Computing Recommendations for all VPA Students

Laptops capable of running Adobe Creative Suite are recommended.

Students should own a computer. Computer labs are available for any platform-specific classes.

Printable School of Design Computer Recommendations [Word]

A laptop computer is expected for all students in the School of Design. The School recommends laptops for their easy portability between a residence and studio space. This computing flexibility is paired with access to the Warehouse computer lab for major-specific computer courses.

During the first year, students will be required and expected to have access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Trimble SketchUp Free. We recommend subscribing to Creative Cloud Student Edition. Syracuse University provides students with Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite. These services are ideal for backup, group work and file sharing.

Design Studies

Students in the Design Studies program should follow the computing requirements for Communications Design; please see below.

Environmental & Interior Design

Students in the EDI program will need the computing capacity to run Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk AutoCAD, McNeel Rhino 3D (Windows OS), Trimble Sketchup, Autodesk Revit, and rendering plug-ins such as Enscape or Keyshot.

The EDI program and Warehouse Lab are set up to principally support computers with a Microsoft Windows operating system. Although in the past it has been possible to run Windows on Macbooks, Apple’s ARM-based Macs (M1) will not support Boot Camp to install and run Windows 10 on the machines. All incoming EDI freshmen should be equipped with computers with a Microsoft Windows operating system to run Windows apps required by the program.  We DO NOT suggest a Macbook for EDI students.

Minimum Technical Guidelines

• Laptop Windows 10
• Intel Core i7 (hex core or better preferred)
• 16 GB RAM
• 500 GB+ SSD
• 4 GB+ dedicated Video Graphics card. (Avoid Intel or integrated graphics) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD equivalent with 4GB VRAM recommended. RTX for higher performance.
• 15” Display (Display resolution 2560 x 1440 or higher)
• External optical mouse

Additional Smart Computing Tools

• 3 year on-site/at home warranty or AppleCare+Extended Warranty and Support
• External 1 TB+ USB SSD or hard drive for extra storage and backup

Optional Accessories

• Protective Case
• External 24”+ monitor with HDMI port (plus HDMI cable and USB-C to HDMI converter)
• 128 GB+ USB flash drive
• Video adapters, VGA or HDMI connection

Communications Design

The Communications Design major— much like the Communications Design industry— uses Apple Macintosh computers as their primary tool platform for getting work done. Based on our experience we offer the following guidelines as a set of minimum requirements for student computers.

Minimum Guidelines

• Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription (Academic Pricing)
• Apple MacBook Pro with 13” – 16” Display
• Minimum 16GB RAM
• Minimum 512GB Hard Drive (Internal)

Additional Smart Computing Tools

• AppleCare+Extended Warranty and Support / Buying through SU Bookstore offers extended warranty with longer coverage than AppleCare
• (2) USB 3.0 Flash drive — 64GB Min
• USB C to USB Dongle
• Dedicated, external hard drive for regular, local backups, 5TB

Optional Accessories

• External Mouse
• Protective Case

Fashion Design

In the fashion design industry, Apple Macintosh computers are used as a primary tool platform for getting work done. We offer these guidelines for minimum requirements for fashion design student computers.

Minimum Guidelines

• Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription (Academic Pricing)
• Apple MacBook Pro with 13” – 16” Display
• Minimum 16GB RAM
• Minimum 512GB Hard Drive (Internal)

Additional Smart Computing Tools

• AppleCare+Extended Warranty and Support / Buying through SU Bookstore offers extended warranty with longer coverage than AppleCare
• (2) USB 3.0 Flash drive — 64GB Min
• USB C to USB Dongle
• Dedicated, external hard drive for regular, local backups, 5TB

A laptop computer is expected for all students in the School of Design. The School recommends laptops for their easy portability between a residence and studio space. This computing flexibility is paired with access to the Warehouse computer lab for major-specific computer courses.

During the first year, students will be required and expected to have access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Trimble SketchUp Free. We recommend subscribing to Creative Cloud Student Edition. Syracuse University provides students with Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite. These services are ideal for backup, group work and file sharing.

Environmental & Interior Design

Students in the EDI program will need the computing capacity to run Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk AutoCAD, McNeel Rhino 3D (Windows OS), Trimble Sketchup, Autodesk Revit, and rendering plug-ins such as Enscape or Keyshot.

