Rationale
As stated in the Student Handbook, ORU expects students to own a computer while attending the University. The art program seeks to further standardize this expectation to improve organization and consistency. To accommodate the demands of the design profession, yet still provide the best use of resources, individual students majoring in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Specialization of, Game Design and Development, Graphic Design or Studio Art are required to purchase a minimum software and hardware platform. Bachelor of Art (BA) or individual students wishing to take a designated technology requirement course are also required to meet the minimum standard.
What to Purchase - Hardware
Graphic Design Design Majors |
Game Design and Development Majors |
Studio Art, BA or Non-Majors |
|---|---|---|
|
Choose One: 16‑inch MacBook Pro (preferred)
Approx $2900 14‑inch MacBook Pro
Approx $2400 |
Windows Based Machine
Approximately $1,800 |
Choose One: 16‑inch MacBook Pro (preferred) Approx $2900 or 14‑inch MacBook Pro Approx $2400 or Windows Based Machine
Approximately $1200
|
What to Purchase - Software
- Adobe Creative Cloud Student and Teacher Edition (from $240/year for three years, $720 or $20-50 per month based on options)
- General word-processing, presentation and spreadsheet software, ie Microsoft 365 (Free to ORU students), Google Docs, Open Office, etc
- Approximately $1,000-1,300
What to Purchase - Extras
- External 3 button mouse
- External Harddrive for backup and archive
- Case, bag, cover, screen protector
- Adapters and chargers
Total Commitment: $1,000-3,000
Who to Contact
Professor Jason W. Howell, jhowell@oru.edu, (918) 760-8143
Common Questions
What is the difference between the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro options?
The obvious major difference is the cost. The 15-inch has better performance, more screen area, and more device ports (ie USB-C) than the 13-inch.
Based on my major, what should I purchase?
Graphic Design and Game Design majors are required to purchase one of the options because of software system requirements or performance issues. Macbook Air computers are not recommended for these majors. Studio Art, BA or non-majors may choose either the Mac or Windows options. Students interested in studying video production will also need to meet the standards required by those courses, which generally require higher performance. For more information, contact Rafael Barreiro at rbarreiro@oru.edu or (918) 495-6754.
I purchased a computer before I came to ORU. Can I use it?
Yes, as long as the computer fits the requirements. The system and software requirements are always determined a semester before the standards take effect, so it is likely that the machine will meet the standards. Chromebooks are not permissible due to the software requirements.
Why can’t I find the machine you require?
The requirements are set to make the largest number options available to the greatest number of people. Depending upon when you are searching, the current models for sale are often better equipped than the models and titles required.
When do we learn the software we are buying?
Unless you purchase it early, you will have basic software training prior to needing the skill or technology required in class. Software instruction occurs in ART 107 Digital Fundamentals.
Where can I purchase these items?
You can purchase these items from:
- ORU bookstore.
- Portal to the Apple Store via the ORU website.
- An Apple Retail Store is located in Tulsa. For a list of stores, click here.
- An Apple Retail store around the world. For a list of stores, click here.
- In the near future, Adobe software will only be available through subscription. Software is available for purchase via a direct download.
- You may also shop private vendors.
- Microsoft 365 (ORU Student Free Download)
- MacZone.
- Mac Mall.
What is Adobe's Creative Cloud versus traditional software?
Adobe Creative Cloud is leasing the right to download and use software. Each month, the software checks that the license is current and allows use.
How long must I subscribe to the Adobe software?
A subscription is required for the duration of courses associated with the design requirement. For some majors, a limited or intermittent use may be preferred. Adobe offers several options, but the best value is obtained through a year long commitment to qualified students. Access to all programs is required for all students for a limited number of courses. Access to all programs is required for a minimum of seven semesters for Graphic Design and Game Design and Development majors. For more information, please visit https://creative.adobe.com/plans.
Can I use Open Source software?
Yes and no. Open source software is generally a great choice, but for design production, it may not integrate well into the professional world. Many employers expect fluency in Adobe products, so we require their use. For general office and word processing, open source is acceptable for design courses. You may try these options:
My total cost exceeds the estimate provided above. Is something wrong?
Possibly. The estimates do not include tax, shipping, or additional promotions such as free printers or upgrades. If the amount is considerably more, please make sure you are fulfilling any terms published by the vendor to earn the appropriate educational discount.
Is this all I need?
This purchase will cover 90% of the activities planned in the process of instruction. Additional items needed for class, such as blank media, portable hard drives, cameras and printers are covered by course fees, but students may still have incidental expenses related to the completion of course assignments. A case, a padded bag for protection and a backup hard drive are also good investments.
My Friend has a copy of these titles. Can use them?
Almost all software is available by subscription, and therefore very difficult to use without proper validation. If needed, students should purchase software and hardware from a reputable vendor, though no official source is recommended. Purchasing and registering the products allows benefits, upgrades, and protections should the situation merit such action. The University cannot condone the illegal use of software and sees such action as a violation of the Student Honor Code. Violation of these policies could result in severe punishment. Exercise extreme caution when purchasing used hardware or software as doing so may inadvertently violate the policies.
Why should I buy this Equipment and not the school?
By owning this equipment the student is provided with best use his or her time and money without having to raise fees or tuition. The equipment belongs to and is transportable with the student. The funds that normally go to support labs are now used to provide support for advanced printers, cameras, various subscriptions, licenses and supplemental software.
Should I get the extended coverage via AppleCare?
The answer largely depends on the end user. One of the disadvantages of portable devices is the increased probability for damage during transport or use. While the option is not required, it is recommended.
What is covered in the required software? What do they do?
The Creative Cloud includes: Adobe InDesign (page layout), Adobe Illustrator (vector drawing), Adobe Photoshop (advanced photo manipulation), Adobe Acrobat Pro (pdf creation), Dreamweaver (web design), Adobe After Effects (motion design and animation), Premiere (digital video editing), plus several others that are used on occasion.
My computer has fonts, do I have to buy more?
No, most professional fonts are included as part of the Adobe subscription. The quality and flexibility of the default fonts on a computer is less than professional, though many are used in a public setting. In order to meet the quality standards and expectations of the industry, students need to use fonts that demonstrate the complexities most projects require.
What if my computer is broken during the semester?
Alternative machines and software are available for temporary use in campus labs.
I have a typical PC, not an Apple computer as specified. Can I use it?
It depends on the declared major. Microsoft based PC’s are acceptable to fulfill the requirement for design majors, but required to run some game engines. However, the majority of visual design professionals use the Apple platform and expect future interns or employees prepared to use the same. Apple machines are comparable in price and performance when similarly specified. Given these variables, the benefit of the Apple’s integrated set of systems increases the equipment’s performance, efficiency and longevity. Other majors are allowed to purchase a typical PC for use in the limited number of technology related courses required.
I am really interested in video production as well as design, which computer should I get?
Many students wish to pursue a minor in a related area. ORU’s Media degrees have a technology requirement that differs from this one. The demands of digital video production require a significantly higher level of performance, and different professional software packages, though many areas overlap. These courses require a different set of software and hardware. For more information, contact Rafael Barreiro at rbarreiro@oru.edu or (918) 495-6754.
What if I fail to fulfill my requirement on time?
The standards are well established and published, so a failure to meet the requirement is rare. Student may petition their situation to the program advisor, but students may loose enrollment in any course with a technology requirement as published in the University Catalog.
Can financial aid assist with this expense?
Yes. Students should contact ORU’s Financial Assistance Office.