PBL
Tableau Project
Visual Data Science
Master data visualization techniques and tools to effectively analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data across diverse domains.
Project
Tableau Project
Location
Online
Duration
8 Weeks
Upcoming Sessions
Jan. 19 - Mar. 15, 2026
Outcomes
Data Visualization principles and design concepts
Creating Interactive Dashboards using Tableau
Exploratory data analysis with Python and Google Colab
Integrating multiple datasets for enriched visualizations
Applying Pandas for data wrangling tasks
You Will Get
Industry Guidance
Work directly with our project leads—experts and top researchers—who bring their real-world insights and expertise straight to your learning experience.
Research Experience
Collaborate with teammates and the project lead in a multi-week project to pursue novel questions in your research field.
Peer Networks
Engage with our PBL participants from all over the world. Collaborate with new peers and learn about their own research endeavours.
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A Strong Portfolio
Put your best foot forward in the PBL with a standout project and receive a PBL Evaluation Report that can be used as a recommendation letter for employers and grad schools.
Expert Guidance
Get personalized feedback to grow your research and innovation skills.
Deliverables
Real projects, lasting connections, and new opportunities beyond your program.
Project Deliverables
The final presentation of your 8 weeks could be a poster, written report, or a slide deck, all of which can be expanded on.
Research Extension
Utilize up to 5 additional meeting times with the project lead after the project’s conclusion to build your work out for publication or conference presentation.
Industry Network
Meet peers in your projects and participate in a global talent community both online and in-person.
Industry Application
Tableau is a leading data visualization tool used across industries to create interactive dashboards and reports. This PBL's focus on Tableau equips students with skills to analyze and visualize data effectively, aligning with industry demands for data-driven decision-making and storytelling. Students will explore real-world applications of Tableau, enhancing their ability to transform complex data into actionable insights.
Popular Industry Positions
Data Analyst
Evaluates and interprets data using Tableau to provide business insights.
Business Intelligence Developer
Develops and maintains BI solutions, including interactive Tableau dashboards.
Market Research Analyst
Utilizes Tableau to visualize market trends and consumer behavior for strategic planning.
Tracks
Track 1
Visualizing AirBnB Data
In this track, students will learn to create interactive and informative dashboards using Tableau, focusing on mastering data visualization without programming experience.
Learn Tableau fundamentals through demonstrations and hands-on exercises.
Explore the entire visualization pipeline: question formulation, data transformation, exploratory data analysis, effective communication, and storytelling.
Choose a city of interest for personalized projects, with examples using Boston listings.
Integrate multiple datasets, such as crime incident reports, to enhance visualizations.
Develop skills to create visually appealing and insightful dashboards for complex information.
Track 2
Visualizing Our World via GapMinder Data
In this track, students will use Tableau to create interactive dashboards with GapMinder data, focusing on global development trends without needing programming skills.
Learn Tableau fundamentals through demonstrations and hands-on exercises.
Explore the entire visualization pipeline: question formulation, data transformation, exploratory data analysis, effective communication, and storytelling.
Select a country or region of interest to explore trends in life expectancy, income levels, and other socio-economic indicators.
Combine GapMinder data with additional datasets, such as population growth or environmental indicators, to uncover deeper insights.
Develop skills to create visually appealing and insightful dashboards for complex information.
Track 3
Creative Interactive Dashboard
In this track, students will have the freedom to choose their own datasets to create interactive dashboards using Tableau, focusing on mastering data visualization without programming experience.
Learn Tableau fundamentals through demonstrations and hands-on exercises.
Explore the entire visualization pipeline: question formulation, data transformation, exploratory data analysis, effective communication, and storytelling.
Select a dataset of personal or professional interest to build a customized project that showcases unique insights.
Integrate multiple datasets, such as industry-specific data or external resources, to enhance your visualizations.
Develop skills to create visually appealing and insightful dashboards for complex information.
