Syracuse University's Department of Information Technology and Services (ITS) works closely with the University Bookstore to configure computers for the campus network (wired and wireless) and equip them with antivirus software. The notebook computers sold through the Bookstore meet all the technical recommendations outlined by Syracuse�s schools and colleges.

Architecture Arts & Sciences Education Engineering
Human Ecology Information Studies Law Whitman
Maxwell Newhouse VPA University College
     

School or College Recommended
Windows / Apple
Comments
School of Architecture Either You will use computers for CAD, 3D modeling, graphic design and architecture-specific applications. Macintosh users will need to run Windows in order to use certain programs and interface with some school equipment and resources. For more information visit http://soa.syr.edu/computing/buying.htm
College of Arts and Sciences Either  
School of Education Either Recommend that incoming students have a personal computer. Students who are dually enrolled (ex: music, art, science, math, social studies, and English education) should check the other college�s (The College of Arts and Sciences or College of Visual and Performing Arts) recommendations to ensure they have the computer and software required.
L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science Either LCS students are strongly encouraged to have a notebook computer and Microsoft Office Professional; for more information visit http://helpdesk.lcs.syr.edu
College of Human Ecology Windows Recommend Microsoft Office
School of Information Studies Either Apple users will be able to complete most assignments, but some assignments may require Windows-specific software. It is recommended that Apple computers be Intel-based, and configured with either a Windows "Boot Camp" partition or virtualization software such as VMware Fusion.
College of Law Windows  
Martin J. Whitman School of Management Windows Recommend students have Microsoft Office Professional running on an ultra-portable notebook computer.
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Windows Recommend Microsoft Office. 4GB of RAM is recommended for using statistical software such as SPSS.
S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Either Recommend students bring a computer with Microsoft Office to campus. Newhouse provides extensive access to lab computers for completing class-related work, but students should be able to check email, browse the web and write papers outside of the labs.
College of Visual and Performing Arts see below Students are strongly encouraged to have a computer.
School of Art and Design Apple Apple MacBook Pro (Firewire required) expected for all students in the School of Art and Design. Students are expected to purchase one of the recommended external hard drives for storage and backups (must be Firewire capable with at least 160GB capacity). Majors in SOAD are expected to have the latest version of Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium.
Communications and Rhetorical Studies Either Students should own a computer. Computer labs are available for any platform-specific classes.
Department of Drama   Design and technical theater courses are taught using a Windows computer. A student computer lab is available for use in these courses.
Setnor School of Music Either Strongly recommend that students purchase a laptop computer with Microsoft Office (Professional Edition), Sibelius music notation software (version 4 or later), and Practica Musica (version 4 or later); all are available at a discounted price through the SU Bookstore.
Department of Transmedia Apple Software required for all Transmedia majors: Apple Final Cut Express; Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium; Apple Logic Express. See comments below for each major.
  • Film Majors
  • Apple Minimum requirement: Apple 15" MacBook Pro. Highly recommend: Final Cut Studio instead of Final Cut Express; Logic Studio instead of Logic Express; and Adobe After Effects (or upgrade to Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection) instead of Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium.
  • Video Art Majors
  • Apple Minimum requirement: Apple 15" MacBook Pro. Highly recommend: Final Cut Studio instead of Final Cut Express and Adobe After Effects (or upgrade to Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection) instead of Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium.
  • Photography Majors
  • Apple Minimum requirement: Apple MacBook. Strongly recommend: Apple 15" MacBook Pro. Highly recommend Adobe Lightroom software.
  • Computer Art Majors
  • Apple Minimum requirement: Apple MacBook. Strongly recommend: Apple 15" MacBook Pro. Highly recommend: Adobe After Effects (or upgrade to Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection) instead of Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium, and Logic Studio instead of Logic Express. Additional software purchases will be required based on course of study and are included in course syllabi.
    University College Either Students should have access to a personal desktop or laptop computer running the Microsoft Office Suite.