Laptop Requirement

Students entering the Applied Media Communications and Animation programs at UC Blue Ash College are required to have their own Apple Mac laptop computer that meets the department's minimum technical requirements.

Our students use professional creative software for photography, graphic design, video production, animation, web development, and other forms of digital media. Having a capable laptop allows students to work both in and outside the classroom, access the software used in their courses, and develop the technical skills needed for creative and professional work.

The department strongly recommends an Apple MacBook Pro. However, students may use other qualifying Apple laptops provided they meet our minimum specifications.

Media Communications & Technology is a Mac-based department. Instruction, software demonstrations, and technical guidance are based on macOS. Students are expected to bring their laptops to class when directed by their instructors.

We encourage students to review the recommendations below before purchasing a computer.

Not all laptops provide the same performance, particularly when working with demanding professional media software. We recommend choosing a computer based on your budget, the type of work you expect to do, and how long you intend to use it.

Recommended specifications:

• Apple Silicon processor (recent-generation M-series Pro chip or better preferred)
• 24 GB or more unified memory
• 1 TB or larger internal SSD

Our preferred choice for students purchasing a new computer.

The MacBook Pro provides the best overall combination of performance, portability, connectivity, and flexibility for our academic programs.

Its advanced processing capabilities and active cooling system make it particularly well-suited for demanding creative work, including video editing, animation, motion graphics, and high-resolution media production.

We recommend this configuration for students who want a computer capable of handling their coursework and continuing to serve them as they move into advanced studies or professional creative work.

Minimum specifications:

• Apple Silicon M-series processor
• 16 GB unified memory
• 512 GB internal SSD

A more affordable MacBook Pro option that meets our requirements.

A MacBook Pro with these specifications is capable of completing required coursework in our programs.

While it offers less memory and storage than our preferred configuration, it retains many of the advantages of the MacBook Pro, including active cooling for sustained performance and connectivity options useful in media production.

Students working with large video files, complex animations, or multiple demanding applications may experience some performance limitations and need additional external storage.

Minimum specifications:

• Apple Silicon M-series processor
• 16 GB unified memory
• 512 GB internal SSD

An alternative for students seeking a less expensive computer.

A properly configured MacBook Air can handle most of the software and assignments used in our programs, particularly photography, graphic design, web development, and introductory media production.

However, the MacBook Air is not our preferred choice for students intending to work extensively with video production, animation, or motion graphics.

Unlike the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air uses a fanless cooling system. During sustained, demanding tasks such as video rendering, complex animation, and effects processing, the computer may reduce its performance to manage heat.

Students using a MacBook Air should expect that some projects may take longer to process and may require more careful management of memory, storage, and media files.

All three options meet the department's minimum requirements, but the MacBook Pro is our recommended investment for media production students.

Important: Intel-based Macs, regardless of their memory or storage configuration, do not meet the department's current computer requirements.

Students purchasing new computers should choose specifications that will remain useful throughout their academic program. While computers meeting our minimum requirements can complete required coursework, more demanding projects may benefit from additional memory, storage, and processing power.

Media production places different demands on a computer than everyday tasks such as browsing the web, writing papers, or watching videos.

Our students use professional applications including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Premiere, and After Effects. These programs can require substantial processing power, memory, and storage, especially when working with high-resolution images, video, animation, and complex visual effects.

The MacBook Pro offers several advantages for this type of work:

• Sustained performance: Its active cooling system helps maintain performance during demanding tasks such as video rendering and animation.
• More processing power: Higher-performance processor options are available for complex creative projects.
• Professional connectivity: Built-in ports and support for external displays and peripherals can make it easier to work with cameras, storage devices, and production equipment.
• Long-term flexibility: Additional memory and storage can help extend the computer's usefulness as projects become more sophisticated.

Students working with high-resolution video can also use professional editing techniques, such as proxy media, to reduce the demands placed on their computers.

Our goal isn't to require students to purchase the most expensive laptop available. It's to help them choose a reliable computer that supports their education and their future creative work.

The following devices do not meet the laptop requirements for students majoring in Applied Media Communications or Animation:

• Windows PCs: Our programs require a Mac laptop, and our instructional environment is based on macOS.
• Chromebooks: ChromeOS does not support the full desktop versions of many of the professional applications required in our courses.
• iPads and other tablets: Even when equipped with a keyboard, tablets cannot replace a Mac laptop for our coursework.
• Intel-based Macs: Older Intel-based Mac computers do not meet our current processor requirements.

