Technical Requirements & Support

Notes:

• Laptop or Desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU, nor does the Microsoft Surface RT. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies.  They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework.  While these devices are convenient and may be utilized for some course functions they cannot be your primary device.
• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish.  Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. The following platforms are no longer supported by Office 365:
  • Android 4.3 and earlier versions
  • Firefox version 5.0 and earlier versions
  • Internet Explorer 8-10 on Windows 7 and earlier versions
  • Internet Explorer 10 on Win Phone 8.0
  • Safari 6.0.4/OS X10.11 and earlier versions
• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
• Optional Accessories: 
  • Many laptops on the market today do not include CD/DVD drives.  While SNHU typically does not utilize CD/DVD content, this is a good accessory to have.
  • External Hard Drive - it is always a good idea to back up your files and an external hard drive is a great way to do that.
  • Extra power cord - if you have a laptop and are frequently on the move, many people find it useful to have a second power cord - one for home and one for your bag.
  • Headphones/earbuds - many SNHU courses include audio and video content.  These will make viewing and listening easier.

^*Windows 7 End of Life Statement for Students  

Effective Jan. 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7. What does this mean for you?

As part of the continuing evolution of computer systems, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for Windows 7. Keeping your computer current with security updates helps your computer run better and protect your information. Since Microsoft will no longer release updates, the information on your computer will be more vulnerable and your computer may not function as well.

We strongly recommend you update to Windows 10 at your earliest convenience. You can upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Have questions? Contact the ITS help desk via the service portal or by phone at 1.855.877.9919. Technical support is available 24/7. 

Students enrolled in the Communication program are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware and software required in the courses. System requirements often change, so it is important that students maintain awareness of the various minimum hardware requirements for the required software listed below.

Required Hardware:

The requirements below are listed for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.

Mac Specifications:

• Operating system: MacOS® version 10.15 (Catalina), MacOS version 10.14 (Mojave), or 10.13 (High Sierra)
• Processor: Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
• Memory: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessary with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications
• Storage: 4 GB or more of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system)
• Display: 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended
• Graphics: OpenGL 2.0-capable system and 32-bit video card

PC Specifications:

• Operating system: Microsoft® Windows 10 Professional operating system
• Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4  or AMD Athlon® 64 processor; 2 GHz or faster processor
• Memory: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications
• Storage: 3.6 GB free disk space
• Display: 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended*
• Graphics: OpenGL 4.x-capable system and 32-bit video card

In addition, a webcam and microphone that work with the student’s computer are required in COM 212 and COM 213.

Required Software:

The Adobe Creative Cloud Suite is required in COM 229 and COM-230. It is also required for the following elective courses available for communication students: GRA-220, COM-232, GRA-310.

Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe. Please note that Adobe’s terms and conditions require a full year contract for Creative Cloud.

Students enrolled in the digital photography programs are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware, software, and photography equipment required in the courses. System requirements often change, so it is important that students maintain awareness of the various minimum hardware requirements for the required software listed below.

Required Photography Equipment:

• DSLR (video 1080p) camera that allows for manual and automatic operation, supports 1080p video and can use interchangeable lenses
• Tripod
• Lighting Kit

Required Software:

• The full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite is required in at least the following courses: GRA-101, GRA-220, COM-128
• The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan will support most other program courses

Students may also wish to purchase (not required):

• A digital hand-held light meter that can measure both ambient and strobe lighting
• A portable electronic flash unit

The following software programs will be required for use in the game art and development program. Note that system requirements may change without notice. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they meet the minimum system requirements for these programs. 

Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite

This package includes Maya, 3ds Max, MotionBuilder and Mudbox. Students can download these products for free under an educational agreement through Autodesk.

System Requirements

• Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit operating system
• CPU: Intel i5/i7/Xeon technology or AMD equivalent
• Graphics hardware: Refer to Autodesk's recommendations for  Maya and Mudbox
• RAM: A minimum of 16 GB of RAM is required, but 32GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessary with each annual release of new versions of Autodesk applications.
• Disk space: 19 GB free disk space

Note that some Autodesk products included in the Entertainment Creation Suite may be available for Apple^® Mac OS^® X operating systems. Students may elect to run non-native software (most notably 3ds Max) on Windows^® through Apple's Boot Camp^® or Parallels Desktop^® systems. Students who wish to obtain Windows^® 10 may do so through SNHU's OnTheHub store. 

Adobe Creative Cloud

This package includes Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat and more. Students can download these products for a reduced monthly cost through SNHU's OnTheHub store.

