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Access to Facilities & Equipment

We have a few options for computer access:

• Access computer lab(s) on campus
• Check out a computer via NKU Tech Bar (limited availability)
• Purchase your own (see recommendations below)

Other facility resources for Studio Arts, Art Education, Art History, Drawing, New Media Art, Spatial Arts, Painting, Printmaking, Photography and VCD.

• Please see syllabi and or consult with instructor on up to date facility and equipment access.

Art & Design Program Technology & Tech Supply Recommendations

The Art & Design Program uses computers and digital technology in a variety of disciplines. Photography, New Media Art and Design are the most heavily integrated.

Our program is based on Apple Macintosh technology, as it is the industry standard in the design profession and in most art professions.

Recommended Laptop: Apple Macintosh

• 16‑inch MacBook Pro (this size allows for RAM upgrades)
• 2.3GHz 8‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz
• 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory (RAM) required. Upgrade to 64GB RAM, strongly recommended, if possible. The more RAM, the better.
• AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory
• 1TB SSD storage
• 16-inch Retina display with True Tone
• Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Built-in web cam
• Apple Care plan

Additional Items

• 1 TB external hard drive USB 3.0 or USB-C (for archiving in separate location)
• SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive 32GB minimum (for temporary storage and frequent file transfers)
• Surge Suppressor
• Carrying Case
• Laptop Lock

Recommended Desktop Computer: Apple Macintosh

• 21.5” iMac
• 3.0GHz 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
• Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz
• 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory (RAM), configurable up to 32GB RAM;
  upgrade to min 32GB RAM. The more RAM, the better.
• 1TB Fusion Drive¹
• Radeon Pro 560X with 4GB of GDDR5 memory
• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Retina 4K 4096-by-2304 P3 display
• Built-in web cam
• Apple Care plan

Additional Items

• 1 TB external hard drive USB 3.0 or USB-C (for archiving in separate location)
• SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive, 32GB minimum (for temporary storage and frequent file transfers)
• Surge Suppressor

Software Requirements

Students who need access to Adobe software should also purchase an Adobe Creative Cloud membership. .

Students should also download the Microsoft Office Software provided by NKU. .

Nice to Have

• USB inkjet printer (Canon, Epson, or HP brands); Photo students should consult Photo faculty regarding necessity of having a printer at home.
• Wacom tablet

The Bottom Line

Art & Design has six computer labs available to students, one of which is the student open lab. If students choose to purchase a computer, we recommend that students purchase a MacBook Pro or iMac at minimum; some advanced students may benefit from a Mac Pro. On any model, please get the largest hard drive and memory (RAM) that the student can afford. Always get Apple Care.

For those with laptops, you can plug in an extra monitor to use dual screens for more visual real estate and have an external keyboard and mouse when working in a set location like in your dorm room or home.

Educational pricing is available from the Apple Store in Kenwood but only for hardware equipment made by Apple. Show your NKU ID.

NKU Apple Store

Apple's online store education store for NKU can inform you on specials, place orders, and give information. .

Pre-Owned Apple Computers

You may also consider pre-owned options from local store, .