(Updated May 2023)

NOTE: All students should have a full computer, at least an older computer, available for coursework in the Fall Semester of their first year. Using a smart phone only will not work for courses.

ALL departments require students to have a computer with minimum specifications. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments.

Please read this page AND the general information before spending money on computer hardware and software.

EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!

Media Arts, Design and Technology undergraduate and graduate students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.

Windows computers are required.

The Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology requires purchase of computers by all its students by the first semester of their first year to start their exploration of technology as a creative medium for art and design.

Undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology have the opportunity to learn and be creative with a wide-range of computer-based software applications and technologies, including graphic design, drawing and illustration, motion graphics and visual effects, animation, web design, game design, interactive media, programming for artists and designers, writing, print media design, 3D modeling, digital and material fabrication, and more.

Higher-end Windows computers that can handle intense processing and rendering are strongly preferred by the department to cover a breadth of creative computational practices. Students should avoid purchasing computers with integrated graphics processors and are encouraged to select NVidia graphics cards for increased software compatibility.

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements.

Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.

We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. Higher-end computers with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.

This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.

Windows Computers

Questions?

The College’s Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. You can send an email to design_help@ncsu.edu or use this form to contact the College Information Technology staff with specific information about your problem.