Degrees

Learn about the degrees and graduate programs available in SIAT.

SIAT graduate student conducting research in the VVISE Lab.

SIAT Graduate Degree Programs

SIAT offers Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. We also offer a Graduate Certificate Program in Visual Analytics as an additional credential for registered SFU graduate level students.

Our Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) students have two completion options to choose from: the traditional thesis-based option consisting of 15 credits of coursework and a research thesis, or the project-based option consisting of 24 credits of coursework and a project. Students are required to choose their completion option at the time of application.

Our program focuses on the technological and cultural changes that radically reshape our world today. Intellectual diversity is essential to address such change, therefore methods and practices from art, design, science, technology, and the humanities inform our research community. All SIAT graduate students study research and design methods across the program and within their own specialization. They also learn how computing works and how it affects the creation of new designs and systems. Admission to the program is based on academic preparation, intended focus of study, identified fit and supervisory agreement with one of our research faculty members.

Master of Arts (MA)

The Master of Arts degree focuses on humanistic and artistic traditions of inquiry. Students typically choose topics requiring qualitative/mixed research methods and designs.

MA students can choose between the thesis-based option consisting of 15 credits of coursework and a research thesis, or the project-based option, consisting of 24 credits of coursework and a project. Students are required to choose their completion option at the time of application.

* Information for Project-Based Masters Students.pdf
Download for more information about the project-based master's program structure, requirements and expectations, program advising, and additional resources.
* Project-Based Master's Degree Checklist.pdf
Download the project-based master's program checklist.

Master of Science (MSc)

The Master of Science degree is for students working within a scientific and technological area. Methods of research include the mathematical models and quantitative/mixed methods of evaluation.

MSc students can choose between the thesis-based option consisting of 15 credits of coursework and a research thesis, or the project-based option, consisting of 24 credits of coursework and a project. Students are required to choose their completion option at the time of application.

* Information for Project-Based Masters Students.pdf
Download for more information about the project-based master's program structure, requirements and expectations, program advising, and additional resources.
* Project-Based Master's Degree Checklist.pdf
Download the project-based master's program checklist.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is awarded for a relevant and original contribution to knowledge as expressed in a dissertation. PhD students study in an area supported by SIAT's faculty and under the direction of a supervisory committee.

Graduate Certificate in Visual Analytics

The graduate certificate in visual analytics (VA) is an interdisciplinary graduate program consisting of technology and theory courses along with courses on applications of this new field from the Schools of Interactive Arts and Technology and Computing Science, from the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Education, and the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology.

Motion Capture Studio. Photographer: Omid Alemi.

Degree Completion Timelines

SIAT graduate students are expected to complete their MA or MSc degree in 5-6 semesters. PhD students are expected to finish their degrees in 11 to 14 semesters.

It is recommended that you review the coursework and thesis requirements to better understand degree completion timelines.