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First Year Students
Students enter these programs in their first year.
This information is also applicable to Transfer and Graduate students.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it during your Art Foundation year, and plan to purchase a new computer when you enter your second year.
- no more than four years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should review the computer requirements for the department that you intend to join in your second year (see Second Year Students section below).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- 15-inch MacBook Pro
- macOS 10.15+
- i7 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- 16-inch MacBook Pro
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
REQUIRED PERIPHERAL
- 1 TB external USB 3 hard drive
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED PERIPHERALS
- 64GB USB memory stick (thumb drive)
- 16GB SD card (SanDisk Extreme, PROU3 UHS-II or Lexar Professional 2000x U3 UHS-II)
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
(These specifications are for Merchandising students. Design students have different requirements — see Second Year Students section below)
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC running macOS 10.15+
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase the following computer:
- Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro
- M1 processor (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED HARDWARE
- Over-the-ear studio headphones with cord (no bluetooth) (Sennheiser, Sony, Tascam, Audio Technica, etc.)
- External USB drive (2 TB suggested)
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Apple Logic Pro X — purchase from macOS App Store
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
- Discrete graphics (not integrated)
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Vectorworks — free download
- ETC EOS Nomad — free download
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ (please note that sound minors need a computer running macOS in order to run QLab)
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC (please note that sound minors need a computer running macOS in order to run QLab)
- M1 or i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
SUGGESTED HARDWARE
- iPad with Apple Pen
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Vectorworks Spotlight — free download
- QLab Audio Bundle (can be rented as needed, or can be purchased)
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Davinci Resolve — free download
- Microsoft Office — free download
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
Second Year Students
Students enter these programs in their second year, after attending the Art Foundation program in their first year.
This information is also applicable to Transfer and Graduate students.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase one of the following computers:
- Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6
or
- Dell 15-inch XPS
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB GDDS5
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED PERIPHERALS
- A Wacom style digitizing tablet with stylus
- A three-button scroll-wheel mouse
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
- Autodesk Maya — free download
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
(These specifications are for Design students. Merchandising students have different requirements — see First Year Students section above)
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- 16-inch MacBook Pro
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase the following computer:
- 16-inch MacBook Pro
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
Additional software packages will be required with specific GDES courses
REQUIRED PERIPHERAL
- 2 TB Portable USB3 hard drive (we recommend as much capacity as is affordable)
REQUIRED CAMERA
10 mega-pixel digital SLR camera with manual (not automatic) shutter speed and aperture control
32 GB (minimum) Flash memory compatible with camera model
GDES students use their cameras in many of their courses, and you should purchase a camera that will grow with your skills.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
A PC running Windows is recommended, since Autodesk Revit 2022 is not available for macOS.
An Intel–based Apple laptop, with Windows installed via Boot Camp or Virtual Machine is also acceptable.
An M–1 based Apple computer is not capable of running Windows in Boot Camp, nor via a Virtual Machine, and therefore is not suitable for the software needs of the Interior Design program.
Following are minimum specifications for Windows and Intel-based macOS computers. These specifications are based on the Minimum: Entry-level Configuration” for Autodesk Revit 2022 software).
PC
- no more than two years old
- Windows 10 64-bit Enterprise or Pro
- Intel® i-Series, Xeon®, or AMD® equivalent. 2.5 GHz or Higher
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB storage
- DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5 and a minimum of 4GB of video memory
Mac
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+
- Intel processor (M1 processor will not allow you to run the required software)
- 8 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage (you will need the extra space to run both operating systems)
- DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5 and a minimum of 4GB of video memory
- Windows 10 64-bit Enterprise or Pro (running in either Boot Camp or a virtual machine)
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
A PC running Windows is recommended, since Autodesk Revit 2022 is not available for macOS.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- PC
- Intel® i-Series, Xeon®, or AMD® equivalent. 2.5 GHz or Higher
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5 and a minimum of 4GB of video memory
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
- Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit — free download
- Sketchup Free — browser based app
- Sketchup Studio — discounted for students
- Windows — free download
REQUIRED PERIPHERALS
- 3-button scroll-wheel mouse (MS-Mouse or 3Dconnexion® compliant device)
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
Notes about Intel–based Apple laptops running Windows
As part of the Interior Design curriculum, we teach Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit, both of which are only available for the Windows operating system. To use an Apple laptop in our classes, you will need to install Windows 10 either via Boot Camp or Virtual Machine.
