Welcome to the SIAT Undergraduate Program

SIAT — CONNECTING COMPUTING, MEDIA and DESIGN

INTERACTIVE ARTS + TECHNOLOGY degrees prepare students for creative and constructive work in new media and technologies. At the SCHOOL OF INTERACTIVE ARTS + TECHNOLOGY (SIAT), students work in cross-disciplinary teams where they study how people use computational media, good design principles and technology in everyday life.

SIAT combines applied computing, analysis of media, art and culture, and the implementation of new technologies. In a world where technology shapes our lives, the SIAT focus is essential in understanding the relationships between people and technologies.

Students work in both applied and conceptual ways, in design studios where cross-functional teams collaboratively work with interactive applications and new media.

Graduates have wide-ranging career options, working with companies like: IDEO, IBM, Research In Motion, Siemens, SAP, Blast Radius, and EA, or continuing to further research and post-doctoral studies in top-tier industrial research laboratories and universities.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

SIAT offers comprehensive degree options at the undergraduate level

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Joint Major with Communications
Joint Major with Business Administration

Given the multiple study options offered through SIAT, many of our students have taken advantage of customizing their degrees with a number of academic program combinations. Find out more by talking to an academic adviser siat_advising@sfu.ca

CONCENTRATIONS

In the second year, SIAT students complete a common core, which provides a solid basis for continuing in any of our specialisations, including interactive systems, design, and media arts. These concentration streams are optional and are not necessary for program completion. Students normally apply to concentrations toward the end of their second year of study in order to tailor their educational focus. Students accepted into the concentration streams are giving enrolment priority.

Students in INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS learn about software applications used by people in work, living, learning and play. They study how to design, develop and apply interactive systems with particular emphasis on how people use them through a combination of computing foundations, user-centred design principles, and programming practice. This focus on systems building knowledge and skills prepares students for creating applications in areas such as the web, handheld devices and games.

Students in our DESIGN concentration examine the relationship between people and technology and how thoughtful design practices improve these relations. Design principles are examined in order to improve the accessibility and intuitive nature associated with using technology. It also has an aesthetic mandate to provide products of clarity and attractiveness suited to their functional purposes within society and industry.

The MEDIA ARTS concentration prepares students to be creators of computational and interactive media, ranging from mobile devices to large-scale virtual environments. Media Arts students learn how to analyze, design and innovate in building narrative, interactivity, video, animation, sound design, programming, performance and immersive technologies. These skills are a foundation for careers in digital entertainment, film, communications and software industries.

INTERACTIVE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY ONE - First Year Experience

INTERACTIVE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY ONE (IAT One) is the first year of your Bachelor's degree at SIAT. As part of the dynamic IAT One learning community, you will enjoy small classes, supportive study groups, the opportunity to develop real world skills on interdisciplinary project teams, and a commitment to your success.

Find out more abut IAT One by reviewing the IAT One curriculum online or speak with an advisor.

Questions?

Contact a SIAT advisor: siat_advising@sfu.ca. Or, come visit us in person: hours, directions.

Careers

Check out some sample careers, companies, and view our job board. We also have an outstanding co-operative education program and career services to help you innovate your future.