Data Visualization: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop the expertise to transform complex datasets into clear, impactful visual narratives that enhance understanding and support decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of data analysis, design thinking, and human cognition to create effective visual communication solutions.
- Cognitive science: Explores how people perceive, process, and interpret visual information to optimize the design of data representations.
- Computer programming: Provides foundational and advanced coding skills necessary to build interactive and dynamic visualizations using modern software tools.
- Data management: Covers strategies for collecting, organizing, cleaning, and maintaining datasets to ensure accuracy and reliability in visualization workflows.
- Data visualization theory: Examines core principles and best practices for designing visual forms that communicate insights effectively and ethically.
- Graphic design: Focuses on layout, typography, color theory, and spatial organization to create visually compelling and professional outputs.
- Infographics: Teaches the creation of concise, visually engaging illustrations that convey data-driven stories to diverse audiences.
- Perceptual psychology: Investigates how human visual perception influences the effectiveness of visual displays and the interpretation of data.
- Statistics: Equips learners with analytical methods to summarize, interpret, and validate data before translating it into visual form.
- Visual design: Integrates aesthetic and functional elements to craft intuitive, accessible, and impactful data visualizations across digital and print media.
Data Visualization Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Data Visualization Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Data Visualization degrees, including Data Scientists, Management Analysts and Computer Programmers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,388,740 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Management Analysts 13-1111 | $101,190 | $59,720 - $174,140 | 893,900 | $48.65 |
| Computer Programmers 15-1251 | $98,670 | $52,190 - $162,090 | 109,870 | $47.44 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
Data Visualization Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $67,208 in Mississippi to $125,620 in Washington—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,388,740 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Data Visualization by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Data Visualization programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Data Visualization is found at University of Washington (UW Bothell), Bothell Campus (30 graduates), University of South Carolina (USC), Columbia (19 graduates), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (17 graduates), and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 67 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington (UW Bothell) |
Bachelor's
|
30 | Bothell, Washington | Public | uwb.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Other Award
|
19 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Master's
|
17 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Newark, New Jersey | Public | njit.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Data Visualization programs
How much can I earn with a Data Visualization degree?
Salaries for Data Visualization graduates vary by role and location. Data Scientists earn a median of $112,590 annually, while Management Analysts earn around $101,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $125,620 compared to $67,208 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,388,740 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Data Visualization programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Data Visualization degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Washington (UW Bothell), Bothell Campus (30 graduates), University of South Carolina (USC), Columbia (19 graduates), and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (17 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Data Visualization degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Data Scientists, Management Analysts, and Computer Programmers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,388,740 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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