Master of Science in Information Design and Data Visualization
Domestic: August 1, 2025
International (Inside Canada): July 15, 2025
International (Outside Canada): March 15, 2025
APPLICANTS TO OUR CANADIAN CAMPUSES
Students are considered domestic if they have:
- Canadian Citizenship
- Dual Citizenship with Canada
- Canadian Permanent Residency
If the above doesn't apply, the student is considered international.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT STUDY PERMITS
We recommend students looking to apply for a Study Permit apply 3-4 months minimum in advance of the program start date.
Learn more about Study Permit application on the OGS website.
Program Description
Tuition
Domestic: $25.7K CAD
International: $47.9K CAD
The domestic tuition price is inclusive of a scholarship of up to 25% for all domestic students beginning their graduate studies in the 2026 academic year. Domestic Canadian students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from their previous institutions are eligible to receive up to 50%. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of Vancouver, BC.
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025–2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.
Program Description
The Master of Science in Information Design and Data Visualization is a research- and analysis-oriented program focusing on visual interfaces to communicate and explore digital information.
Graduates in the MS in Information Design and Data Visualization will be professional information designers and data visualization experts able to collaborate effectively in this dynamic and burgeoning field of practice and research, prepared to work in data-driven areas including design, technology, business, health, education, and public institutions. The curriculum is designed to train students in design principles, critical inquiry, and the analytical and creative practices needed to assume leadership roles in an evolving interdisciplinary field. Coursework focuses on the translation of data and information into visual languages, and the integration of theoretical, cognitive, and technical aspects of visualizations that engage a broad range of audiences.
Embedded in CAMD’s information design and data visualization graduate course offerings, the MS is a designated STEM degree that strengthens students’ quantitative research skills and technical competencies. From this master’s program, students have multiple options to expand their advanced studies along diverse avenues, including adding graduate certificates in related topics and engaging in co-op opportunities.
The MS in Information Design and Data Visualization is a 32-credit-hour program.
Year 1 is dedicated to foundations, including introductory courses in information visualization and visual communication principles and practices, visualization technologies, design studio, and visual cognition.
Year 2 continues foundational training in statistics and data analysis, information design theory, and critical thinking, and provides an advanced studio and thesis course focusing on an information design/data visualization project.
The Experiential Learning Advantage
Northeastern’s signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Through Northeastern’s world-class experiential education opportunities, MS in Information Design and Data Visualization (IDDV) graduates enter the labour market with real-world work experience that gives them an immediate advantage.
Past IDDV graduates have found success in a wide range of careers in the technology and design fields, including:
- UX Designer at Google AI, Research and Machine Intelligence
- Designer at Microsoft, Mixed Reality Works
- Data Designer at the BBC
- Graphics Reporter at the Wall Street Journal
- Data Experience Designer at Capital One
- Senior Visual Designer and Data Visualization and UX Researcher at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
- Data Visualization Specialist at MIT Senseable City Lab
- Designer and Developer at ProPublica
- Data Visualization Designer at Draper
- Design Strategist at Periscopic
This program is offered under the written consent of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills effective October 28, 2021, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).
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