Digital Worlds (DW) requires that students have access to and on-going use of a laptop computer for DIG courses in order to be able to function in the current learning environment. Students are required to access electronic forms of information, submit assignments and communicate with other students and faculty electronically. DW requires each student’s laptop computer to meet certain minimum specifications for heavy graphics use. The required computer specifications are documented in a table at the bottom of this page. On a reservation basis, DW students do have access to several VR-ready Student Machines for video editing and rendering, but the use of these machines shouldn't substitute the minimum computer specifications required.

Software Requirements

• Adobe Creative Cloud - Adobe Student & Teacher Edition Creative Cloud
• Unity Game Engine - Unity for Education
• Maya 3D Animation Software - Maya for Education
• Toon Boom Animation and Storyboard Software - Toon Boom for Students

Equipment Recommendations

The equipment-recommendation list was constructed with individual DW courses and assignments in mind. Purchasing these items allows students to have their own gear for educational and personal use, especially since the number of equipment resources DW can loan out to students is limited. Click here to see a list of available student equipment. Students are welcome to use equipment they already own or purchase higher-spec items beyond what is listed. It's important to note, the equipment below is not required but only recommended for the benefit of the students' educational experience in this degree program. 

• Camera
  • Nikon D5300 or Canon EOS Rebel SL1
• Graphics Tablet
  • Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet
• Hard Drive
  • External HD - 2 TB, USB 3.0

Auxiliary Equipment 

Access to a webcam and USB headset for video-based communication. These items may be required by faculty on a course-by-course basis

• Video - Built-in webcams are acceptable, however, in case you don’t have a built-in camera we recommend the following camera.
  • Logitech HD Webcam - C525
• Audio - A microphone headset is a must for any video conference interaction. We do not allow the use of built-in microphones, because they do not provide consistent clear audio. In the case you do not already own a pair of headphones with a mic, we recommend the following as an option.
  • Logitech Clear Chat Comfort Headset – H390

If you're a student in digital arts & sciences, you'll need a computer with specifications that can handle the demanding software and applications that are commonly used in the field. Please keep in mind that some advanced courses may require students' computers to meet "recommended" specs, particularly for advanced game and virtual reality development.

Required Computer Specifications