First Year Students
Students enter these programs in their first year.
This information is also applicable to Transfer and Graduate students.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- 16-inch MacBook Pro
- macOS 11+
- M1, M2, or i7 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro
- M2 Pro processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
REQUIRED PERIPHERAL
- 1 TB external USB 3 hard drive
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED PERIPHERALS
- 64GB USB memory stick (thumb drive)
- 64GB SD card (SanDisk Extreme, PROU3 UHS-II or Lexar Professional 2000x U3 UHS-II)
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
(These specifications are for Merchandising students. Design students have different requirements — see Second Year Students section below)
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
Special Notes:
All specifications are based on the minimum software requirements for CLO3D, which is the software that is used by the department to create digital 3D designs. Depending on your focus, you may wish to review the CLO3D specifications, and select a more powerful computer.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC (please note that sound minors need a computer running macOS in order to run QLab)
- M1 or i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC (please note that sound minors need a computer running macOS in order to run QLab)
- M1 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
SUGGESTED HARDWARE
- iPad with Apple Pen
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Vectorworks Spotlight — free download
- QLab Audio Bundle — can be rented as needed, or can be purchased
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Davinci Resolve — free download
- Microsoft Office — free download
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase the following computer:
- Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro
- M2 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED HARDWARE
- Over-the-ear studio headphones with cord (no bluetooth) (Sennheiser, Sony, Tascam, Audio Technica, etc.)
- External USB drive (2 TB suggested)
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Apple Logic Pro X — purchase from macOS App Store
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i7 processor (PC)
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
- for PCs, discrete graphics (not integrated)
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Vectorworks — free download
- ETC EOS Nomad — free download
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
- Microsoft Office — free download
Second Year Students
Students enter these programs in their second year, after attending the Art Foundation program in their first year.
This information is also applicable to Transfer and Graduate students.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase one of the following computers:
- Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro
- M2 Pro processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB storage
OR
- 15-inch screen
- i7 processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- Discreet graphics (not integrated)
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED PERIPHERALS
- A Wacom style digitizing tablet with stylus
- A three-button scroll-wheel mouse
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
- Autodesk Maya — free download
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
(These specifications are for Design students. Merchandising students have different requirements — see First Year Students section above)
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
Special Notes:
All specifications are based on the minimum software requirements for CLO3D, which is the software that is used by the department to create digital 3D designs. Depending on your focus, you may wish to review the CLO3D specifications, and select a more powerful computer.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase the following computer:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro
- M2 Pro processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
Additional software packages will be required with specific GDES courses
REQUIRED PERIPHERAL
- 2 TB Portable USB3 hard drive (we recommend as much capacity as is affordable)
REQUIRED CAMERA
10 mega-pixel digital SLR camera with manual (not automatic) shutter speed and aperture control
32 GB (minimum) Flash memory compatible with camera model
GDES students use their cameras in many of their courses, and you should purchase a camera that will grow with your skills.
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
Special Notes:
All specifications are based on the minimum requirements for Autodesk Revit 2023, and the minimum requirements for Enscape, which is the software that Interior Design uses to build digital models in three dimensions.
Autodesk Revit 2023 and Enscape are not available for macOS.
If you have an older Intel–based Apple laptop, then Windows can be installed via Boot Camp or Virtual Machine.
But all new macOS computers have M1 or M2-based processors, are not capable of running Windows, and therefore are not suitable for the software needs of the Interior Design program.
If you intend to use a MAC that you already own, then please make sure that it has an Intel–based processor.
If you are purchasing a new laptop, then it should be a PC.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- PC
- no more than two years old
- Windows 10 64-bit Pro or Windows 11 64-bit Pro
- Intel® i-Series, Xeon®, or AMD® equivalent. 2.5 GHz or Higher
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB storage
- DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5 and a minimum of 4GB of video memory and support for Vulkan 1.1
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series / Quadro M series and newer
- AMD Radeon RX 400 series / equivalent Radeon Pro series and newer
OR
- MAC (please see the information about MACs in the Special Notes section above)
- no more than two years old
- Intel processor (M1 or M2 processors will not allow you to run the required software)
- 8 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage (you will need the extra space to run both operating systems)
- Windows 10 64-bit Enterprise or Pro (running in either Boot Camp or a virtual machine)
- DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5 and a minimum of 4GB of video memory and support for Vulkan 1.1
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series / Quadro M series and newer
- AMD Radeon RX 400 series / equivalent Radeon Pro series and newer
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a PC computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- PC
- PROCESSOR = Intel® i-Series, Xeon®, or AMD® equivalent. 2.5 GHz or Higher
- RAM = 16 GB memory
- STORAGE = 512 GB SSD storage
- DEDICATED GRAPHICS CARD = The graphics card (or video card) should be DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5, have a minimum of 4GB of video memory and support for Vulkan 1.1. Deciated graphics card options include these:
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series / Quadro M series and newer
or
AMD Radeon RX 400 series / equivalent Radeon Pro series and newer
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
- Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit — free download
- Sketchup Free — browser based app
- Sketchup Studio — discounted for students
- Windows — free download
REQUIRED PERIPHERALS
- 3-button scroll-wheel mouse (MS-Mouse or 3Dconnexion® compliant device)
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
Your computer can be running macOS or Windows and be a desktop or laptop.