System Requirements 

The requirements below are listed for Photoshop and Illustrator. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.

PC:

• Operating system: Windows 10 operating system
• CPU: Intel® Core 2 or AMD Athlon® 64 processor; 2 GHz or faster processor
• RAM: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications
• Disk space: 2.6 GB free disk space
• 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended*
• OpenGL 2.0-capable system

Mac:

• Operating System: Mac OS^® 10.13 (High Sierra), macOS version 10.12 (Sierra), or Mac OS X version 10.11 (El Capitan)
• CPU: Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
• RAM: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications
• Disk space: 4 GB or more of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system)
• 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended* 
• OpenGL 2.0-capable system

The following software programs will be required for use in the 3D Modeling and Animation concentration courses (these include GRA-201, GRA-202, GRA-211 and GRA-212). Note that system requirements may change without notice. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they meet the minimum system requirements for these programs. 

Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite 

This package includes Maya, 3ds Max, MotionBuilder and Mudbox. Students can download these products for free under an educational agreement through Autodesk. 

System Requirements

• Operating system: Windows 10 Professional 64-bit operating system 
• CPU: Intel i5/i7/Xeon technology or AMD equivalent 
• Graphics hardware: Refer to Autodesk's recommendations for Maya and Mudbox
• RAM: A minimum of 16 GB of RAM is required, but 32GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Autodesk applications. 
• Disk space: 19 GB free disk space 

Note that some Autodesk products included in the Entertainment Creation Suite may be available for Apple^® Mac OS^® X operating systems. Students may elect to run non-native software (most notably 3ds Max) on Windows^® through Apple's Boot Camp^® or Parallels Desktop^® systems. Students who wish to obtain Windows^® 10 may do so through SNHU's OnTheHub store. 

Adobe Creative Cloud 

This package includes Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat and more. Students can download these products for a reduced monthly cost of $19.99 through Adobe. (Note that a 12-month contract is required by Adobe.) 

System Requirements 

The requirements below are listed for Photoshop and Illustrator. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website. 

PC:

• Operating system: Microsoft^® Windows 10 Professional operating system 
• CPU: Intel® Core 2 or AMD Athlon® 64 processor; 2 GHz or faster processor 
• RAM: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications 
• Disk space: 2.6 GB free disk space 
• 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended* 
• OpenGL 2.0-capable system 

Mac:

• Operating system: Mac OS^® 10.13 (High Sierra), macOS version 10.12 (Sierra) or Mac OS X version 10.11 (El Capitan) 
• CPU: Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support 
• RAM: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessary with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications 
• Disk Space: 4 GB or more of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system) 
• 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended* 
• OpenGL 2.0-capable system 

Digital camera:

• Digital SLR camera (required in FAS-226, recommended for students to use throughout the program)

Students enrolled in the Graphic Design and Media Arts programs (and associated concentrations) are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware, software, and photography equipment required in the courses in the program. System requirements often change, so it is important that students maintain awareness of the various minimum hardware requirements for the required software listed below.

Required Hardware

The below computer specifications are recommended for students to meet the minimum system requirements of the software programs required for download in the program. Student discounts are available, your academic advisor will provide details.

Mac Specifications

• Model: MacBook Pro 15-inch or iMac (desktop) 27-inch or higher
• Processor: 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor or higher
• Memory: 16 GB (32 GB recommended)
• Storage: 320 GB (1 TB recommended)
• Operating System: Mac OS® X v10.7 or higher

PC Specifications

• Processor: 64-bit Intel® or AMD® multi-core processor
• Memory: 16 GB (32 GB recommended)
• Storage: 320 GB (1 TB recommended)
• Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 7 (SP1), Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 Professional

Digital Camera (required in FAS-226, recommended for students to use throughout the program):

• Digital SLR Camera

Please note that for students pursuing the BA in Digital Photography or the 3D Modeling and Animation concentration will need to be responsible for additional requirements.

Required Software

Adobe Creative Cloud is required by all students in the Graphic Design and Media Arts program. Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe

Please note that Adobe’s terms and conditions require a full year contract for Creative Cloud.

Some courses may require software purchase or subscription:

• Adobe Dreamweaver (12 month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Student Edition)
• Adobe Photoshop (12 month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Student Edition)
• GameMaker (purchase required)
• ArcGIS (purchase of student license required)
• Cypherpath (purchase required)

Microsoft® Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are enrolled at SNHU. Upon graduation, you will need to convert to a paid subscription. Terms are subject to change at Microsoft’s discretion.