While BGSU does not have a computer purchase requirement, the expectations related to technology can vary significantly based upon the academic program and what is prevalent in that field. This guide is designed to support academic success by providing BGSU students with technology recommendations based upon their major course of study.
Those academic programs have also included information on software and accessories appropriate for their academic disciplines. In addition, Ziggabyte® and ITS have provided helpful information about using technology and related services offered at BGSU.
ITS Device Recommendations
Most students looking to bring a laptop should be fine with the base standard laptop of their choice listed below. Some academic programs require computers with more capabilities and so we have put together a list of those programs and if they recommend the medium or high standards that are also detailed below.
Windows Standard Recommendations
Select the Base, Medium, or High Standard tabs to see more information on the Windows devices recommended by BGSU.
- Intel Core i5 (13th Generation) or equivalent
- 256GB internal storage
- 16GB RAM
- Integrated Graphics
- 3-4 year warranty
- Example Model
- Intel Core i7 (13th Generation) or equivalent
- 1TB internal storage
- 16GB RAM
- 4GB Dedicated Graphics
- 3-4 year warranty
- Example Model
- Intel Core i9 (13th Generation) or equivalent
- 1TB internal storage
- 64GB RAM
- 8GB Dedicated Graphics
- 3-4 year warranty
- Example Model
Mac Standard Recommendations
Select the Base, Medium, or High Standard tabs to see more information on the MacOS devices recommended by BGSU.
- 13" M-Series Macbook Air
- 256GB Internal Storage
- 16GB Unified Memory
- 3-4 year warranty
- Example Model
- 15" M-Series Macbook Air
- 512GB Internal Storage
- 24GB Unified Memory
- 3-4 year warranty
- Example Model
- 16" M-Series "Pro" Macbook Pro
- 512GB Internal Storage
- 24GB Unified Memory
- 3-4 year warranty
- Example Model
*ITS does not recommend the use of Chromebooks because they are not compatible with many BGSU software applications.
Recommended Devices by Major/Department
| COLLEGE | MAJOR/PROGRAM | WINDOWS RECOMMENDATION | MAC RECOMMENDATION | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts & Sciences | American Culture Studies, Ethnic Studies, Popular Culture, Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies | Base Standard | Base Standard | Wireless mouse |
| College of Arts & Sciences | Computer Science | Medium Standard | Not Recommended | |
| College of Arts & Sciences | Film Production | Medium Standard | Medium Standard (Preferred) | Software: Adobe Creative Cloud or low/no-cost equivalent such as Davinci Resolve. (All software listed is available in Film Production computer lab) |
| College of Arts & Sciences | Media Production and Studies | Base Standard | Base Standard | Software: Adobe Creative Cloud, required Accessories: 500 GB minimum external hard drive for backups |
| College of Arts & Sciences | School of Cultural and Critical Studies | Base Standard | Base Standard | Accessories: 32GB-64GB flash drive is recommended, wireless mouse |
| College of Arts & Sciences | School of Art | N/A | N/A | This program has significant recommendations, please reference School of Art in the "Specific Technology Recommendations Based on Major" section |
| College of Arts & Sciences | Digital Arts | N/A | N/A | This program has significant recommendations, please reference Digital Arts in the "Specific Technology Recommendations Based on Major" section |
| College of Arts & Sciences | Graphic Design | Not Recommended | Medium Standard | This program has significant recommendations, please reference Graphic Design in the "Specific Technology Recommendations Based on Major" section |
| College of Arts & Sciences | Sociology | Medium Standard | Not Recommended | Software: SPSS |
| College of Education and Human Development | General | Base Standard | Base Standard | |
| College of Education and Human Development | Interior Design | High Standard | Not Recommended | This program has significant recommendations, please reference Interior Design in the "Specific Technology Recommendations Based on Major" section |
| College of Education and Human Development | Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching Program | Base Standard | Base Standard | |
| Schmidthorst College of Business | General | Medium Standard (Required)* | Not Recommended | *Schmidthorst College of Business students are required to have a Windows device for use in the program. Much of the software used for coursework is only compatible with Windows OS. |
| Schmidthorst College of Business | Department of Applied Statistics & Operations Research | Medium Standard (Required)* | Not Recommended | *Schmidthorst College of Business students are required to have a Windows device for use in the program. Much of the software used for coursework is only compatible with Windows OS. Software: SPSS, Rstudio or R |
| Schmidthorst College of Business | Marketing | Medium Standard (Required)* | Not Recommended | *Schmidthorst College of Business students are required to have a Windows device for use in the program. Much of the software used for coursework is only compatible with Windows OS. Software: R/Studio, LockDown Browser |
| College of Musical Arts | General | Base Standard | Base Standard | |
| College of Health and Human Services | Nursing | Base Standard | Base Standard | Software: Lockdown Browser Accessories: WebcamAC |
| College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering | Architecture and Environmental Design | Medium Standard | Not Recommended | This program has significant recommendations, please reference Architecture and Environmental Design in the "Specific Technology Recommendations Based on Major" section |
| College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering | Aviation Studies: Flight Technology and Operations | Base Standard | Base Standard | Software: ForeFlight application for an iPad |
| College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering | Construction Management | Base Standard | Not Recommended | Accessories: 1 TB or greater capacity external hard drive or SSD recommended |
| College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering | Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering | Base Standard (Preferred) | Base Standard | Software: Windows devices preferred; SolidWorks, Mastercam and ANSYS only work on Windows |
| College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering | Electronics and Computer Engineering | Medium Standard (Preferred) | Medium Standard | Windows is preferred as some software does not run properly on MacOS |
| College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering | Robotics Engineering | Medium Standard | Medlum Standard | Software: Adobe Creative Cloud Accessories: 32GB min external hard drive |
| College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering | Engineering Technology | Base Standard (Preferred) | Base Standard | Software: Windows devices preferred. SolidWorks, Mastercam, and ANSYS only work on Windows. All necessary software is availble in the computer labs but students wishing to complete assignments using their personal devices must purchase the software separately. |
| College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering | Visual Communication Technology | Medium Standard | Medium Standard | This program has significant recommendations, please reference Visual Communication Technology in the "Specific Technology Recommendations Based on Major" section |
| Graduate College | Doctor of Physical Therapy Program | Medium Standard | Medium Standard | For technology requirements and recommendations for the DPT program, please visit this website. |
Specific Technology Recommendations Based on Major
The recommendations below are more detailed specs and/or accessories (in addition to those included in the Recommended Devices table) provided by specific colleges and departments.