The EDI program and Warehouse Lab are set up to principally support computers with a Microsoft Windows operating system. Although in the past it has been possible to run Windows on Macbooks, Apple’s ARM-based Macs (M1) will not support Boot Camp to install and run Windows 10 on the machines. All incoming EDI freshmen should be equipped with computers with a Microsoft Windows operating system to run Windows apps required by the program.  We DO NOT suggest a Macbook for EDI students.

Minimum Technical Guidelines

• Laptop Windows 10
• Intel Core i7 (hex core or better preferred)
• 16 GB RAM
• 500 GB+ SSD
• 4 GB+ dedicated Video Graphics card. (Avoid Intel or integrated graphics) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD equivalent with 4GB VRAM recommended. RTX for higher performance.
• 15” Display (Display resolution 2560 x 1440 or higher)
• External optical mouse

Additional Smart Computing Tools

• 3 year on-site/at home warranty or AppleCare+Extended Warranty and Support
• External 1 TB+ USB SSD or hard drive for extra storage and backup

Optional Accessories

• Protective Case
• External 24”+ monitor with HDMI port (plus HDMI cable and USB-C to HDMI converter)
• 128 GB+ USB flash drive
• Video adapters, VGA or HDMI connection

Communications Design

The Communications Design major— much like the Communications Design industry— uses Apple Macintosh computers as their primary tool platform for getting work done. Based on our experience we offer the following guidelines as a set of minimum requirements for student computers.

Minimum Guidelines

• Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription (Academic Pricing)
• Apple MacBook Pro with 13” – 16” Display
• Minimum 16GB RAM
• Minimum 512GB Hard Drive (Internal)

Additional Smart Computing Tools

• AppleCare+Extended Warranty and Support / Buying through SU Bookstore offers extended warranty with longer coverage than AppleCare
• (2) USB 3.0 Flash drive — 64GB Min
• USB C to USB Dongle
• Dedicated, external hard drive for regular, local backups, 5TB

Optional Accessories

• External Mouse
• Protective Case

Fashion Design

In the fashion design industry, Apple Macintosh computers are used as a primary tool platform for getting work done. We offer these guidelines for minimum requirements for fashion design student computers.

Minimum Guidelines

• Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription (Academic Pricing)
• Apple MacBook Pro with 13” – 16” Display
• Minimum 16GB RAM
• Minimum 512GB Hard Drive (Internal)

Additional Smart Computing Tools

• AppleCare+Extended Warranty and Support / Buying through SU Bookstore offers extended warranty with longer coverage than AppleCare
• (2) USB 3.0 Flash drive — 64GB Min
• USB C to USB Dongle
• Dedicated, external hard drive for regular, local backups, 5TB

Optional Accessories

• External Mouse
• Protective Case

Industrial & Interaction Design

Students in the IID program will need computing capacity to run Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk products, SolidWorks, Rhino 3D and KeyShot.

Minimum Guidelines

• Laptop Running Microsoft Windows 10
• 15” Display or larger (Display resolution 2560 x 1440 or higher)
• VR ready (Intel Core I7, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GT 1060 (recommended: RTX)
• 500 GB SSD

For digital sketching, it is recommended that students purchase either a Wacom or Huion digital pen tablet to use with their laptop or an iPad. For students that desire a comprehensive all in one solution, the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 is the recommended laptop solution that also supports digital sketching.

• External Mouse
• Protective Case

Industrial & Interaction Design

Students in the IID program will need computing capacity to run Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk products, SolidWorks, Rhino 3D and KeyShot.

Minimum Guidelines

• Laptop Running Microsoft Windows 10
• 15” Display or larger (Display resolution 2560 x 1440 or higher)
• VR ready (Intel Core I7, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GT 1060 (recommended: RTX)
• 500 GB SSD

For digital sketching, it is recommended that students purchase either a Wacom or Huion digital pen tablet to use with their laptop or an iPad. For students that desire a comprehensive all in one solution, the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 is the recommended laptop solution that also supports digital sketching.

Department of Drama, All Majors:

Printable 2022 Department of Drama Supply List [PDF]

• Computer (laptop or tablet) with good wireless and video conferencing capabilities. Audio and video recording and editing capability strongly recommended.
• Headphones, earbuds, or AirPods

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you have questions, please contact your Program Coordinator or Assistant Program Coordinator.