A. Apple Boot Camp Assistant (we recommend this method)
Boot Camp Assistant is a free utility that comes pre-installed on macOS. Boot Camp creates a dual boot system to allow the Mac to run macOS and Microsoft Windows, but not both at the same time. To switch between macOS and Windows, the Mac must be restarted. The dual boot system tends to be a more stable environment for running Windows on a Mac because Windows will use the Mac’s native hardware devices and memory. Read more about Boot Camp at How to install Windows using Boot Camp.
B. Parallels Desktop for Mac
An alternate option is to install Parallels Desktop for Mac, which is virtual software that allows macOS and Windows to run concurrently without having to restart the Mac. The macOS and Windows have to share the Mac’s hardware devices and memory, which can slow down the software and potentially create instability. However, it does provide the convenience of not having to restart the Mac. Students can purchase Parallels Desktop for Mac at this link. Read about Autodesk’s recommended configuration for Parallels at this link (select the most recent software requirements and look for Parallels Desktop configuration).
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
Your computer can be running macOS or Windows and be a desktop or laptop.
At the school: Animation, Video and Sound classrooms have computers running macOS; 3D modeling and animation classroom have computers running Windows, using Autodesk Maya.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
- Discrete GPU (not integrated) — should meet specs and certs for After Effects and Maya
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Your computer can be running macOS or Windows and be a desktop or laptop.
At the school: Animation, Video and Sound classrooms have computers running macOS; 3D modeling and animation classroom have computers running Windows, using Autodesk Maya.
- MAC or PC
- i5 processor (i7 recommended) or AMD Phenom II processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory (16 GB recommended)
- 256 GB SSD storage (512 GB recommended)
- any additional rotational drives should be SATA 3, 7200 RPM
- Discrete GPU (not integrated) — should meet specs and certifications for After Effects and Maya
- USB 3.0 ports
- OpenGL 2.0 capable system
- Adobe and Maya certified Open GL graphics card
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription (Final Cut Pro X could be substituted for Adobe Premier, but is not taught in class)
REQUIRED DSLR CAMERA (with video capability)
B&H Photo and Video is a great source for any of the following equipment. Go to Students/Educators tab at top, for student pricing
Camera technology changes rapidly. It is recommended that you wait until entry into the department, use some of the cameras that are available for rental, and talk with your instructors.
Look for something that shoots 1920 x 1080p (Full HD) 1280 x 720p (HD), 640 x 480p (SD). Consider 4k options with higher frame rate capturing. The cameras listed below are DSLR cameras, which work on the animation stand as well as for video.
DSLR camera recommendations as of March 2021 (prices are from bhphotovideo.com):
- Nikon D3500 ($596 with 18-55mm lens)
- Canon Rebel SL3 ($699 with 18-55mm lens)
- Canon Rebel T7 ($449 with 18-55mm lens)
- Canon Rebel T6 ($549 with 18-55mm lens & 75-300mm lens)
- Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera 16-50mm lens (good for video) $648
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 ($749 with 14-42mm lens)
All of these can be purchased second hand to save on cost.
OTHER REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- External portable hard drive for backup (at least 2 terabyte suggested) (Lacie, OWC Mercury, Western Digital to name a few)
- Over-the-ear studio headphones (Sennheiser, Sony, Audio technica)
- 64GB USB memory stick (thumb drive)
- 16GB SD Class 10 card (SanDisk Extreme, PROU3 UHS-II or Lexar Professional 2000x U3 UHS-II)
- 64GB micoSD Class 10 card (SanDisk Extreme, PROU3 UHS-II or Lexar Professional 2000x U3 UHS-II)
OTHER SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
- Tripod
- Audio rexcording equipment [Zoom h4n pro (has xlr input capable $209) or Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder (xlr capable $180)]
- HDMI cord 6’-16’
- Thunderbolt–HDMI adapter or USBC–HDMI adapter (depends on what ports your laptop has)
- Tuunderbolt–VGA or USBC–VGA Adapter (depends on what ports your laptop has)
- USBC–USBA adapter (if applicable — depends on what ports your laptop has)
- Projector or monitor for displaying work
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you are advised to purchase a computer that meets the following recommended minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 15 inch screen
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- discrete GPU
If you have a restricted budget, then a computer with the following minimum specifications will be adequate:
- MAC or PC
- 13 inch screen
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
SUGGESTED COMPUTER PERIPHERALS
- 1 TB External 2.5″ USB 3 Hard Disk Drive
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. While no student will be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, VCUarts does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Ramtech
Ramtech is the official university computer store.
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but encourage you to consider the computers and support plans offered by Ramtech, since they are familiar with our requirements and recommended systems.
Click here to visit RamTech.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
Educational pricing is available through RamTech or directly from the computer manufacturers. Make sure you are not paying full retail price.
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