Mastering digital skills requires a personal digital tool system. Students in the BA in Art and BFA in Art degree programs are required to own a MacBook laptop, external storage, Adobe software, and an AppleCare protection plan. A PC laptop is not a permitted laptop for coursework in visual art and design and is not supported by our programs.
MacBooks are available in a range of configurations. The two options listed below represent the acceptable minimum system (13”, but with high processor speeds) and a maximum (16” with highest processor speeds). We highly recommend purchasing the maximum amount of RAM available. In addition, increasing the storage space and processing will provide the most robust and longest-lasting system available within your budget. Features can be added on any model you choose up to a certain point. Educational pricing is available. UConn’s Barnes & Noble bookstore or the Apple Store nearest you can assist you with system options and purchasing:
MINIMUM SETUP
13” MacBook Pro
Touch Bar and Touch ID
2.0GHz quad‑core 10th‑generation
Intel Core i5 processor,
Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz
16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory
512GB SSD storage1
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650
Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
$1,699.00
OPTIMAL SETUP
16” MacBook Pro
Touch Bar and Touch ID
2.6GHz 6‑core Intel Core i7 processor,
Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz
16GB 2400MHz DDR4 memory
512GB SSD storage1
AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB memory
Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
$2,199.00
The additional items necessary to complete the setup are:
- External, portable harddrive: USB-C and USB 3.0 Thunderbolt connections; 1 or 2 TB in size; LaCie, Samsung T5, or G-Technology brands.
- SuperDuper backup software by ShirtPocket, Inc.
- AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro – Auto-enroll
Please note, if you intend to pursue a concentration in Photography/Video, we suggest a 16” MacBook Pro with an i9 processor, preferred 32GB RAM, and 2 TB external storage.
UConn Information Technology Services (UITS) has provided a good synopsis and overview of tech support here: https://techtraining.uconn.edu/student-technology-resource-guide/
There is an alternative insurance policy to AppleCare — Safeware — that can also be purchased at the bookstore. It is more costly than AppleCare, but the coverage is also more extensive.
In addition to a Mac laptop, students in the BA in Art and BFA in Art programs require a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud software. Freshmen have the option to purchase access to Adobe Creative Cloud without it being required in the first semester. Different courses may require different software, but you will likely find essential software like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign to be useful throughout your entire academic career. The Adobe Creative Cloud Suite can be purchased at a discount through the university at https://software.uconn.edu/adobe-products-students/. Additionally, academic pricing on individual apps is available through Adobe. https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/buy/students.html
You can begin an Adobe subscription using academic pricing at any time you are a full-time student.
If the purchase of a laptop computer is a financial challenge, Financial Services can provide loan assistance. In the beginning of the Fall semester, you can file an “Appeal for Increased Cost of Attendance” with the Office of Student Financial Aid Services (https://financialaid.uconn.edu/appeals/). The Office can then increase your loan eligibility for up to $2,000 to help with the cost of the computer. Please keep in mind that receipts for the purchase will have to be provided, along with a copy of this letter.
We’re excited to welcome you to UConn and to our Department! Don’t hesitate to contact the UConn Barnes & Noble (uconn.bncollege.com) or the Apple Store for assistance with computer system options and purchasing questions. Also, please contact us in the Art & Art History office with any other questions you may have – and feel free to stop by and say hello when you arrive. We’re looking forward to working with you soon!
Updated 8/4/2021