{"id":306,"date":"2025-05-16T15:07:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T15:07:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/?p=306"},"modified":"2025-05-16T20:14:44","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T20:14:44","slug":"general-computer-purchase-information-for-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/306\/general-computer-purchase-information-for-students\/","title":{"rendered":"General Computer Purchase Information for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

NOTE: There may be delays in the delivery of many products, including computers.<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Students can expect to wait several weeks for delivery after ordering a computer. Older computers that students already own may be acceptable for the first semester<\/strong><\/em>. You may contact College of Design IT (design_help@ncsu.edu<\/a>) to determine the viability of an older computer.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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ALL departments require students to have a computer with minimum specifications. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Please read this page AND your department\u2019s computer requirements before purchasing a computer and software.<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This chart provides links to each department\u2019s requirements and tells you when you need to have your computer. Please review this carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More detailed PC information can be found below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/cod_pc_recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate students should have their computer, with the minimum specifications for each department linked in the table below, no later than the first day of class for the semester indicated.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department\/Program<\/strong><\/td>Semester Required<\/strong><\/td>Mac or PC<\/strong><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Architecture<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester<\/em>, First Year<\/td>PC required<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Media, Arts, Design, & Technology<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester, First Year<\/td>Animation\/New Media Students:<\/em>
PC highly recommended

All other MADTech Students: <\/em>
Mac or PC<\/td>		<\/td><\/tr>
Design Studies<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester, First Year<\/td>Mac or PC<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Graphic Experience & Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester, First Year<\/td>Mac required<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Industrial Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Fall Semester, First Year<\/td>PC required<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Table of Undergraduate computer requirements and deadlines, by program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Graduate Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All Graduate students should have their computer, with the minimum specifications for each department linked in the table below, no later than the first day of class of their first semester.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department\/Program<\/strong><\/td>Semester Required<\/strong><\/td>Mac or PC<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Architecture<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>PC required<\/td><\/tr>
Media, Arts, Design, & Technology<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Animation\/New Media Students:<\/em>
PC highly recommended

All other MADTech Students: <\/em>
Mac or PC<\/td><\/tr>
Graphic Experience & Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Mac required<\/td><\/tr>
Industrial Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>PC required<\/td><\/tr>
Landscape Architecture<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>PC required<\/td><\/tr>
PhD in Design, Doctor of Design<\/a><\/strong><\/td>First Semester<\/td>Mac or PC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Table of Graduate computer requirements and deadlines, by program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hardware and Software Purchases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

NC State Office of Information Technology<\/a> and Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a> 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, contact Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a> or by phone at (919) 515-3400 before making your final purchase. Wolfpack Outfitters\u2019 technology department is a great resource for students purchasing computers, software, and peripherals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some software companies also offer free or discounted licenses for qualified students. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n