Drive urban innovation with the power of data and compelling storytelling while earning 1 or 2 microcredentials – or the full certificate – 100% online
Urban hubs are awash in data – but too often, the insights that could shape better futures remain hidden. The Urban Data Analysis & Storytelling Certificate is your opportunity to change that. The certificate is made up of two stackable microcredentials.
Designed for early- to mid-career professionals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – or those aspiring to enter these fields – this professional program offers a comprehensive overview of how strategic data storytelling can influence planning, policy, and governance. You’ll gain hands-on skills in data processing, analysis, and visualization, equipping you to leverage urban data to deliver compelling insights and recommendations that drive evidence-based decision-making.
In today’s rapidly evolving urban landscape – marked by housing crises, climate pressures, infrastructure demands, and shifting populations – leaders need more than intuition. They need the ability to interpret complex information, uncover patterns, and communicate findings in ways that inspire action.
Through this program, you’ll learn to harness urban data to inform policy, plan sustainable communities, manage infrastructure, and advance equity-focused change. You’ll graduate with the tools to navigate complexity, advocate for better solutions, and lead more effectively in a data-driven world.
Choose your pathway 🌱
Urban Data Storytelling microcredential
6 weeks | CAD $1,000 (USD ~$750)
Starts March 3, 2026
Registration deadline: February 23
Learn to find the story in the data. Hone your skills in data literacy, visualization, and strategic communication to inspire change.
Urban Data Analytics & Visualization microcredential
6 weeks | CAD $1,000 (USD ~$750)
Starts January 19, 2026
This course is now full. Get notified of future courses!
Gain hands-on experience with tools and methods for analyzing and visualizing urban data to uncover patterns and insights that drive urban solutions.
Earn the full certificate
Complete both microcredentials to receive the Urban Data Analysis & Storytelling professional advancement certificate
What you’ll learn 💡
Across two stacked microcredentials, you’ll master how to:
Craft compelling, asset-based data stories that mobilize support for urban initiatives
Collect and evaluate urban data ethically and strategically – from the Census to open city data
Analyze urban dataset using tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spreadsheet software, and Python
Visualize insights through clear charts and maps
Communicate across disciplines and audiences, from internal stakeholders to public forums
Who should enroll 🙋
This program is perfect for recent university graduates or junior and mid-career professionals working in urban planning, policy, or research for a municipal government, planning consultancy, or grassroots organization.
Specifically, you may be working or seeking a role in:
- Urban and community planning
- Public policy and governance
- Environmental and civil engineering
- Nonprofit strategy and community development
- Data analysis and urban research
Why this program? ✅
This program helps you build in-demand skills and practical experience to advance your career in urban planning, policy, or research, offering tools and opportunities to enhance your expertise and grow professionally.
It will allow you to:
- Benefit from urban experts, data analysts, and storytellers
- Learn from case studies and real urban datasets
- Build a portfolio you can use in your workplace
- Network with peers across sectors
- Earn a microcredential or certificate
FAQs
Registration is completed through the University Toronto’s Temerty registration platform, accessible via the School of Cities website. Once you submit your payment, you’ll receive a receipt via email followed by a confirmation email with next steps.
At this time, School of Cities does not offer financial support scholarships, bursaries, or financial assistance. Participants are encouraged to explore funding opportunities through their employers, professional associations, or local grants.
The courses are fully online and self-directed, with all activities delivered asynchronously. Learners can complete lesson modules, multimedia content, and assessments on their own schedule while following weekly deadlines for assignments. Interaction with the facilitator and peers occurs via the Learning Management System (e.g., Quercus) through discussion boards or email.
Each course of the program runs for 6 weeks and consists of 6 asynchronous modules.
There are no formal prerequisites. However, for the Urban Data Analysis & Visualization course only, a basic working knowledge of spreadsheet software (e.g. Excel, Google Sheets, etc.) would be beneficial.
No advanced technical background is required.
Yes. Upon successful completion of each microcredential, you will earn a University of Toronto Faculty of Arts and Science digital badge that can be shared on LinkedIn, résumés, or with employers. Learners who complete both courses will also receive the full Urban Data Analysis & Storytelling Certificate.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Full payment is due at the time of registration in order to secure your spot in the program. If your employer is covering the cost, please contact our team for guidance on payment processing.
Yes. Learners who enroll in this program will receive a T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate, which may allow you to claim tuition on your Canadian income tax return. T2202 forms are issued annually by the University of Toronto.
The program is designed, developed, and delivered by the School of Cities, and it undergoes a rigorous third party quality assurance process to ensure it meets high academic and professional standards, including regular updates based on participant feedback and industry best practices.
Please send your questions to education.sofc@utoronto.ca.
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UDAS 2026
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