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College of Arts, Media and Design

Information Design and Visualization

Certificate

Master the art of visual storytelling with Northeastern's Graduate Certificate in Information Design and Visualization. Learn to communicate complex data in accessible, engaging, and impactful ways.

Program curriculum Explore College of Arts, Media and Design
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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
1 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall
Meets F1 visa requirements
Yes
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Program overview

Turn data into visual narratives

Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Information Design and Visualization prepares you to transform data into meaningful visual stories. Through advanced data analytics and design principles, you’ll learn how to create effective information environments that engage stakeholders and communicate research across various fields.

This program is designed for professionals from media, design, communications, and data science, equipping them with the skills to think visually and produce clear, impactful visualizations. Embedded in the MFA program, you’ll have the chance to collaborate, attend guest lectures, and participate in workshops, positioning you to meet the growing demand for data-savvy visual storytellers in today’s information-driven world.

  • Gain real-world experience with a variety of programming languages, tools, and platforms for creating effective visualizations.
  • Learn to critically assess visualization methods to match specific data sources and objectives.
  • Develop skills with different data formats, including quantitative, qualitative, textual, relational, hierarchical, or spatial data.
  • Access workshops and guest lectures, joining a vibrant community of students in the MFA program.

As the “data revolution” reshapes industries, the demand for professionals skilled in information design and visualization is soaring. Whether in global companies like Google and IBM or public sector institutions, you’ll be equipped to take on roles that translate complex data into engaging, accessible insights.

Northeastern’s signature experiential learning model blends academics with professional practice, giving you immediate, actionable skills. Engage in projects, workshops, and collaborations with MFA students to refine your visual communication expertise. This immersive learning prepares you to excel in a fast-paced, data-driven landscape.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Application deadlines

Final deadline for international applicants: May 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants:August 1

  • Application form

  • Application fee

  • Resumé

  • Personal statement

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam scores for international applicants

  • One letter of recommendation

  • Work samples or portfolio (recommended)

  • Learn more about our admissions process from the College of Arts, Media, and Design

Program objectives

Prepare for success

The Graduate Certificate in Information Design and Visualization will give you the skills to turn complex data into clear, engaging visual narratives. Learn to select, create, and adapt visualizations for diverse audiences.

Create effective visualizations

Perfect the use of programming languages, tools, and platforms to create impactful data visualizations for any audience.

Assess and adapt methods

Develop the ability to critically choose the right visualization methods for different tasks and data sources.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $32,944
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
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