Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Technical Communication (Data Visualization) program is designed for students who have a flair for both analysis and artful communication. This program prepares students for the innovative work of collecting, processing, and visualizing data in clear, accurate, and dynamic ways to a variety of audiences.

Program Description

The data visualization concentration in the Bachelor of Science program in technical communication prepares students for the innovative work of collecting, processing, and visualizing data in clear, accurate, and dynamic ways to a variety of audiences. Students learn how to structure, model, clean, and correlate data. They learn myriad types of data visualizations and how to develop and refine visualizations using a variety of software, read and develop analytics dashboards, and communicate data-driven recommendations and findings.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
• Location: Polytechnic or Online, ASU Local
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Technical Communication (Data Visualization) program can be viewed online.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements:
  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
  • First-year, transfer, international, and readmission requirements apply.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Design clear, ethical, and persuasive communication products for diverse audiences.
• Develop recommendations to improve the design and impact of technical content using user experience research methods.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to determine appropriate methods for delivering content for different audiences and purposes.
• Evaluate the affordances and limitations of visualization methods, tools, and techniques.
• Visualize data for a range of contexts and audiences.

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad while learning about data visualization in the world of technical communication gives students an advantage in many workplaces. Understanding the global view of applied workplace communication, students become well-rounded communicators, able to use various print and digital information products to relate technical and specialized information.

Career Opportunities

The field of data visualization continues to grow at a rapid pace. Graduates of the program prepare for careers such as:

• Big data engineer
• Communication manager
• Computer and information systems manager
• Data specialist or analyst
• Data visualization developer
• Digital designer
• Information architect
• Market research analyst

Example job titles and salaries:

• Computer Systems Analyst: 8.7% growth, $103,790 median salary
• Data Management Specialist: 8.7% growth, $135,980 median salary
• Document Management Specialist: 8.2% growth, $108,970 median salary
• Market Research Analyst: 6.7% growth, $76,950 median salary
• Technical Writer: 0.9% growth, $91,670 median salary

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Concurrent Programs

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees, and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint Programs

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

New Programs

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.

Online Programs

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.