What is data visualization, and why is it important?

Data visualization, which is sometimes called information visualization, is the representation of datasets through graphical means such as charts, maps, visual analytics interfaces such as dashboards, and interactive visualizations. A picture is worth a thousand words - or a thousand lines of a spreadsheet - and the ability to convey key relationships within complex datasets and insights from data analysis in a visually compelling way is critically important to making sense of our world. While data visualizations may be as simple as a bar graph created in Microsoft Excel, the complexity, size, and velocity of datasets in the big data era often demand more powerful approaches. Specialized programs such as Tableau Software and the D3.js JavaScript library are widely used in the business world to create dynamic data visualizations, which may even incorporate real-time data streams. For particularly complex tasks, data virtualization software may also be used as middleware to integrate multiple sources and types of data into a format suitable for use with these visualization programs.

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in data visualization?

The ability to create data visualizations are increasingly expected in a variety of jobs, making these skills highly valuable as well as portable. Whether you’re a financial analyst at a hedge fund displaying a real-time dashboard of portfolio risk or a data journalist creating an interactive visualization map of the spread of Covid-19, compelling data visualizations can increase the impact of your work and give you an edge in your career. Management analysts are particularly attuned to the value of good data visualizations. These consultants must make convincing recommendations for organizational changes to upper-level management and busy executives, and powerful graphics can be essential to making these cases effectively. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , management analysts earned a median annual wage of $85,260 as of 2019, and these jobs are expected to grow much faster than average as more and more companies seek advice on navigating today’s fast-changing business world.

Can I learn about data visualization by taking online courses on Coursera?

Yes! Coursera lets you learn remotely about data visualization and related topics with courses and Specializations from top-ranked schools like New York University, University of California, Davis, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. You can also take courses from industry leaders like IBM and PwC, one of the top management consultancies in the world. Online learning with Coursera is an especially good fit for mid-career professionals seeking to add data visualization capabilities to their skill set, as you can complete coursework on a flexible schedule that fits into your existing work life.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn data visualization?

Some skills you might want to have before learning data visualization include mathematics, Excel, and some coding experience. Specifically, learning popular programming languages like R and Python can be useful for analyzing the data you want to present in a visual format. Strong data analysis skills are usually essential because you should be able to interpret data accurately to avoid misleading the people viewing the final product. In addition to technology skills, you can put to use other skills in a data visualization role, such as problem-solving, artistic skills, and communication skills.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in data visualization?

The right kind of person for a role in data visualization has a combination of technology, business, and communication skills. They typically know how to collect, analyze, and interpret data quickly and accurately using programming languages like R, Python, and JavaScript and tools such as Tableau, PowerBI, or Microsoft Excel. Someone with strong communication skills also tends to work well in this field. Being able to listen to the needs of the client and create a data visualization tool that accurately represents the data in a way that the audience understands is useful.

How do I know if data visualization is right for me?

If you're comfortable working with large amounts of data and are passionate about making sure people understand the available data about a project, program, or concern, learning data visualization may be a good choice for you. You'll likely have opportunities to help others by sharing important data in a format that’s visually appealing and easy to interpret. Learning data visualization can add to your skillset if you've previously studied or worked as a graphic designer or data analyst. You may choose to learn a programming language so you can develop your own data warehouse or another visualization tool to showcase the data you analyze, or you can decide to explore the variety of methods used to create visual displays of data.

What are the best free data visualization courses?

If you're looking for the best free data visualization courses available, try auditing one of these courses Data Visualization Specialization , Excel Data Analytics and Visualization Specialization , Fundamentals of Data Visualization Course , Data Visualization and Dashboarding with R Specialization or Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations Specialization . In the audit version, you can assess most of the material but will not be able to submit assignments or receive grades or a certificate for your work unless you upgrade.

What are the best data visualization courses for beginners?

For those seeking to get started in data visualization, the Data Visualization with Tableau offers valuable insight into topics such as practices, theories, and tools used in data visualization. Additionally, the Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations Specialization covers the fundamentals of data visualization. For those wishing to learn R programming for data visualization methods, the Data Visualization and Dashboarding with R Specialization is a great option. Those looking for data visualization with Python can sign up for Python for Data Visualization and for Tableau, Data Visualization with Tableau provides an introduction to analytics and data visualization.

What are the best advanced data visualization courses?

For those looking to excel in advanced data visualization, Coursera offers an extensive range of courses. These include the Excel, Data Visualization & Analytics Specialization , Fundamentals of Data Visualization , Python for Data Visualization , Excel for Data Visualization , and Data Visualization Project .

What are the benefits of taking an online Data Visualization course?

Online Data Visualization courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Data Visualization skills. Choose from a wide range of Data Visualization courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Data Visualization courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Data Visualization, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Data Visualization Courses - Learn Data Visualization Online

University of California, Davis
Data Visualization with Tableau
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Data Analysis Software, Data Visualization Software, Tableau Software, Business Analysis, Business Intelligence, Statistical Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Interactive Data Visualization, Interactive Design, Software Visualization, Storytelling, Visual Design, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Plot (Graphics), Computer Graphics
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Data Visualization, Spreadsheet Software, Plot (Graphics), Data Analysis, Databases, Python Programming, SQL, Statistical Visualization, Data Management, Data Mining, Data Science, NoSQL, R Programming, Big Data, Business Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: [object Object]
Google
Google Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, R Programming, SQL, Spreadsheet Software, Business Analysis, Business Communication, Data Visualization, Data Management, General Statistics, Big Data, Communication, Computer Programming, Data Science, Data Visualization Software, Databases, Exploratory Data Analysis, Extract, Transform, Load, Leadership and Management, Microsoft Excel, Problem Solving, Small Data, Statistical Programming, Tableau Software
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months