General CFA Computer & Software Requirements:

If you are entering the College of Fine Arts as a freshman or junior level transfer student or graduate student, you should familiarize yourself with current technologies, but wait to receive specifications from your adviser before purchasing your computer. Lower division students should consider leasing a computer or purchasing a basic system with the intent to purchase an appropriate system for their degree upon acceptance into upper division. Check the individual degree program requirements carefully on the CFA Computer Requirement Chart.

NOTE: If you already own a computer it may be more suitable to upgrade your computer rather than purchase a new one.

University and college assignments will require you to use a computer for a variety of tasks including email, web access, multimedia, computations, and word processing. You should have the ability to print both text and graphics. If you bring diskettes to campus, you may be able to print material from them using University printers for a nominal fee.  Instruction in the College of Fine Arts may require you to use your computer in a variety of ways:

• In your classes you may be able to email your instructor and your classmates and participate in online discussions via email or chat. Classes may also have material available on the web.

• Certain classes may require you to purchase additional software specifically for the course. Software is supplemental to your textbooks and provides additional learning opportunities often in the form of CD-ROM or DVD-based material.
• Certain degree programs in the College of Fine Arts may require you to bring your computer to class.
(See CFA Computer and Software Requirements Chart)

• Some CFA classes will use specialized computing equipment provided by the college. These computing environments are established for special purposes and may use features not available on your own computer.

• NOTE: Some of your classes in the College of Fine Arts will make no direct use of your computer. However, you may choose to use your computer to do word processing or communicate with classmates or instructor via email. In all cases your instructor will determine how computers will be used, if at all.