Student Laptop Requirement Program

The College of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) at the University of Memphis is committed to a student-centered, student-first approach that prepares graduates for success in an increasingly digital world. As part of this commitment, CCFA integrates technology into every aspect of creative and academic work. To ensure access to the tools needed for learning and professional growth, all CCFA students in participating programs are required to have a personal laptop that meets the minimum specifications outlined by their academic unit or program.

When to Purchase

We recommend purchasing your laptop during the summer before your first semester. This ensures your device is compatible with current software and hardware requirements. If you’re using financial aid, consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine when funds will be available for laptop purchases. Please consult course syllabi before making software decisions and purchases.

Why a Laptop?

A laptop is an essential academic tool. Whether you're working in a studio, editing video in a lab, composing music in a digital audio suite, or writing a paper in a coffee shop, a laptop supports the flexible, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment of the creative disciplines.

• Flexibility and Mobility
  CCFA students work across many locations and contexts: in classrooms, studios, rehearsal halls, galleries, theaters, and in the field. A laptop ensures you’re never limited to a single location.
• Real-Time Collaboration and Classroom Use
  Many CCFA courses use software that runs live in class, including editing, rendering, and audio tools. Bringing your own laptop means you can follow along, take part in in-class exercises, and seamlessly move between individual and collaborative work.
• Wireless Connectivity
  Wireless internet is available across CCFA buildings and campus-wide. A laptop lets you access course materials, cloud storage, and communication platforms instantly from anywhere on campus.
• Software Compatibility and Professional Readiness
  Your laptop will be the platform where you learn industry-standard software and develop professional workflows. Programs like Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk and Revit run best on machines that meet specific hardware requirements.
• Long-Term Investment
  A reliable laptop will support you throughout your academic journey and into your early career. Choosing a device that meets or exceeds your program’s specifications ensures your laptop will remain effective and relevant as your coursework becomes more complex.

NOTE: A smartphone or tablet is not sufficient for coursework. Students must have a full-functioning laptop by the start of their first semester.

Program-Specific Laptop Requirements

The specifications listed for each program represent the minimum hardware standards required to participate fully in coursework. All laptops must meet or exceed the minimums outlined.

Program of Study: Architecture, Interior Architecture
Required Platform: Windows Laptop
Education Store: UofM Special Pricing
Note: Architecture and Interior Architecture students should not purchase program specific laptops until the sophomore year.

Program of Study: Graphic Design, Studio Arts, Photography, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Visual Arts, Broadcast Journalism, Creative Mass Media, Journalism, Sports Media, Film and Video Production, Theatre Design and Technical Production, Recording Technology, Commercial Music Performance
Required Platform: MacBook Pro (14″ or 16″)
Education Store: UofM Special Pricing

Program of Study: Advertising, Integrated Social Media, Public Relations, Journalism and Strategic Media, Mass Media Research, Open-Source Investigative Reporting, Dance, Dance Science, Musical Theatre, Theatre Performance, Theatre Directing, Jazz and Studio Composition/Arranging, Jazz and Studio Performance, Jazz and Studio Music
Recommended Platform: MacBook Air (13″ or 15″)
Education Store: UofM Special Pricing

Programs Listed Above
If your program of study is listed above, older laptops may be used in the first year if they meet minimum specifications. However, students should be prepared to upgrade for long-term use. Please note that older devices may not support newer software updates or high-performance applications. Students may experience slower performance or compatibility issues in some courses.

Programs Not Listed Above
If your program of study is not listed above, there are no specific requirements regarding laptop platform, performance specifications, hard drive or screen size. However, students are encouraged to choose a reliable device that supports their general academic needs, including web browsing, word processing, video conferencing, and file storage.

Mac vs. Windows: What’s Best?

While many creative and academic applications run on both Mac and Windows, some programs in the CCFA have specific requirements based on professional standards, faculty instruction, or software compatibility.

For example:

• Architecture students are required to use Windows laptops to run industry-standard design and rendering software not available on macOS.
• Graphic Design students are required to use Mac laptops, as faculty instruction, classroom workflows, and peer collaboration are all built around the macOS environment.
• Film and Video Production students in the Department of Communication and Film are required to use macOS, as faculty instruction and software performance are optimized for the macOS environment.

When in doubt, consult your academic unit or program before purchasing a laptop. Choosing the wrong platform could limit your ability to participate fully in coursework. Instructors may teach on one platform, and software access or classroom support may be optimized accordingly.

Software Resources

Below are examples of software resources available to UofM students. These tools support a wide range of academic and creative work. Please consult course syllabi before making software decisions and purchases:

• Microsoft Office 365 – Free for UofM students through UMTech.
• Adobe Creative Cloud – Discounted annual subscriptions through UMTech.
• Autodesk Software – Free though Autodesk Education Community.

Always check for educational discounts when purchasing hardware or software. If you’re using financial aid, consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine when funds will be available for software purchases.

General Recommendations for All Students

• Backup storage: Use Microsoft OneDrive (provided by UofM) or another cloud service for secure backups. If a cloud backup service is not used, an external hard drive or flash drive is recommended.
• Warranty: Purchase a 3-year maintenance and repair plan (AppleCare or equivalent) or third-party damage coverage.
• Financial Aid: Laptop and software purchases may be included in financial aid. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.

Support and Questions

For help with purchasing decisions, technical requirements, or general advice, contact the CCFA Office at ccfa@memphis.edu.