Online Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication – Data Visualization

By earning a Bachelor of Science in technical communication with a concentration in data visualization online from Arizona State University, you’ll learn how data management, data analysis and graphic design play a role in communication across a variety of industries. Whether you’re looking to broaden your professional competencies or make a career change, this program can help you advance your skill set and achieve your goals.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Technical Communication – Data Visualization (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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The importance of data visualization

Data visualization focuses on increasing universal access to data using a variety of visual design techniques. The three primary benefits of earning a data visualization degree concentration include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Career opportunities.
    • Diverse skills increase your marketability and may open doors for career opportunities in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
    • New career opportunities in the fields of data analysis, data visualization and data specialization.
    • Other career opportunities in the fields of graphic design and content management.
  • Personal development.
    • Further your skills and theory of data management, helping you understand, manage, normalize, create and visualize different types of data according to best practices.
    • Learn how to independently analyze and scrutinize sources of data, including publicly available datasets.
  • Professional competencies.
    • Understanding the theory of data management allows you to manage, normalize, create and visualize many types of data using best practices. 
    • Gaining knowledge about graphic design and visual communication principles enables you to design infographics, informational posters and other media that increase accessibility to information.
    • Independently analyze and scrutinize many sources of data, including publicly available datasets.

Earning a data visualization degree concentration prepares you to join a field with high demand in data-related occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for data scientists is projected to grow 35% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual salary in 2022 for data scientists was $103,500 and typically requires earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

During this program, you'll explore a variety of topics you can apply to your career, such as graphic design, data visualization, infographic development and data analysis. You’ll also learn about the structure of digital information and all facets of data management. Skills you’ll develop include:

  • Collaborating with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Conducting user research to create complex communication products.
  • Creating communication pieces in multiple media formats.
  • Managing design projects.
  • Writing clearly and effectively for specific audiences.

Data visualization and technical communication are integral to driving strategic decisions across industries. This data visualization degree concentration prepares you to organize and present data in appealing visuals, ultimately making information easy to understand for wide audiences.

How does this program compare to other technical communication degree concentrations?

This bachelor’s in technical communication with a concentration in data visualization provides foundational knowledge in technical writing with a focus on visual data. As part of the technical communication core curriculum, you’ll learn the fundamentals of technical communication and practice principles of technical editing. After completing your core curriculum, you’ll take data visualization concentration courses that help you advance your data visualization tools and techniques. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for a variety of careers in data or technical communication.

If you’re interested in exploring other aspects of technical communication, you may also consider the following ASU Online programs:

Professional licensure and certification

ASU’s academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensure or certification in Arizona. Completing an ASU program may not meet the education requirements for licensure or certification in another state. If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, we strongly recommend you visit our professional licensure page for the contact information of the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance on the requirements.

Will my diploma say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Technical communication and data visualization courses

In this data visualization degree concentration, you'll take courses focused on data analysis, creation and visualization. Your courses will also include practical applications of graphic design and data analysis.


The jobs this data visualization degree concentration prepares you for

This data visualization degree concentration prepares you for a variety of technical communication roles. In addition to writing and content opportunities, you’ll also be equipped to step into visual data-driven roles across industries. Possible career paths include:

Computer Systems Analyst


Growth: 9.6 %
Salary: $102,240

Data Analyst


Growth: -1.7 %
Salary: $48,880

Data Management Specialist


Growth: 10.0 %
Salary: $134,870

Document Management Specialist


Growth: 9.7 %
Salary: $98,740

Market Research Analyst


Growth: 13.4 %
Salary: $68,230

Technical Writer


Growth: 6.9 %
Salary: $79,960

Learn from top-tier faculty in technical communication

Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.

  • American Educational Research.
  • Association Fellows.
  • American Psychological Association Fellows.
  • Fulbright scholars.

Learn from top-tier faculty in technical communication

Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.

  • American Educational Research.
  • Association Fellows.
  • American Psychological Association Fellows.
  • Fulbright scholars.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Study at a globally recognized university

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.

#1


in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Top 10%


best global universities.

80%


of graduates reported their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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