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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.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following 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 10.14+ 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 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 that meets the minimum specifications of the university Student Computer Initiative, which states that “personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students”.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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
The Department of Cinema requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- 15-inch MacBook Pro
- macOS 10.14+
- 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following 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 that meets the minimum specifications of the university Student Computer Initiative, which states that “personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students”.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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
The Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising requires all Merchandising students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
(These specifications are for Merchandising students. Design students have different requirements — see Second Year Students section below)
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
(These specifications are for Merchandising students. Design students have different requirements — see Second Year Students section below)
If you do not have a computer that meets the specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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 that meets the minimum specifications of the university Student Computer Initiative, which states that “personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students”.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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
The Theatre department requires students in the Costumes, Performance, and Stage Management concentrations to have a laptop computer that meets the minimum specifications of the university Student Computer Initiative, which states that “personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students”.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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
The Theatre department requires students in the Lighting, and Scenic concentrations to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ or Windows 10
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying 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 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
- Vectorwowks — free download
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — discounted subscription
- Microsoft Office — free download.
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 that meets the minimum specifications of the university Student Computer Initiative, which states that “personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students”.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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
The Department of Communication Arts requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ or Windows 10
- i5 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the 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 that meets the minimum specifications of the university Student Computer Initiative, which states that “personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students”.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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
The Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising requires all Design students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
(These specifications are for Design students. Merchandising students have different requirements — see First Year Students section above)
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+
- i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
(These specifications are for Design students. Merchandising students have different requirements — see First Year Students section above)
If you do not have a computer that meets the specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following 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
The Department of Graphic Design requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+
- 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 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
The Department of Interior Design requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software – specifically Autodesk Revit.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
A PC running Windows is recommended, since Autodesk Revit is not available for macOS. However, if you already own an Apple laptop, then it is acceptable to install the Windows operating system via Boot Camp or Virtual Machine. Following are minimum specifications for both platforms. These specifications are based on the Minimum: Entry-level Configuration” for Autodesk Revit software).
PC
- no more than two years old
- Windows 10 64-bit Enterprise or Pro
- i5 processor (or AMD equivalent)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB storage
- DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 (or as recommended by Autodesk at this link)
Mac
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+
- i5 processor
- 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 3 (or as recommended by Autodesk at this link)
- Windows 10 64-bit Enterprise or Pro (running in either Boot Camp or a virtual machine)
If you are buying 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 specifications:
- PC (recommended)
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 (or as recommended by Autodesk at this link)
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 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
The Department of Kinetic Imaging requires all students to have a computer equipped with and capable of running the required software.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
Your computer can be running macOS or Windows, and can 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.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- Discrete GPU (not integrated) — should meet specs and certs for After Effects and Maya
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 DSLR CAMERA
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.
The cameras listed below are DSLR cameras, which work on the animation stand as well as for video.
DSLR camera recommendations as of April 2019:
Prices are from B&H. Go to Students/Educators tab at top, for student pricing. 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.
- Nikon D3400 ($549 with 18-55mm lens)
- Nikon D3300 ($397 with 18-55mm kit lens)
- Canon Rebel SL1 ($549 with 18-55mm lens)
- Canon Rebel T6 ($449 with 18-55mm lens)
- Canon Rebel T5 ($799 with 18-55mm lens)
- Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera (good for video) $548
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 ($549 with 14-42mm lens)
All of these can be purchased second hand to save on cost.
OTHER REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- External hard drive for backup (at least 2 terabyte suggested) — Lacie, OWC Mercury, Western Digital, etc…
- Over-the-ear studio headphones (Sennheiser, Sony, Audio technica)
- 64GB USB memory stick (thumb drive)
- 16GB SD card (SanDisk Extreme, PROU3 UHS-II or Lexar Professional 2000x U3 UHS-II)
- 64GB SD micro card (SanDisk Extreme, PROU3 UHS-II or Lexar Professional 2000x U3 UHS-II)
SUGGESTED AUDIO RECORDING DEVICE
Prices are from B&H. Go to Students/Educators tab at top, for student pricing.
- Zoom h4n pro (has xlr input capable $199)
- Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder (xlr capable $180)
OTHER SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
- Tripod
- HDMI cord 6’-16’
- HDMI to thunderbolt or usb C adapter
- VGA adapter compatible with your laptop (Type-C, Thunderbolt, etc…)
- If applicable: USB C adapter to USB
- projector or monitor for displaying work
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer that meets the minimum specifications of the university Student Computer Initiative, which states that “personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students”.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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
The Department of Photography + Film requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you are advised to purchase a computer that meets the following recommended 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
- 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 that meets the minimum specifications of the university Student Computer Initiative, which states that “personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students”.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- macOS 10.14+ 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 specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 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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