School of Visual Studies

The School of Visual Studies requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the software listed below. While students will not be denied attendance based on an inability to possess a computer, the SVS does consider a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.

Students Who Already Own a Laptop

We accept any laptop running a recent version (less than 4 years old) of macOS or Windows OS with the current version of Adobe Creative Cloud, Wi-Fi capability, a webcam and microphone, Zoom video conferencing software, word processing and presentation software (such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs and Google Slides or Apple Pages and Keynote), and meets Adobe Creative Cloud computing requirements available at the Adobe Creative Cloud requirements page .

Students Who Are Purchasing a New Laptop

The default SVS recommendation for all students is to purchase either a new Apple MacBook Air, a new Apple MacBook Pro or a PC laptop with comparable computing power (i.e., storage, processor and 16GB RAM). Minimum computing needs vary by program or emphasis area. Please consult the section below for more detailed information.

BA in Film Studies (Production emphasis); BA in Digital Storytelling emphasis; BFA in Graphic Design; or BA and BFA in Art (for students intending to take upper level courses in photography and printmaking): These programs are encouraged to have a 14+ inch MacBook Pro meeting the above-stated minimum requirements, but with 1TB+ SSD internal storage or a supplemental external SSD drive.

BA in Art History; BA in Film Studies (Critical studies emphasis); or BA and BFA in Art (for students intending to take upper level courses in fibers, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, and painting): These programs are recommended to have the equivalent of a new MacBook Air (or better) meeting the above-stated minimum requirements.