Boston,
MA,
United States
Type
Private
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MFA in Information Design and Data Visualization in Boston United States | Northeastern University
Northeastern University
|
Boston United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
59,670
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
24 months
The Information Design and Data Visualization program merges analytical techniques with specialized visual communication training. Graduates develop proficiency in data's visual and technical languages, employing visual cognition approaches and analytical tools to craft interactive, data-centric communications and exhibits. This design-focused curriculum equips graduates to work across diverse disciplines, bridging technology, public engagement, and system design.
The College of Arts, Media and Design provides three graduate degree paths in Information Design and Data Visualization tailored to different learner objectives: an MFA, MS, and Graduate Certificate. Participants learn to transform data into visual narratives while mastering the theoretical, aesthetic, and technical components of creating impactful visualizations. Students benefit from studying at a renowned interdisciplinary research university in Boston - a hub for technology, science, education, and data visualization innovation. We welcome applicants from various backgrounds passionate about data exploration, sensory design, perception studies, and creative investigation. Both working professionals and recent graduates from fields like architecture, design, media, business, humanities, and sciences seeking information design expertise are encouraged to apply.
Learning Outcomes
Students will acquire competencies to create visual and interactive information presentations that simplify complexity, illustrate processes, uncover patterns, clarify ideas, and narrate stories. The curriculum teaches how to:
Demonstrate understanding of information design and visualization principles, theories, and technologies.
Translate information into visual formats that leverage human perceptual strengths, faithfully represent data structures, and facilitate user objectives.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.0
Qualification Requirements
In addition to the personal statement, applicants to the MFA must submit a separate statement explaining their motivation for pursuing an MFA in Information Design and Data Visualization. In the MFA statement, provide insights about your work to date and how it could inform your graduate studies and/or thesis work. This statement can include a discussion of particular areas and projects that you are interested in researching further. The MFA statement should be 300 500 words. Additionally, applicants to the MFA in Information Design and Data Visualization must submit a portfolio via SlideRoom, an online portfolio submission service. The submission fee is $12.00 (USD). Technical guidelines are available at SlideRoom.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Minimum of 5 documents required
The application portfolio should consist of recent original work that demonstrates design or other relevant project-based experience. Please note that as part of the five required documents you can include multiple aspects of the same project. Portfolios typically include:
Visualization work (infographics, maps, diagrams or charts) Screenshots from websites or interactive applications
Data analyses Coding or software development documentation Design projects (idea sketches, prototypes or results)
Professional projects
Creative work from other disciplines (Art, Graphic Design, Architecture, Journalism, Photography or Film)
Research projects (analytical: quantitative or qualitative, ethnographic)
State of the art or position papers
To be considered for admission to a CAMD graduate program, international applicants must show proof of English proficiency. This requirement can be met by submitting satisfactory results on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. Please note that scores are valid for two years and scores must be valid at the time your application is received. Official score reports must be sent to Northeastern University directly from the testing agency. We expect a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT). You should plan to take the exam well in advance of our application deadline as it may take up to six weeks for your official score report to be sent to CAMD. We expect a minimum overall band score of 7.0 on the IELTS.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Minimum of 5 documents required
The application portfolio should consist of recent original work that demonstrates design or other relevant project-based experience. Please note that as part of the five required documents you can include multiple aspects of the same project. Portfolios typically include:
Visualization work (infographics, maps, diagrams or charts) Screenshots from websites or interactive applications
Data analyses Coding or software development documentation Design projects (idea sketches, prototypes or results)
Professional projects
Creative work from other disciplines (Art, Graphic Design, Architecture, Journalism, Photography or Film)
Research projects (analytical: quantitative or qualitative, ethnographic)
State of the art or position papers
To be considered for admission to a CAMD graduate program, international applicants must show proof of English proficiency. This requirement can be met by submitting satisfactory results on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. Please note that scores are valid for two years and scores must be valid at the time your application is received. Official score reports must be sent to Northeastern University directly from the testing agency. We expect a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT). You should plan to take the exam well in advance of our application deadline as it may take up to six weeks for your official score report to be sent to CAMD. We expect a minimum overall band score of 7.0 on the IELTS.
Tuition
USD
59,670