Sage Publications

Chart Smarter: Mastering Data Visualization

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Sage Publications

Chart Smarter: Mastering Data Visualization

Sage Instructors

Instructor: Sage Instructors

Included with Coursera PlusLearn more

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identify when data visualization is appropriate and when alternative methods of presenting data may be more suitable

  • Assess different data types and encode data using the main visual variables

  • Choose appropriate chart types to support different forms of data comparison

  • Create, format, and style charts in Excel to produce clear and effective visualizations

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Recently updated!

September 2026

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

This module introduces the fundamentals of data visualization and its role in communicating information effectively. You will explore when and why data visualizations are useful, learn how visual representations can enhance understanding and insight, and evaluate when alternative methods of presenting data may be more appropriate for your audience and purpose.

What's included

1 assignment1 plugin

This module explores how different types of data can be represented visually and how to select effective methods for communicating them. You will learn about common data types, the visual variables used to encode information, and how to match data characteristics with appropriate visual representations to create clear, accurate, and meaningful data visualizations.

What's included

1 assignment1 plugin

This module explores how to select the most effective chart types for different kinds of data and communication goals. You will learn how to identify the comparisons you want to make within your data, evaluate which visualizations best support those comparisons, and choose chart types that present information clearly, accurately, and meaningfully to your audience.

What's included

1 assignment1 plugin

This module provides a practical introduction to creating effective data visualizations. Using Excel and other commonly available tools, you will learn how to select appropriate visualization software, create charts from datasets, and apply formatting and design techniques to produce clear, impactful visualizations that communicate data insights effectively.

What's included

1 assignment1 plugin

In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.

What's included

1 plugin

Instructor

Sage Instructors
Sage Publications
91 Courses3,873 learners

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