(Updated July 2009)

The Department of Graphic Design requires purchase of computers by all undergraduate students beginning in their sophomore year and by all graduate students.The Department of Graphic Design at NC State was the first program in the University of North Carolina system to require students to have a computer for their studies. This allows our students to gain a level of computer proficiency and confidence that is essential in practice. Graphic design integrates computers in virtually every step of the design process from conception to production and in a range of media including print, video, and web. Apple Macintosh is the preferred platform of the graphic design field and the Department of Graphic Design.

Download the departmental materials list for more detailed information from the Department of Graphic Design. (Adobe Reader required.)

The NC State Office of Information Technology and the NCSU Bookstores have made arrangements with several computer vendors to offer special pricing to students. Students should compare these prices before making a final purchase, since these prices can offer a substantial savings. For more information see: Computer vendors with special pricing for NC State students or contact the NCSU Bookstores before making your final purchase.

The NCSU Bookstores provides an Online Store for students to use. This Online Store can provide significant discounts beyond the typical educational discounts many vendors provide. Please click here for the NCSU Bookstores Online Store. When using the Online Store, please type "College of Design" in the Order Options box on the checkout page. Order forms must be completed by July 1, 2009 to allow delivery by Tax Holiday weekend, August 7-9, 2009.

Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart below. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students are encouraged to consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.

Many software applications are available at educational prices at the NCSU Bookstores (http://www.fis.ncsu.edu/ncsubookstores). Other software companies and internet stores also offer savings through educational prices. The College has agreements with several software vendors to provide educational pricing for software. Students should also look for bundled products, such as Adobe's Creative Suite or Microsoft Office, which can offer significant savings. If you need to purchase more than one product from a software company, look for product bundles. 

Note: Adobe Creative Suite 4 is now available in several different bundles. "Creative Suite 4 Design Premium" is a good fit for most Graphic Design students. It includes InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop Extended, Flash Professional and Dreamweaver. Other choices are available. Contact the NCSU Bookstores for more information.

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements. Students should contact their departmental office if they have questions about specific hardware or software requirements.

Incoming sophomores will take Imaging I in their fall semester. This course is an introduction to image-making and requires the student to purchase a digital camera. There is a large range of features available on digital cameras—only the most basic are necessary for the course. Details are available in the department's materials list. (Adobe Reader required.)

Please read the College's Student Computing Requirements and Information page for general information.

For students purchasing new computers to bring to campus, we recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. Depending on your computing needs, a computer you purchase today may not meet your needs for your entire tenure at the College of Design. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run the software you require.

This chart, adapted from the NC State University Office of Information Technology website, provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Clicking on "Tell Me More" will provide detailed information about a component.

Questions?

Go back to the College's Student Computing Requirements and Information page for general information.

For technical assistance or if you would like us to look over your purchase selection before you spend money, feel free to contact the College's Information Technology staff by sending an email to: design_help@ncsu.edu.