Data Analytics and Visualization - MICA: Maryland Institute College of Art

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Program Benefits

The online asynchronous M.P.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization program at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a 30-credit hour program, designed to be completed in 15 months while working full time. This program teaches professionals how to present information and data in a visual and meaningful way with the use of graphics, images, and dynamic interactive features. View some of our innovative student capstone projects that are making an impact in the world.

(View Student Capstone Projects / Watch Capstone Video)

Accelerated Online Format

Complete the 30-credit program in just 15 months from the comfort of your home and without having to leave your full-time job.

Industry Immersive

Midway through the program, our virtual industry immersion facilitates collaboration and networking with peers, faculty, guest speakers, and business partners. It combines workshops, keynotes, and hands-on activities for a dynamic experience.

Your Degree, Your Schedule

Earn your master’s degree 100% online, on your schedule. Enjoy flexible, asynchronous learning with optional live sessions for deeper engagement with faculty and peers.

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Visual Storytelling as a Business Driver

Employers seek professionals adept at transforming data into visually compelling presentations that enhance understanding and engagement. Get ready to make complex data easy to understand and act on.

Real-World Industry Practitioners as Faculty

Learn from passionate leaders who have built successful careers in data visualization across industries. Benefit from invaluable experience-based teaching models and mentorship, fostering essential skills for your career development.

Build your Portfolio While Earning Your Degree

Demonstrate your strong creative and analytical skills with a compelling portfolio of data visualizations that will impress potential employers.

Course Sequence

In almost every industry or sector, data is the foundation of sound decisions. But one must know how to analyze and communicate the data to utilize it. These courses teach the skills, best practices, and software tools needed to analyze and communicate data effectively. They show how to influence actions, strategies, and solutions through data storytelling.

In addition to the courses detailed below, these workshops are offered throughout the program at no additional cost:

Python Basics
Advanced Python

Introduction to Figma
Intermediate Figma

Design Basics (Adobe Illustrator)
D3 Basics

Session

Course

Credits

Orientation

Virtual Orientation

To ensure your success in the program, students will meet virtually for a 1-day orientation where they will meet administrative staff, learn more about student services and success initiatives, and engage in community building with their cohort. In addition, students will complete an asynchronous orientation course in Canvas as a means to introduce them to the navigation of MICA’s administrative tools as well as inform them of academic services available through MICA. The content and assignments in the orientation course are designed to be an introduction to the program as well as a resource throughout the students’ time at MICA.

Session 1

Foundations of Data Analytics & Visualization Literacy

Core Skills: Exploring types of visualizations, contextualizing data visualization in the past and present

We live in a world surrounded by ever-increasing amounts of information in the form of data. Converting this raw data into a visual form that communicates effectively involves data analytics and advanced information visualization literacy. You will study the way visualization has been used historically and is being used today in various industries to tell compelling narratives. You will explore perspectives and research from the fields of art/design history, theory, and visual culture.

Session 1

Understanding Data

Core Skills: Excel, Tableau, R, Descriptive statistics, Data cleaning, Data visualization in R

Core Skills:

This course will teach you the methods for gathering, organizing, preparing, and analyzing information and data central to visualization and telling your story. Giving you the means to communicate your big ideas, you will explore tools and software applications that establish descriptive statistical relationships. You will also develop foundational skills needed to transform research into compelling visualizations.

Session 2

Data Exploration

Core Skills: R (RStudio, R Markdown), Descriptive statistics (continued)

Core Skills: Exploring types of visualizations, contextualizing data visualization in the past and present

The course provides an overview of probability and statistics concepts commonly used in the visualization process. You will learn to apply concepts such as statistical measures, correlation, and regression to data sets. You will continue to use and gain proficiency in tools and softwares introduced in Statistics and Analysis and explore additional methods for data analysis that apply to real-world challenges.

Session 2

Designing Visual Information

Core Skills: Adobe Illustrator, Gestalt laws & Universal principles of design

Core Skills: Exploring types of visualizations, contextualizing data visualization in the past and present

This course teaches you how to create impactful information visualizations that will produce results. You will be introduced to the best practices in organizing space, using type and color based on well-established guidance. Using universal principles of design, perception, and cognition, you will also learn the importance of ethical issues in data visualization, accessibility, and how to practice inclusive design.

Session 3

Interactive Data Storytelling

Core Skills: Storytelling techniques, Human-centered design, Storyboarding/wireframing, Interactive visualizations (Intro to D3), Tableau

Core Skills: Exploring types of visualizations, contextualizing data visualization in the past and present

Building upon Visual Storytelling I, students learn about different forms of storytelling and how techniques such as sequence, relationship, context, and audience can be combined through analysis and design strategies to tell a powerful story. Students continue to engage in the design process and apply principles of human-centered design.

Industry Immersive

Core Skills: Exploring types of visualizations, contextualizing data visualization in the past and present

The virtual industry immersive occurs at the midpoint of the program and enables you to collaborate with your cohort and network with each other as well as industry professionals. It consists of a mix of workshops, keynotes, and hands-on activities. This two-day experience surveys concepts, tools, and techniques that promote innovation. Students engage in exercises designed to apply and test creative techniques. At the conclusion of the virtual industry immersive, students will have knowledge of and practice with a number of approaches that can be applied through the second half of the program and into their careers.

Session 3

Visualization in Practice

Core Skills: Project Management, User testing, Prototyping, Critique, Iteration and applying feedback

Core Skills: Exploring types of visualizations, contextualizing data visualization in the past and present

This course integrates all the various concepts explored throughout the program and engages MICA’s industry partners to present students with challenges faced by professionals in the Data Analytics and Visualization industry. The goal of this course is to serve as a cornerstone of your portfolio, showcasing end-to-end design thinking. You will engage with the project decision-making process, ethical uses of data and visualizations, project management, budget and risk management, user interface design, and testing. Additionally, you will use visualization applications to help execute business strategy and support communication with a wide variety of stakeholders.

Session 4

Capstone I

Core Skills: How Data Visualizations are presented through the synthesis of Skills, Softwares, and Methods. Research, Data Collection and Cleaning, Critique, Applying feedback, Iteration.

Core Skills: Exploring types of visualizations, contextualizing data visualization in the past and present

During Capstone I, you will collaborate with your faculty advisor and peers for critique and guidance as you tie together the theories, methodologies, and skills acquired throughout the program. You will work from a real-world concept to a fully realized prototype.

Session 4

Capstone II

Core Skills: Continued critique, Applying feedback, and Iteration. Project management, Narration creation and Storytelling (prototyping to target audience), Presentation skills.

Core Skills: Exploring types of visualizations, contextualizing data visualization in the past and present

You will continue to develop the project started in Capstone I as you work toward the final prototype of your capstone project. You will create a written narrative to accompany your visualizations and consider the most effective ways to present your work during the final virtual capstone presentation.

Total Credit Hours

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COMBINE DATA, ANALYTICS + DESIGN.

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Program Benefits

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Course Sequence

INDUSTRY IMMERSIVE AT MICA

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