Micro-credentials

The School of Interactive Arts & Technology is pleased to offer non-credit, micro-credentials in Human-Centred AI and in Creative Technology. Developed in collaboration with DigiBC, these micro-credentials provide flexible learning options for diverse learners including working professionals looking to stay updated with emerging trends, those interested in developing new tools and skills, and those looking for entry or promotion in these fields. The courses are flexible, stackable, and can be taken on their own or applied towards a certificate or Bachelor's degree.

Why pursue a micro-credential

SIAT micro-credentials provide:

  • Accessibility. Micro-credential instruction is available in evening and weekend courses to accommodate busy schedules.
  • Skill development. Learners gain hands-on experience to develop and hone skills in the fields of Human-Centred AI or Creative Technology.
  • Flexibility. Learners can choose to pursue individual courses, apply stackable courses towards a micro-certificate, or earn SFU credits that can be applied towards a degree.
  • Real-world applications. Developed hand-in-hand with industry, SIAT micro-credentials equip learners with important skills and literacies that are beneficial in the workforce.

Credentials

  • Digital badges

Students have the option of completing individual non-credit micro-credential courses. After the conclusion of the course, the student will receive a digital badge for each completed micro-credential.

  • Micro-certificates

Students also have the option to complete all non-credit micro-credentials within either the Human-Centred AI stream (four courses) or Creative Technology stream (three courses) to receive a micro-certificate.

  • Degrees

If a micro-certificate student goes on to apply and be admitted to an SFU SIAT degree, they may apply to have their non-credit Human-Centred AI or Creative Technology micro-credentials applied towards their degree requirements. Please reach out to SIAT advising (siat_advising@sfu.ca) if you are interested in transferring your non-credit courses to an SFU degree.

Micro-credentials

Registration is open for non-credit students to complete the following individual Human-Centred AI or Creative Technology courses as stand-alone non-credit micro-credentials or complete all courses within the stream to receive a micro-certificate:

Human-Centred AI

Four micro-credential courses are offered in human-centred AI. These four courses currently make up SIAT's undergraduate program concentration in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence.

  • IAT 355 Introduction to Visual Analytics
  • IAT 360 Exploring Artificial Intelligence: Its Use, Concepts, and Impact
  • IAT 460 Generative AI and Computational Creativity
  • IAT 461 Data Science for Human-Centered Systems

Who should take these courses

  • SFU alumni looking to keep skills current and applicable in rapidly changing industries.
  • Professionals currently working in the industry looking to gain knowledge of emerging trends.
  • Those looking to enter the creative tech field, for promotion in the field, and to gain practical vocational skills.

Creative Technology

Three micro-credential courses are offered in Creative Technology:

  • IAT 102: Graphic Design;
  • IAT 165: Coding Literacy through Game Design;
  • IAT 199: Creative Technology Projects

Who should take these courses

  • High school students interested in exploring graphic design, game design and development.
  • Youth from diverse communities and non-traditional learners looking to develop skills that will reduce barriers in finding technology-related careers.
  • Those looking to explore the field of creative technology and apply new skills in entry level positions in industry.

Format and schedule

  • Lectures will be in-person at SFU Surrey on weekday evenings from 4:30-7:30pm.
  • Courses run throughout the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters.

See link below for more details.