopkins University in collaboration with leading industry practitioners and offers a structured progression from foundational concepts, such as the history of visualization and the identification of misleading practices, to advanced visual analytics.
Module 01 | Introduction to Data Visualization
Concepts Covered: - Foundations of Data Visualization - Historical Evolution of Visualization Techniques - Identifying Misleading Visualizations - Role of Visualization in Simplifying Complex Data
Module 02 | Visualization Techniques
Concepts Covered: - Exploring Visualization Techniques Based on Data Type - Fundamentals of Basic Charts and Graphs - Strengths and Weaknesses of Hierarchical Visualizations and Scatter Plots - Choosing the Right Visualization for Tabular, Geospatial, and Scalar Data
Module 03 | Human Visual Perception
Concepts Covered: - Influence of Visual Variables (Position, Color, Size) - Applying Gestalt Principles and Grouping Techniques
Module 04 | Design Principles
Concepts Covered: - Key Principles of Effective Design (Simplicity, Consistency, Organization) - Understanding Graphical Excellence and Its Real-World Applications
Work on Analytical Assessments
Engage in comprehensive visualization assessments leveraging the latest tools, and techniques.
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Real-World
Use Cases
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Analytical
Assessments
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Industry-Ready
Tools and Technologies
DATA LITERACY
Spot the Flaw: Misleading Data in the Wild
Description
Analyze deceptive charts to understand how visual choices like omitted axes or distorted scales can mislead audiences and erode trust.
Skills you will learn
- Chart Analysis
- Visual Communication
- Critical Thinking
CHARTING FUNDAMENTALS
Chart Smart: Building the Basics with the Iris Dataset
Description
Create classic visualizations and practice the fundamentals of chart construction, labeling, and layout using the famous 1936 Iris flower dataset.
Skills you will learn
- Data Labeling
- Layout Design
- Visualization Techniques
VISUAL ENCODING
Visual Vocabulary: Designing with Encodings
Description
Explore the power of position, color, size, and shape by creating custom visualizations with the “Tips” dataset to express patterns and comparisons more effectively.
Skills you will learn
- Position Encoding
- Pattern Recognition
- Comparative Visualization
DASHBOARD ANALYSIS
Debt by Design: Critiquing a Complex Dashboard
Description
Evaluate the U.S. Debt Clock dashboard through the lens of simplicity, structure, and graphical excellence to understand how overwhelming design choices can obscure meaning.
Skills you will learn
- Visual Hierarchy
- Design Evaluation
- Information Architecture
Earn a Professional Certificate
Earn a certificate of completion from Johns Hopkins University to showcase to your network.
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#1 Ranked Online Grad Program
Computer Information Technology by U.S. News & World Report
* Image for illustration only. Certificate subject to change.
Meet Your Faculty
Learn from world-renowned JHU faculty
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Dr. Jesus Caban
Chief Data Scientist in the Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems
Chair, AMIA Visual Analytics Working Group
Vice Chair, 2016 IEEE Visualization Conference
Know More
LinkedIn Profile
University LinkCourse Fees
The course fee is USD 500
Advance Your Career
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Understand the foundations of human visual perception and the principles behind impactful visualization tools
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Evaluate different visualization techniques and identify potentially misleading charts and visualizations
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Develop familiarity with the visual design process and understand different data types
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Build proficiency with existing data visualization tools and programming libraries
Enrollment process
Get started instantly with our self-enrollment process and begin your learning journey today
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1. Enter your details
Provide your information to begin the enrollment process
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2. Make payment
Complete the payment to receive your enrollment confirmation via email
Delivered in Collaboration with:
Johns Hopkins University is collaborating with online education provider Great Learning to offer the Foundations of Data Visualization course. Great Learning is a professional learning company with a global footprint in 14+ countries. Its mission is to make professionals around the globe proficient and future-ready. This course leverages JHU's leadership in innovation, science, engineering, and technical disciplines developed over years of research, teaching, and practice. Great Learning collaborates with institutions to manage enrollments (including all payment services and invoicing), technology, and participant support.
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