Acting

Katie McGerr kemcgerr@syr.edu

Thom Miller tmiller@syr.edu

Musical Theater

Brian Cimmet bcimmet@syr.edu

Kathleen Wrinn kawrinn@syr.edu

Stage Management

Don Buschmann dgbuschm@syr.edu

Theater Management

Jim Clark jaclark@syr.edu

Jill Anderson jianders@syr.edu

Theater Design & Technology

Carmen Martinez cmarti46@syr.edu

Rob Andrusko randrusk@syr.edu 

All Majors:

• Computer (laptop or tablet) with good wireless and video conferencing capabilities. Audio and video recording and editing capability strongly recommended.
• Headphones, earbuds, or AirPods

Acting

Required Equipment:

• Sweats and loose, comfortable clothing
• 1 pair sneakers (athletic or jazz sneakers)
• Water Bottle
• Yoga Mat
• Large Journal (8 ½ x 11) for reflection, writings, notes
• Colored pencils/markers
• Small whiteboard and dry erase markers
• Personal hand-held mirror
• One Tennis Ball
• One 4 foot Wooden Dowel Rod (usually sold 1” inch in diameter)

Musical Theater

Required Equipment:

• Digital keyboard (small is fine – we recommend Casio SA-76 for its portability, but a larger keyboard for your room will also work)
• Computer (laptop or tablet) with video conference capabilities 
• Second device (tablet or phone) for playing recorded tracks and filming self tapes
• External speaker (wired or Bluetooth) for practicing and performing with recorded tracks
• Earbuds

Highly recommended:

• External microphone such as Blue Yeti USB
• Wireless earbuds
• Additional set of over-the-ear headphones
• Ring Light

Optional, but nice to have

• Garageband or other audio and/or video editing software
• Tripod for video equipment

Requirements for Dance Classes (All Musical Theater Students)

• Dance tights for ballet (ballet pink, black or flesh tone)
• Leggings, tights, and/or fitted athletic wear for jazz and theater styles
• Solid colored leotards and/or form-fitting tank tops and t-shirts
• Proper supportive undergarments (i.e., dance belts, sports bras, etc.)
• Ballet shoes (ballet pink, black, or flesh tone—split sole recommended)
• Flat jazz shoes (Black or tan—split sole recommended)
• Professional character shoe (2 ½ or 3-inch heel and/or oxford—black or tan)
• For sophomore year and beyond: beginner tappers, flat oxford tap shoes are appropriate. More advanced tappers, 2 ½ or 3-inch heel. 
• If applicable, supplies to keep long hair out of the face

Please note: All dance attire must present as clean, professional, and tidy. Please refer to syllabi for specific instructor requirements.

Additional dance supplies suggestions

• Flex-bands (i.e., Therabands)
• Yoga or Pilates mat
• Knee Pads (i.e., Asics neoprene super sleeve knee pad)
• Foam Roller (whole or half, nubs or not) 
• Ice packs (to break open conveniently for personal use—available at your local pharmacy)

Stage Management

For DRD 140/240, a personal tools kit that includes the following:

Required:

• PPE: Safety Glasses/Hearing Protection/Gloves
• Hammer, minimum 16oz
• Pliers
• 5-in-1 Screwdriver
• Retractable metal Tape Measure – at least 12’ long and with 1/16” marks
• 8” Adjustable Crescent Wrench with hole for attaching a lanyard
• paint brushes (probably 2-3, sizes will be specified)
• Paint sponge
• Hot Glue gun
• Quality scissor
• Seam ripper
• Hand sewing needles – medium
• Straight pins
• Pin dish or cushion
• Fabric Tape Measure
• Something to store everything in 

Recommended:

• A good Multi-tool (Gerber, Leatherman, or similar quality https://a.co/hI4fiHW)
• Wire Stripper
• Continuity Tester

Please note that if you already have any of these, you do not need to buy new.

Theater Design and Technology

In the TDT area you will not be required to buy many textbooks, however, you will need a variety of supplies that will be used every year you are in the program.

Required:

-      PPE:

o   Safety Glasses

o   Hearing Protection

o   Gloves

-      Tools:

o   Retractable metal Tape Measure – at least 25’ long and with 1/16” marks

o   8” Adjustable Crescent Wrench with hole for attaching a lanyard

o   Good quality scissors

o   Olfa Knives (Utility Knife and Olfa 300)

o   X-Acto Knife with replacement blades

-      Rulers:

o   Architect Scale Ruler (NOT engineer, the scales are different) – 1/8”, ¼”/ ½” etc

o   6” 45/45 Triangle

o   8” 30/60/90 Triangle

o   6” or 8” Adjustable Triangle

o   Small Circle Template

o   Metal ruler (18” and 36”) – with cork or rubber backing

o   Clear rulers (6” and 12”) Here is a link: https://www.dickblick.com/products/westcott-plastic-rulers/

