• Data Visualization (Minor)

  • Overview

    The Data Visualization minor is offered through Parsons School of Design.

    This minor explores data visualization as a tool for depicting perspectives of information. It prepares students to understand ways data is collected and analyzed, teaches them how to think critically about their findings, and presents industry-leading approaches to translating content for multiple audiences. Students in the minor learn to communicate information clearly and effectively, stimulate and encourage viewer engagement, and investigate complex data sets in a critical way.

    The Data Visualization minor requires successful completion of 18 credits across four subject areas, as outlined in the chart below.

    Course availability may vary from semester to semester. Some courses may be in development and offered at a later time. Students seeking to pursue alternative coursework to fulfill the minor should consult with their advisors.

    Curriculum

    Subject AreaSample CoursesCredits
    History and TheoryPLDS 2190/2191 History of Design: 1850–Present: Lecture / Recitation
    PLVS 2300 History of Photography
    PAGD 1010 History of Graphic Design
    3
    Studio Practice*PUFY 1005 Critical Studio
    PUFY 1040 Time
    PUFY 1230 Explorations in Typography
    PSAM 1028 CD Foundations: Interaction
    PSAM 1040 Reading Graphic Novels
    PUFY 1225 Digital Craft
    0–3
    Information Design and MappingPUCD 2035 Creative Computing
    PSAM 2090 CD Studio: Dynamic Content
    PSDS 2510 Visualizing Urban Change
    PSAM 1070 CD Foundations: Typography
    PUCD 3095 Topics: Information Design
    PUDT 2110/2109 Critical Computation Lab/Lecture
    PUDT 2112 Advanced Critical Computation
    PUDM 2700 Information Visualization
    9–12
    Gathering and Understanding DataNMDS 5223 Maps as Media
    NMDS 5278 Data, Archives, Infrastructure
    NMDS 5676 Urban Intelligence
    NMGT 2112 Big Data: Consumer Research
    NMGT 2200 How to Convince with Numbers
    UURB 3210 Spatial Thinking with GIS
    PSDS 3121 Analyzing Trends
    LLSJ 3505 Visualizing Data
    3

    *Students who have already completed one of these courses, or will do so for their major, should instead select another course in the subject area Information Design and Mapping.

    Learning Outcomes

    A student who has completed this minor should be able to demonstrate:

    • An understanding of basic design knowledge, history, research principles, concepts, media, and formats of a data visualization project
    • Competence in identifying, defining, and analyzing elements used in information design and applying them to create a rich synthesis of information and hierarchy using visual design principles
    • Extensive knowledge of mapping as an expression of visual thinking and ability to apply it to visual communication projects
    • An understanding of large data sets and ability to apply different data visualization techniques, with usage of software/applications
    • Competence in gathering and organizing usable data and presenting it in a way that provides a unique and critical perspective on the chosen subject matter
    • Competence in project organization skills and a professional attitude related to the professional practice of communication design and data visualization

    Eligibility

    Minors are available to all undergraduate students at The New School. For questions regarding this minor's curriculum, including requests for course substitutions, please contact Daniel Sauter, Professor of Data Visualization, at [email protected].

    How to Declare or Change a Minor

    General guidelines for declaring a minor are available here. Current students can declare or change a minor by logging in to my.newschool.edu, clicking on the Academics tab, and then clicking on the link to Major/Minor Declarations.

  • Take the Next Step

    Contact your Student Success advisor to discuss how a minor will fit with your degree requirements.

    Declare or change a minor on my.newschool.edu in the Academics tab. 

  • Take The Next Step

Submit your application

Undergraduates

To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

Undergraduate Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Graduates

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

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