{"id":321,"date":"2025-05-16T20:44:25","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T20:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/?p=321"},"modified":"2025-05-16T20:44:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T20:44:59","slug":"phd-in-design-or-doctor-of-design-computer-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/321\/phd-in-design-or-doctor-of-design-computer-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"PhD in Design or Doctor of Design Computer Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please read this page AND the general information<\/a> before spending money on computer hardware and software.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

\n

PhD in Design students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.<\/strong><\/p>

Doctor of Design (DDes) is an online degree program. Students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Either Mac or PC computers are acceptable for PhD in Design and Doctor of Design students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PhD in Design students will use computers throughout their course of study. The Doctor of Design (DDes) program is completely online. DDes students must have a computer to access these courses. Please consider the computational needs for your particular area of research. Any doctoral students wishing to purchase a new computer and software should follow the recommendations below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Please read the College\u2019s Student Computing Requirements Information<\/a> page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PC Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Components<\/th>Windows Desktop<\/th>Windows Laptop<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CPU (Processor) or Model<\/strong><\/td>Any model using Intel Core i7 or newer processors<\/td><\/tr>
System RAM
<\/strong><\/td>		16 GB minimum, more preferred<\/td><\/tr>
Hard Drive (Storage)
<\/strong><\/td>		512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)<\/td><\/tr>
Monitor\/Display
<\/strong><\/td>		21″ or larger<\/td>14″ or larger (second external monitor optional)<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) <\/strong>Should have a discrete GPU.<\/em><\/td>2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors<\/td><\/tr>
Operating System<\/strong> <\/td>Windows 11 or later.<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Standard on PCs<\/td><\/tr>
Network Adapters<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Wi-Fi card or adapter<\/td><\/tr>
Backup<\/strong><\/td>External Drive – Windows Backup<\/a> (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer’s storage capacity)
Cloud Backup Services – Google One<\/a> (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud<\/a>, or another backup service<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Service<\/strong><\/td>Minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor or third-party loss\/damage coverage<\/td><\/tr>
Software<\/strong>
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a>.

Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk’s Education Community<\/a>.

Additional software may be required for certain courses. Additional software may be required for certain courses.<\/span><\/td>		No specific software is required. Doctoral students will have to purchase software needed for their course of study and research.

Most College of Design students find the software listed below to be necessary:

\u2022 Microsoft Office 365<\/a> <\/strong>(free to NCSU students)<\/p>

\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a><\/strong>
<\/em><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Macintosh Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Components<\/th>Macintosh Desktop<\/th>Macintosh Laptop<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CPU (Processor) or Model<\/strong><\/td>iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Mini, or MacPro, any current model<\/td>MacBook Pro, any current 14″ or 16″ model<\/td><\/tr>
System RAM
<\/strong><\/td>		16 GB minimum, more preferred if capable<\/td><\/tr>
Hard Drive (Storage)
<\/strong><\/td>		512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)<\/td><\/tr>
Monitor\/Display
<\/strong><\/td>		21″ or larger (Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.) iMacs include a built-in monitor<\/td>14″ or larger (second external monitor optional) Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) <\/strong>Should have a discrete GPU.<\/em><\/td>2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processor<\/td><\/tr>
Operating System<\/strong><\/td>Mac OS 15 (Sequoia) or later<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Standard on Macs<\/td><\/tr>
Network Adapters<\/strong><\/td>Wi-Fi card or adapter<\/td><\/tr>
Backup<\/strong><\/td>External Drive \u2013 Time Machine<\/a> (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer\u2019s storage capacity)
Cloud Backup Services \u2013 Google One<\/a> (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud<\/a>, or another backup service<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Service<\/strong><\/td>3-year AppleCare Protection Plan or third-party loss\/damage coverage<\/td><\/tr>
Software<\/strong>
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a>.

Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk’s Education Community<\/a>.

Additional software may be required for certain courses. Additional software may be required for certain courses.<\/span><\/td>		No specific software is required. Doctoral students will have to purchase software needed for their course of study and research.