-      For Drafting:

o   Large Bow Compass 6”

o   Sandpaper Pad

o   Drafting Dots/Drafting Tape

o   Eraser, white and soft

o   Pencils (mechanical or wood): HB, 2H. 3H, 4H, B, 2B, 3B, 4B

o   Sharpener for pencil of choice

o   Erasing shield, with row of small circles

o   Drafting Brush

-      Papers:

o   Vellum, 17lb 36” wide roll, or 24” x 36” sheets

o   Tracing paper, 18” x 24” pad or 18” wide roll, white or yellow

o   24x36” Newsprint pad

o   9x12” Bristol board

o   9x12” pad of Watercolor Paper

o   Illustration Board

-      For Model Making:

o   Two 20x30” sheets of Black Foam Core (3/16” thick) (you can wait on this and buy a large box as a class)

o   Sobo Glue

o   Tacky Glue

o   Gesso

o   Scale lumber and dowels

o   Emory Board (nail file)

o   Modelmaking tweezers

o   Straight Pins

o   Rabbet Cutter

-      Art Supplies:

o   Watercolor set – pans or tubes (Winsor Newton, Holbein, Derwent, Koi are good, not fewer than 12 colors)

o   Acrylic Paint – Liquitex or Golden are good options and give good coverage. Colors below:

• Permanent White
• Ivory Black
• Cadmium Yellow Pale
• Cadmium Orange
• Cadmium Red Medium
• Alizarin Crimson
• Cobalt Blue
• Ultramarine Blue
• Permanent Green
• Burnt Umber*
• Burnt Sienna*
• Ochre*
• Spectrum Violet*
• Payne’s Gray*

o   Sketchbook – Canson XL or Strathmore Visual are good – no smaller than 8.5x11”

o   Masking Tape

o   Black Masking tape

o   Palette – Can be palette paper

o   A container for water

o   UHU Glue Stick

o   Brushes (Synthetic watercolor are good): These are 2 good

• #8 Round
• #12 Flat
• As many more as you would like! We recommend a 00, or 000. Great for details.

o   Clear pushpins

o   Micron pens

Recommended:

-      A good Multi-tool (Gerber, Leatherman, or similar quality)

-      French Curves

-      Large 45/45 Triangle (especially for Lighting Designers)

-      Beam Compass

-      Splined Curved Rule

-      Ellipse Template

-      Large Circle Template

-      Drafting Dry‐cleaning Pad or powder

-      Set of “Needle Files”

Students in the Setnor School of Music use computers to access course materials, research music concepts, strengthen music theory and aural skills, collaborate with classmates, and communicate with faculty. Student computers should be capable of word processing, e-mail, internet browsing, music notation, and audio/midi/video editing.

The Setnor School of Music supports student use of both Macintosh and PC platforms. It is strongly recommended that students consider purchasing a 14 or 16-inch MacBook Pro laptop (8 or 10-Core CPU) computer model tailored for use at Syracuse University. Detailed information, including specifications and ordering information for the preferred laptops, is available online at the SU Bookstore or SU IT Services. Syracuse University provides students with Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite. These services are ideal for backup, individual and group work, and file sharing.

All Film and Media Arts majors receive a personal-device license of AdobeCreative Cloud to install and use the Creative Cloud software on a personally-owned computer while enrolled in FMA courses. Based on the current licensing agreement with Adobe, which is subject to change, enrolled students have year-round subscriptions. 

After the first year, some additional software purchases may be required based on course of study and are included in course syllabi. Apple and Adobe products are available at academic discounts from the SU Bookstore. 

The following are the minimum required computer specifications.

Art Photography Majors

• Required computer (minimum): Apple 14” or 16” MacBook Pro, 8 or 10-Core CPU
• Recommended external hard drive: 1 TB 

Computer Art and Animation Majors

• Required computer (minimum): Dell Alienware, G-Series or other PC gaming laptop with 16GB RAM, 1 TB internal storage, and NVidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics as minimum specs. 
• Autodesk Maya. Autodesk offers free software downloads to members of their Education Community.

Film Majors

• Required computer (minimum): Apple 14” or 16” MacBook Pro 8 or 10-Core CPU
• Recommended External Hard Drives: Rugged 1 TB Type-C interface
• Recommended Editing Hard Drive: 1 TB 7200 RPM Type-C interface 
• Additional Recommended Software: DaVinci Resolve (free download)