PBL Journey
Online PBL Projects meet once a week for 8 weeks, and follow the research project format. Participants will meet the project lead, learn the conventions of the field and familiarize themselves with the tracks, then spend the middle portion of their time collaborating to develop their research.
At the end, participants will present their final project and receive feedback, with the opportunity to extend their timeline and develop the project in greater depth.
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Project Team
Our Academic Team plays a vital role in your PBL journey at Blended Learning. We are dedicated to enhancing your learning experience and ensuring your academic success. Our team consists of three distinct roles, each with a specific focus to support your Research Guidance, Project Progress, and Personal Growth.
Project Lead
Providing Industry and Research Guidance
Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Boston College and Researcher in Computer Science at MIT
The project lead of this PBL is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Boston College, leading the Data Within Reach Group. His research focuses on making data more accessible to diverse audiences by promoting best data visualization practices and exploring innovative ways for people to interact with data. He is also working on research projects at MIT's Computer Science department. He has received prestigious awards from ACM CHI, ACM UIST, and the Kantar Information is Beautiful Awards for his work. He earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University with support from Sibel Scholars and the Kwanjeong Educational Foundation before joining Boston College.
Academic Advisor
Tracking Your Project Development
The Academic Advisor is dedicated to your project completion success. They manage the progress of your PBL, guiding team formation, facilitating group discussions, and resolving conflicts. Additionally, the Academic Advisor ensures team member contributions are on track and provides logistical support, including attendance tracking, hosting recitation sessions, managing research support requests, and conducting student evaluations at the end of the PBL.
From Our Students
"After a night spent debugging, I suddenly discovered the program running perfectly. In that triumphant moment, you realize your true capability and success. The exhaustion fades, replaced by the thrill of knowing your skills and persistence led to this achievement, reaffirming your potential."
Nicole Y.
National University of Singapore
B.S. Economics
FAQs
What is the learning format of a PBL?
All PBLs are offered in an 8-week online format that begins with an orientation followed by subject setup overview of the different tracks. The majority of the session time is dedicated to project development, with a final presentation at the culmination of the 8 weeks. Many PBLs are also offered bi-annually in an on-campus format that consists of daily in-person meetings.
How long does each PBL cohort last？
One round of the Online PBL cohort lasts 8 weeks, preceded bys a pre-PBL orientation week. Each On-Campus PBL usually has 8 in person meetings, with intensive classroom education and collaboration. This means the biggest difference between online and on-campus PBLs is time participants have in between meetings.
How can I be more academically prepared before the PBL starts?
Review the Blended Learning Insights sent by the Academic Advisor and familiarize yourself with the project topic and pre-learning materials. Ensure you have all necessary softwares and other resources needed for the PBL.
For each PBL cohort, will I work in teams? Are PBL team members self-selected or assigned?
Yes, you will work in teams for each round of the PBL Cohort. Each team has 3 to 6 participants, organized by the Academic Team. The Academic Advisor will organize groupings based on students' backgrounds, preferred track, and skills.
Can I work with the Project Lead on my project after the PBL ends?
Yes, with your AI + X Research Plan, you may request up to five PBL Research Extension meetings, where you work with the project lead to develop your project into a working manuscript. To schedule a PBL Research Extension meeting, talk to your Academic Advisor at the conclusion of your PBL.
What do I receive at the end of the PBL?
At the conclusion of the PBL cohort, you can request a PBL Evaluation Report which summarizes the PBL content, the hours you spent, the track you chose, and includes a recommendation letter from the Project Lead (for eligible participants who completed the project successfully).
Is attendance mandatory for PBL Live Sessions and Recitation Sessions?
Yes, attendance is mandatory for both PBL Live Sessions and Recitation Sessions. Participants with three or more unexcused absences forfeit their eligibility for a PBL Evaluation Report.
Do I need to have my camera on during online PBL Live Sessions?
Yes, you must have your camera on during online PBL Live Sessions. Participants with cameras off will be marked as absent. This is meant to encourage active engagement and participation in meetings.
