When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
In this first course of this specialization, you will discover what data visualization is, and how we can use it to better see and understand data. Using Tableau Public, we’ll examine the fundamental concepts of data visualization and explore the Tableau interface, identifying and applying the various tools Tableau has to offer. By the end of the course you will be able to prepare and import data into Tableau and explain the relationship between data analytics and data visualization. This course is designed for the learner who has never used Tableau before, or who may need a refresher or want to explore Tableau in more depth. No prior technical or analytical background is required. The course will guide you through the steps necessary to create your first visualization from the beginning based on data context, setting the stage for you to advance to the next course in the Specialization.
Why does data visualization matter—and how do you know if it’s done well? In this module, you’ll explore the foundations of effective visual communication. Through video lessons, expert insights, and hands-on exploration of public Tableau visualizations, you’ll learn how data stories can bring clarity, influence decision-making, and inspire action. You’ll also uncover the risks of poor design and discover key principles—like knowing your audience, keeping it simple, and maintaining data honesty—that set great visualizations apart. This is where your journey in visual analytics begins.
What's included
7 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 18 minutes
Course Introduction•2 minutes
Introduction to Why Data Visualization Matters•1 minute
Why Data Visualization Matters•1 minute
Goals of Data Visualization•6 minutes
Data Visualization Principles to Live By•4 minutes
Misconceptions of Data Visualization•3 minutes
Additional Resources•1 minute
2 readings•Total 11 minutes
Course Navigation and Safety Statement•1 minute
Let's Practice!•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 1 Quiz•30 minutes
Getting to Know Tableau
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll get comfortable working inside Tableau Public—the free version of Tableau’s data visualization software. You’ll learn how to connect to your own data, understand the layout of worksheets and dashboards, and begin building visualizations using key features like the Data pane, canvas, and Show Me tab. You’ll also explore how Tableau handles different data types—like measures and dimensions—and how aggregations work behind the scenes. By the end of this module, you’ll be ready to start building charts with confidence using your own datasets.
What's included
10 videos3 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 31 minutes
Introduction to Getting to Know Tableau•2 minutes
Tableau Public vs. Tableau Desktop•4 minutes
Installing Tableau Desktop Public Edition (TDPE)•2 minutes
Downloading Data From Kaggle•3 minutes
Tour of Tableau Welcome Screen•2 minutes
Connecting to Data in Tableau•4 minutes
Navigating a Tableau Sheet•3 minutes
Creating Your First Visualization•5 minutes
Touch Up Your First Visualization•3 minutes
Combining Visuals On a Dashboard•6 minutes
3 readings•Total 40 minutes
Resource: Installing TDPE•10 minutes
Resource: Downloading Data From Kaggle•10 minutes
Let's Practice!•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 2 Quiz•30 minutes
Resonating With Your Audience
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
Good data visualization isn’t just about clarity—it’s about responsibility. In this module, you’ll explore how bias can creep into visualizations, even unintentionally, and learn how to design with fairness, ethics, and audience needs in mind. Through real-world examples and a hands-on activity, you’ll practice tailoring a chart for a specific audience, reflecting on how choices like labels, annotations, and context can shape perception. Whether you’re creating for executives, analysts, or the public, you’ll leave this module with strategies to design visualizations that are both impactful and trustworthy.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 21 minutes
Introduction to Resonating With Your Audience•2 minutes
Understanding Bias In Data Visualization•6 minutes
Resonating With Your Audience•5 minutes
Light-Weight Tailoring Your Dashboard - Part 1•4 minutes
Light-Weight Tailoring Your Dashboard - Part 2•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
Let's Practice!•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 3 Quiz•30 minutes
The Big Picture
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this final module, you’ll put everything you’ve learned into action by creating and publishing your first Tableau visualization. You’ll explore how to select the right chart type for your message—whether it’s a trend line or a comparison bar chart—and how to refine your visuals using annotations, labels, and tooltips. You’ll also learn how to make your dashboards accessible and inclusive by following best practices in visual design and layout. By the end of this module, you’ll be ready to share your work publicly and with confidence.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 14 minutes
Introduction to the Big Picture•2 minutes
Recap: What We've Learned•5 minutes
Best Practices For Accessible Dashboards•3 minutes
Publishing Your Dashboard•2 minutes
Course Wrap-Up•2 minutes
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
Let's Practice•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 4 Quiz•30 minutes
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Learner reviews
4.5
6,781 reviews
5 stars
66.42%
4 stars
24.08%
3 stars
5.73%
2 stars
1.71%
1 star
2.04%
Showing 3 of 6781
P
PJ
5·
Reviewed on Mar 11, 2021
Very good introduction to Tableau and visualizations. It's quite easy, but I has really attracted my interest in the topic and I am very curious about the next course of this specialization.
T
TM
5·
Reviewed on Aug 28, 2017
This course is very good intro to anyone that has never done Data Visualization. You get clear understanding of the objectives and the Fundamentals of what Data Visualization is all about.
K
KD
5·
Reviewed on May 19, 2020
It was easy to follow and the course materials and the resources helped a lot. I used the Tableau Desktop version and still, it accommodated it in the assignment. Very Well structured course
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.