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.
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.
The certificate is made up of two stackable microcredentials.
Choose your pathway 🌱
Urban Data Storytelling microcredential
6 weeks | CAD $1,249 (USD ~$925)
Starts June 2, 2026
Registration deadline: May 25
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 $1,249 (USD ~$925)
Starts June 2, 2026
Registration deadline: May 25
Gain hands-on experience with tools and methods for analyzing and visualizing urban data to uncover patterns and insights that drive urban solutions.
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UDAS 2026
Fill out this form to receive more information and be notified when future courses open for registration.
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
Earn the full certificate
Complete both microcredentials to receive the Urban Data Analysis & Storytelling professional advancement certificate
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
Testimonials
Hear what recent course participants have to say…
“I think the 6-week format was a perfect amount of time.”
“I would like to thank School of Cities for facilitating this course. I had a great experience!“
“This has been one of the greatest investments in my career“
“I am grateful for the easily navigable Module content, 6-week duration, and independent learning. Many classmates’ professional contexts differed, so having it mostly independent allowed me to maximize my learning experience.”
“The mix of short readings, applied examples, and practice-based assignments made the material immediately usable rather than abstract. Assignments were well-scaffolded and built on one another, which helped reinforce learning without feeling repetitive.”
“I greatly appreciated the format of the final project – to be able to flesh out a report/ presentation relevant to my work context iteratively. I was able to apply this as pre-work in my job and advance a project we were working on.”
Financial assistance is available throug OSAP
Financial assistance is available through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Microcredentials. See the OSAP for Microcredentials page for details.
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. Please refer to the guide for step-by-step instructions on how to register.
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 microcredentials are eligible for funding through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), subject to provincial eligibility requirements. Applicants must first register and pay for the microcredential and then apply for OSAP using the instructions outlined by the University of Toronto Registrar’s Office under: “How do I apply for an OSAP-approved microcredentials program?” The School of Cities does not administer OSAP. Eligibility and funding decisions are determined by the Province of Ontario. When completing the OSAP form, use the course code listed below to identify your School of Cities microcredential:
- Urban Data Storytelling: Course Code: FAS-ISI_SOC-UDS-10_25
- Urban Data Analytics & Visualization: Course Code: FAS-ISI_SOC-UDAV-01_26
Each course of the program runs for 6 weeks and consists of 6 asynchronous modules.
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.
It’s generally recommended to take the courses one at a time so you can fully focus on each learning experience. However, you can enroll in both at the same time if your schedule and capacity allow.
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.
Please send your questions to education.sofc@utoronto.ca.
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