Media Communications & Technology is a Mac-based department. Faculty instruction, demonstrations, course materials, and technical guidance are based on macOS and the Mac versions of professional software.

Students who choose to use a Windows computer instead of the required Mac do so at their own risk.

Students using Windows are responsible for software compatibility, installation, operating system differences, file management, and troubleshooting. Faculty and department staff cannot provide Windows-specific technical support or alternate instruction.

Using a non-approved computer does not exempt students from assignments, deadlines, participation requirements, or other course expectations.

Students who already own a Windows computer should not assume it will be an acceptable substitute for the required Mac laptop.

Students in Media Communications & Technology programs use a variety of professional software applications throughout their coursework.

Adobe Creative Cloud is the primary software platform used throughout our programs. Depending on their courses, students may use applications such as:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Lightroom Classic
• Adobe Premiere
• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Audition
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Acrobat

Students should plan to have access to the required Adobe Creative Cloud applications throughout their academic program.

Adobe offers educational pricing to qualifying college students. Subscription prices and eligibility requirements may change, so students should review current pricing before purchasing.

Adobe Creative Cloud - Student Subscription

University of Cincinnati students have access to Microsoft 365 applications through their university accounts, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Students should use their UC credentials to access software and services available through the university.

Some courses may require additional software, applications, or services. These requirements will be communicated by individual instructors through course syllabi and Canvas.

Students should consult their instructors before purchasing additional software.

In addition to their laptops, students may need accessories to work with cameras, external storage, and other production equipment.

Media projects can require significant storage space, particularly when working with high-resolution photography, video, and animation.

We recommend purchasing a portable external solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 1 TB of storage, although 2 TB or more may be useful for students working extensively with video.

External SSDs offer fast transfer speeds and are generally more durable than traditional portable hard drives because they have no moving parts.

Students should also maintain backup copies of important files. An external drive used for active project storage should not be the only copy of their work.

Depending on their courses, students may benefit from:

• An external mouse or other input device.
• A USB-C adapter or hub for connecting accessories.
• An SD card reader for transferring camera footage and photographs.
• Headphones suitable for audio and video editing.
• A protective laptop case or sleeve.

Students should consult their instructors before purchasing specialized equipment or accessories, since course needs can vary.

Students should purchase their laptops before beginning their first semester so they'll have time to set up their computers and become familiar with macOS.

Apple offers special education pricing for eligible college students purchasing Mac computers and certain accessories.

Students can review current models, configurations, and educational discounts through the Apple Education Store.

Shop Apple Education Pricing

We strongly recommend purchasing AppleCare coverage for your laptop.

A laptop is an important investment, and unexpected hardware problems can interrupt coursework and production deadlines. AppleCare coverage can provide additional service and support options, depending on the plan selected.

Students should review the coverage terms, costs, and available options before purchasing.

Because a laptop is required for our academic programs, its cost may be considered as part of your educational expenses for financial aid purposes.

The University of Cincinnati includes a personal computer allowance in the estimated cost of attendance for incoming freshmen.

Depending on your financial aid eligibility and available funding, you may be able to use financial aid toward the purchase of your required laptop.

Financial aid does not automatically guarantee that the full purchase price will be covered. Students should contact UC Student Financial Aid before purchasing a computer to learn what options are available.

University of Cincinnati Financial Aid

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

Students who already own a MacBook may continue using it if it meets the department's minimum specifications and can run the software required for their coursework.

A qualifying laptop must have:

• An Apple Silicon M-series processor
• At least 16 GB of unified memory
• At least 512 GB of internal SSD storage
• A compatible, supported version of macOS

If you're unsure whether your existing MacBook meets these specifications, we encourage you to contact the department before purchasing a replacement.

Our faculty provide instruction in professional media software and production techniques, but students are responsible for maintaining their personal computers.

Apple provides hardware and operating system support through its support services and AppleCare programs.

Students can also consult university IT resources for assistance with supported university accounts, systems, and services.

Media Communications & Technology does not provide hardware repair or general technical support for personally owned computers. Windows-specific technical support is not provided by department faculty or staff.

If you're planning to purchase a computer and aren't sure which configuration to choose, we encourage you to contact the Media Communications & Technology department before making your purchase.

Our goal is to help students select equipment that will support their coursework without spending more than necessary.

• Apple Education Store
• Apple MacBook Pro
• Apple MacBook Air
• Adobe Creative Cloud for Students
• UC Student Financial Aid

• Media Communications and Technology Department
• Applied Media Communications Program