Overview
Learn to use the latest visual analytics tools, one course at a time
Data Visualization with MS Power BI is a microcredential aimed at those with no prior experience in data modeling. Students will be introduced to data visualization tools by industry experts.
These courses require strong Windows 11 computer use skills, the prerequisite for all COMP courses is completion of COMP 1002 or equivalent knowledge of PC file management.
Visualization tools help decision-makers quickly view patterns and trends. Participants learn to model and analyze data with graphical representations.
Data visualization starts with COMP 2364 – Microsoft Excel. Upon successful completing this first step, students will be experts in using spreadsheets and able to prepare data for analysis.
The second step is COMP 2156 – Introduction to Microsoft Power BI, where they learn best practices, how to build dashboards, and present data visually.
They are then prepared to move on to more advanced MS Power Bi courses. Students may choose from one of these two electives, to complete this microcredential.
Earning badges and this microcredential
Starting September 2023 upon successful completion, students may apply for a digital badge for each of COMP 2364, COMP 2156 and COMP 3156 and COMP 3157.
These microcredential badges contain embedded data, including the competencies assessed. A badge may be linked to an online resume, website or social media platform.
Tableau
Some students may also want to complete COMP 2256 – Introduction to Visual Analytics with Tableau, and earn an independent 4th related badge.
Please be sure to read our Computing Flexible Learning Student Guide (specifically page 5) for workload expectations.
These are post-secondary, and for credit courses, so there are attendance requirements and significant homework outside each class.
These COMP courses also count for credit in several BCIT Computing Flexible learning programs, including Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS), and Applied Database Administration and Design (ADAD) Associate Certificates, as well as the Applied Data Analytics (ADAC) Certificate and Computer Systems (CST FLEX) Diploma.
Start with just one course COMP 2364 – Microsoft Excel.
BCIT Computing provides students with career-ready skills
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
- Completion of COMP 1002 or equivalent knowledge of PC file management.
Application processing
Ongoing throughout the year.Recommended for success
- English skills at a Grade 12 level or equivalent.
- Math skills at a Grade 12 level or equivalent.
- Post-secondary education and/or work experience in any of the following fields: business, computing, education, government, or health-related organizations, providing a greater context for mining data and utilizing analytical tools.
International applicants
In-person delivery
This delivery option is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Online delivery
This delivery option is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid status in Canada other than study permit. International students completing the program fully online are not eligible for a study permit.
Apply to program
Formal application to the microcredential is not required. Upon successful completion of the courses, email the program contact with your full name, student number, and mailing address to be issued a microcredential.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
- Go back Overview
- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
For the first three (3) Microsoft related COMP courses, please budget approximately $1,300 for tuition. The Tableau course will be an additional $ 600.
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees pages for more information:
Books & supplies
- The program requires two required and one optional textbook, with an estimated budget of $350 for books.
- Students are required to provide their own current model laptop computer that is capable of running Windows 11 and must have high-speed internet access for homework.
- Go back Entrance Requirements
- Next up Courses
Courses
Some courses in this program may be completed entirely online, others have on campus course options.
Standalone badge Credits
COMP 2256 | Introduction to Visual Analytics with Tableau | 3.0 | |
course outline |
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required Courses (6.0 credits): | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
COMP 2364 | Microsoft Excel | 3.0 | |
COMP 2156 | Introduction to Microsoft Power BI | 1.5 | |
and | |||
COMP 3156 | MS Power BI Optimization | 1.5 | |
or | |||
COMP 3157 | MS Power BI Advanced Data Visualization | 1.5 | |
Total Credits: | 6.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Digital badge information
For information on how to obtain your course and/or microcredential digital badge, please review our Frequently Asked Questions page.Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
- Go back Costs & Supplies
- Next up Program Details
Program Details
Program length
Students must complete the courses in the following sequence:
All three Power BI courses may be completed in the same term over 12 weeks, or over two terms.
Grading
The minimum passing grade for each course is 60%.Program delivery
This program is offered in the following delivery modes:
- In person: This program is delivered on campus.
- Online: The entire program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses may be offered at the following locations:
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Continue your education
The Data Visualization with MS Power BI Microcredential contains courses which ladder to the Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS) and the Applied Database Administration and Design (ADAD) Associate Certificates, plus the Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC) and the Computer Systems (CST) FLEX Diploma.- Go back Courses
- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
BCIT Computing Flexible Learning courses are delivered by subject matter experts with industry experience.
Our data visualization instructor and advisory team includes: Ahmad Chamy, Diana Gerrard, Donabel Santos, Joanne Atha, and Wouter De Raeve.
Proposals for this program were developed by Cynthia van Ginkel, Business Development Manager for the School of Computing and Academic Studies.
Administrative student support is provided by Karen Lee, with program operations by Joanne Atha, Coordinator for BCIT Computing Flexible Learning. Donna Turner is the Associate Dean for Computing and Technical Professional Programs.
This Data Visualization with MS Power BI microcredential was developed as a sub-set of the Applied Data Analytic (ADAC) Certificate created by Kevin Cudihee, Program Head for BCIT Computing Flexible Learning and Industry Training.
- Go back Program Details
- Next up Contact Us
Contact Us
For course and program details, please email: cstflex@bcit.ca
Check here to apply for Digital Badges and Microcredentials.
Questions or comments?
- Go back Faculty, Advisors & Staff
- Next up Subscribe
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
- Go Back Contact Us
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.