College of Arts & Sciences
School of Art Computer Requirements - First Two years
An iPad that meets or exceeds the current minimum system requirements for running Photoshop, and a compatible Apple Pencil, is required for all Digital Arts students.
Software: Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps Student Subscription Plan
500GB or larger portable hard drive
Additional Recommendations
Students are not required to purchase a computer. Students can utilize the school's computer labs. If a student wishes to buy a computer, we recommend a Mac or PC platform with these minimum specifications:
If you feel you also need a PC or a Mac
i5 or i7 Intel® Core™, Apple M2, or equivalent/better processor
Minimum 512GB internal storage
16GB RAM
A dedicated video card (PC only)
Software: Adobe CC for some classes, Procreate (Recommended)
Note: Digital Arts Students 'evolve' as they progress through the department. We don't like giving hard specs for the first two years. A person doing digital painting may never need more than an iPad. A person doing 3D rendering may have to build their own PC. Students diverge a lot between the 2-3rd years. Graphic Designers will probably never need anything other than a MacBook Pro after the first two years, but an iPad is required for a few of their first year classes, so starting with an iPad is recommended.
School of Art Computer Requirements - First Two years
An iPad that meets or exceeds the current minimum system requirements for running Photoshop, and a compatible Apple Pencil, is required for all Digital Arts students.
Software: Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps Student Subscription Plan
500GB or larger portable hard drive
Additional Recommendations
Students are not required to purchase a computer. Students can utilize the school's computer labs. If a student wishes to buy a computer, we recommend a Mac or PC platform with these minimum specifications:
If you feel you also need a PC or a Mac
i5 or i7 Intel® Core™, Apple M2, or equivalent/better processor
Minimum 512GB internal storage
16GB RAM
A dedicated video card (PC only)
Software: Adobe CC for some classes, Procreate (Recommended)
Note: Digital Arts Students 'evolve' as they progress through the department. We don't like giving hard specs for the first two years. A person doing digital painting may never need more than an iPad. A person doing 3D rendering may have to build their own PC. Students diverge a lot between the 2-3rd years. Graphic Designers will probably never need anything other than a MacBook Pro after the first two years, but an iPad is required for a few of their first year classes, so starting with an iPad is recommended.
First Two Years:
An iPad that meets or exceeds the current minimum system requirements for running Photoshop, and a compatible Apple Pencil, is required for Graphic Design students.
Software: Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps Student Subscription Plan
Second to Senior Year:
MacBook Pro - Best you can afford.
Graphic Designers will use this machine throughout their career.
After their Foundations classes and Digital Imaging classes, Graphic Designers will need a MacBook Pro.
College of Education and Human Development
Accessories: External hard drive for backups; flash drive required for most classes
Mouse required for use with most design software; wireless mouse preferred
3-year warranty
Full key pad keyboard integration
15" min screen size (17" preferred)
Software: Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3DS Max, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign), Microsoft Office. Do not buy specialized software in advance. Student will be advised when/how to purchase or acquire software as needed for each course
College of Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering
Screen Size: 15” minimum. Touch screen is not required.
External Hard Drive/Flash Drive: Recommended to have an external hard drive for backing up; flash drive required for most classes.
Accessories: Wireless Mouse is recommended
Programs: Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3DS Max, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office. Most of the programs recommended above provide students with a free student license so there is no need to purchase these programs.
Recommendations: Three-year warranty
Theft and damage insurance
Note: All of these specs are based on running required programs at minimum requirements such as Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3DSmax, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
Software: Adobe Creative Cloud
Accessories: 1 TB external hard drive for backup, 32 GB or greater SD card with class 6 or greater speed rating, a DSLR or Mirrorless camera capable of video
Notes: Students are not required to purchase a computer to complete their degree and can utilize computer labs. Technology equipment other than laptop or desktop computers, such as external storage devices, are required.
ITS Services
- Free hardware repairs for Dell and Apple computers covered by warranty
- Open computer labs (walk-in use)
- BGSU account support
- Campus-wide printing from personal devices and computer labs
- Cloud file storage using OneDrive
- Office 365 – five free installations of Microsoft Office suite
- Self-help guides for connecting your devices
- The estimated cost of using a personal printer is double the cost of using campus printers
- Personal wireless printers are blocked from accessing the BGSU network
- Add money to your BG1 card to print via campus printers
- Print from your laptop, phone or tablet to any student printer on campus
Safeware is an extended service protection plan (like an insurance plan or extended warranty) sold at Falcon Outfitters. The Safeware plan protects computers and tablets for up to four years against claims that your computer warranty may not cover such as accidental damage, liquid spills, manufacturing defects and power surges. Benefits include no out-of-pocket expenses and a hassle-free claims process.
Updated: 05/15/2025 11:12AM