At the school: Animation, Video and Sound classrooms have computers running macOS; 3D modeling and animation classroom have computers running Windows, using Autodesk Maya.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
- Discrete GPU (not integrated) — should meet specs and certs for After Effects and Maya
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
Your computer can be running macOS or Windows and be a desktop or laptop.
At the school: Animation, Video and Sound classrooms have computers running macOS; 3D modeling and animation classroom have computers running Windows, using Autodesk Maya.
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) / i7 or AMD Phenom II processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory (16 GB recommended)
- 256 GB SSD storage (512 GB recommended)
- any additional rotational drives should be SATA 3, 7200 RPM
- for PC, a discrete GPU (not integrated) — should meet specs and certifications for After Effects and Maya
- USB 3.0 ports
- OpenGL 2.0 capable system
- Adobe and Maya certified Open GL graphics card
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription (Final Cut Pro X could be substituted for Adobe Premier, but is not taught in class)
REQUIRED DSLR CAMERA (with video capability)
B&H Photo and Video is a great source for any of the following equipment. Go to Students/Educators tab at top, for student pricing
Camera technology changes rapidly. It is recommended that you wait until entry into the department, use some of the cameras that are available for rental, and talk with your instructors.
Look for something that shoots 1920 x 1080p (Full HD) 1280 x 720p (HD), 640 x 480p (SD). Consider 4k options with higher frame rate capturing. The cameras listed below are DSLR cameras, which work on the animation stand as well as for video.
DSLR camera recommendations as of March 2021 (prices are from bhphotovideo.com):
- Nikon D3500 ($596 with 18-55mm lens)
- Canon Rebel SL3 ($699 with 18-55mm lens)
- Canon Rebel T7 ($449 with 18-55mm lens)
- Canon Rebel T6 ($549 with 18-55mm lens & 75-300mm lens)
- Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera 16-50mm lens (good for video) $648
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 ($749 with 14-42mm lens)
All of these can be purchased second hand to save on cost.
OTHER REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- External portable hard drive for backup (at least 2 terabyte suggested) (Lacie, OWC Mercury, Western Digital to name a few)
- Over-the-ear studio headphones (Sennheiser, Sony, Audio technica)
- 64GB USB memory stick (thumb drive)
- 16GB SD Class 10 card (SanDisk Extreme, PROU3 UHS-II or Lexar Professional 2000x U3 UHS-II)
- 64GB micoSD Class 10 card (SanDisk Extreme, PROU3 UHS-II or Lexar Professional 2000x U3 UHS-II)
OTHER SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
- Tripod
- Audio rexcording equipment [Zoom h4n pro (has xlr input capable $209) or Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder (xlr capable $180)]
- HDMI cord 6’-16’
- Thunderbolt–HDMI adapter or USBC–HDMI adapter (depends on what ports your laptop has)
- Tuunderbolt–VGA or USBC–VGA Adapter (depends on what ports your laptop has)
- USBC–USBA adapter (if applicable — depends on what ports your laptop has)
- Projector or monitor for displaying work
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you are advised to purchase a computer that meets the following recommended minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- 14 inch screen
- M2 processor (MAC) or i7 processor (PC)
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- for PC, discrete GPU
If you have a restricted budget, then a computer with the following minimum specifications will be adequate:
- MAC or PC
- 13 inch screen
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
SUGGESTED COMPUTER PERIPHERALS
- 1 TB External 2.5″ USB 3 Hard Disk Drive
REQUIRED COMPUTER
This department requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
If you are bringing a computer you already own:
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
- no more than two years old
- MAC or PC
- M1 or i5 processor
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
If you are buying a new computer:
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following minimum specifications:
- MAC or PC
- M1 processor (MAC) or i5 processor (PC)
- 8 GB memory
- 256 GB SSD storage
Computer manufacturers are always updating their product lines. In order to get the most up to date system, VCUarts recommends that you wait until mid–summer to purchase a new computer.
Where To Buy:
We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:
Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts
Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).
SUGGESTED SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Office — free download.
- Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription
Educational pricing is available through RamTech or directly from the computer manufacturers. Make sure you are not paying full retail price.