Most College of Design students find the software listed below to be necessary:

\u2022 Microsoft Office 365<\/a> <\/strong>(free to NCSU students)<\/p>

\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

 <\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The College’s Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. You can send an email to design_help@ncsu.edu<\/a> with specific information about your problem.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please read this page AND the general information<\/a> before spending money on computer hardware and software.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Either Mac or PC computers are acceptable for PhD in Design and Doctor of Design students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PhD in Design students will use computers throughout their course of study. The Doctor of Design (DDes) program is completely online. DDes students must have a computer to access these courses. Please consider the computational needs for your particular area of research. Any doctoral students wishing to purchase a new computer and software should follow the recommendations below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Please read the College\u2019s Student Computing Requirements Information<\/a> page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PC Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Components<\/th>Windows Desktop<\/th>Windows Laptop<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CPU (Processor) or Model<\/strong><\/td>Any model using Intel Core i7 or newer processors<\/td><\/tr>
System RAM
<\/strong><\/td>		16 GB minimum, more preferred<\/td><\/tr>
Hard Drive (Storage)
<\/strong><\/td>		512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)<\/td><\/tr>
Monitor\/Display
<\/strong><\/td>		21\" or larger<\/td>14\" or larger (second external monitor optional)<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) <\/strong>Should have a discrete GPU.<\/em><\/td>2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors<\/td><\/tr>
Operating System<\/strong> <\/td>Windows 11 or later.<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Standard on PCs<\/td><\/tr>
Network Adapters<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Wi-Fi card or adapter<\/td><\/tr>
Backup<\/strong><\/td>External Drive - Windows Backup<\/a> (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer's storage capacity)
Cloud Backup Services - Google One<\/a> (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud<\/a>, or another backup service<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Service<\/strong><\/td>Minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor or third-party loss\/damage coverage<\/td><\/tr>
Software<\/strong>
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a>.

Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk's Education Community<\/a>.

Additional software may be required for certain courses. Additional software may be required for certain courses.<\/span><\/td>		No specific software is required. Doctoral students will have to purchase software needed for their course of study and research.

Most College of Design students find the software listed below to be necessary:

\u2022 Microsoft Office 365<\/a> <\/strong>(free to NCSU students)<\/p>

\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a><\/strong>
<\/em><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Macintosh Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Components<\/th>Macintosh Desktop<\/th>Macintosh Laptop<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CPU (Processor) or Model<\/strong><\/td>iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Mini, or MacPro, any current model<\/td>MacBook Pro, any current 14\" or 16\" model<\/td><\/tr>
System RAM
<\/strong><\/td>		16 GB minimum, more preferred if capable<\/td><\/tr>
Hard Drive (Storage)
<\/strong><\/td>		512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)<\/td><\/tr>
Monitor\/Display
<\/strong><\/td>		21\" or larger (Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.) iMacs include a built-in monitor<\/td>14\" or larger (second external monitor optional) Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) <\/strong>Should have a discrete GPU.<\/em><\/td>2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processor<\/td><\/tr>
Operating System<\/strong><\/td>Mac OS 15 (Sequoia) or later<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Standard on Macs<\/td><\/tr>
Network Adapters<\/strong><\/td>Wi-Fi card or adapter<\/td><\/tr>
Backup<\/strong><\/td>External Drive \u2013 Time Machine<\/a> (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer\u2019s storage capacity)
Cloud Backup Services \u2013 Google One<\/a> (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud<\/a>, or another backup service<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Service<\/strong><\/td>3-year AppleCare Protection Plan or third-party loss\/damage coverage<\/td><\/tr>
Software<\/strong>
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a>.

Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk's Education Community<\/a>.

Additional software may be required for certain courses. Additional software may be required for certain courses.<\/span><\/td>		No specific software is required. Doctoral students will have to purchase software needed for their course of study and research.

Most College of Design students find the software listed below to be necessary:

\u2022 Microsoft Office 365<\/a> <\/strong>(free to NCSU students)<\/p>

\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

 <\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The College's Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. You can send an email to design_help@ncsu.edu<\/a> with specific information about your problem.<\/p>\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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. Please read this page AND…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":152,"featured_media":360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"displayCategoryID\":11,\"showAuthor\":false,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"showReadingTime\":false,\"subtitle\":\"PhD in Design students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.

Doctor of Design (DDes) is an online degree program. Students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[10,13,12],"class_list":["post-321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-computer-requirements","tag-computer-requirements","tag-doctor-of-design","tag-phd-in-design"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":11,"name":"Computer Requirements","slug":"computer-requirements","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":8,"filter":"raw"},"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/152"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=321"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/321\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78614,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/321\/revisions\/78614"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}