Required Equipment For Incoming Students

A smartphone

Students must have a reliable smartphone capable of creating photo, audio and video projects in their multimedia lab during their first semester on campus. We recommend an iPhone, but comparable Android phones will work, too.

Internet connection

Student must have access to reliable Internet and/or cellular data plans capable of effectively and efficiently uploading large design and media files.

A laptop computer

We require the MacBook Pro. Other versions of the MacBook line can work for our students, but can lead to performance issues when editing video and large media files. The MacBook Pro is required because SJMC students will be storing and editing large media files on their laptops. Tablets, Chromebooks, iPads and MacBook Air are not recommended. If you have already purchased a Windows laptop for school, then bring it. We will make it work to the best of our ability.

Mac and Windows Required Specifications
	Mac	Windows
Processor	Intel 6th Gen or newer CPU	Intel 6th Gen or newer CPU or AMD equivalent
OS	Mac OS v12 or later	Windows 10 (64-bit) version V22H2 or later
RAM	At least 8GB	At least 8GB
GPU	8GB of unified memory / 2GB of GPU memory	2 GB of GPU memory
GPU	1920 x 1080 or greater	1920 x 1080 or greater

We mostly run Adobe Creative Cloud software. The ideal minimum specifications recommended to run Adobe products is below. A computer purchased within the past three years likely meets these specifications.

Adobe Creative Cloud

First-year SJMC students are required to purchase a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. This will provide the software needed to produce all the multimedia elements in their multimedia lab. It costs $20/month for the first year. We recommend waiting to purchase the license until needed in class to ensure you get your full value.

A tripod, smartphone adapter and microphone

We recommend (but do not require) a simple kit to get better video and audio from your smartphone, including this tripod, a smartphone adapter and microphone (USB-C version).

These are the base requirements for all students in the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Individual courses may require additional equipment or software.