To assist new students prepare for the start of the term, we have compiled technology recommendations for each program. The information provided will help students looking to purchase technology in advance of the start of classes. Please note that some of these programs have recommended (optional to purchase) and required technology listed.
To learn more about our computer labs and free/discounted software, go to the Computer Labs webpage on Inside.ArtCenter.edu.
All specs listed are “recommended” unless otherwise noted as “required,” which means that students can complete assignments using the on-campus computer labs if they do not have the specified technology.
We recommend that you purchase your technology at the ArtCenter Student Store to take advantage of educational discounts.
If you have any questions, please contact: Gal Amiram - gal.amiram@artcenter.edu
If you have any questions, please contact: Gerardo Herrera - gerardo.herrera@Artcenter.edu
If you have any questions, please contact: Aaron Lindquist - aaron.lindquist@artcenter.edu
Most of these programs have educational discounts. These are also on the computers in the computer labs for students working on campus.
Obviously, new software pops up all the time. The syllabus for every course will list the requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact: Isabel Zaragoza- isabel.zaragoza@artcenter.edu
If you have any questions, please contact:
Andy Ogden - andy.ogden@artcenter.edu
Gwen Hourihan - gwen.hourihan@artcenter.edu
If you have any questions, please contact:
Kevin Wingate - kevin.wingate@artcenter.edu
Lindy Leong - lindy.leong@artcenter.edu
Maggie Hendrie - maggie.hendrie@artcenter.edu
If you have any questions, please contact:
Kevin Wingate - kevin.wingate@artcenter.edu
Lindy Leong - lindy.leong@artcenter.edu
Maggie Hendrie - maggie.hendrie@artcenter.edu
In a time like this, it is very important to have a powerful computer to run all of your essential software. Generally speaking, Windows PCs are recommended for running heavy renderings tasks, like Unreal Engine and Twinmotion, since Unreal is optimized for NVIDIA graphics cards which are not available on Mac. At the same time, Macintosh computers tend to display typefaces more beautifully. If your main usage includes any of these programs: Unreal Engine, Solidworks, and Twinmotion, we recommend Windows PC.
Please note: At this point, the new M1 Processor is not supported by Unreal Engine and Twinmotion. We do NOT recommend you buy a new Apple computer. We will keep you posted on future changes.
Rhino will run on traditional Intel Processors. Unreal Engine and Twinmotion will run on higher-end Macs with Radeon Pro Graphics card with 8GB of graphics RAM.
If you have any questions, please contact: Amber Alzate - amber.alzate@artcenter.edu
A reasonable allowance for the purchase or rental of a computer required for your program may be added to your estimated cost of attendance upon request. This would increase the amount of student loans you may wish to borrow. If you need to borrow additional student loan funds to cover the cost of a computer required for your program, please contact the Financial Aid Office by email at financialaid@artcenter.edu or at 626-396-2215.