Technology Requirements

The School of Emerging Media and Technology requires that incoming students purchase a laptop computer that can be used in their major classes. We strongly recommend students purchase either an Apple or Windows laptop computer that meets or exceeds the standards listed below.

Minimum Approved Hardware

• 13+" Display
• Intel Core i5 processor
• 8 GB Ram - 16 GB is recommended for video majors
• 256 GB Hard Drive
• The Solid State Drives that come with the Retina Display also are acceptable.

Recommended Software

Microsoft Office is free to all Kent State students. To obtain your copy, please visit http://support.kent.edu/office.

We also recommend creating a free account on Dropbox, Box.com or Google Drive. If you upload your files to one of these services, they will be secure and operate as a cloud backup in case of a computer malfunction.

External Hard Drives

For students who want to transport their media files (Video and Audio), we also recommend an external hard drive that works with both Apple and Windows computers.

Back-to-School Deals

It is recommended that parents/students take advantage of back-to-school specials. The Kent State University Bookstore offers Apple back-to-school specials that students can take advantage of, as well as education pricing. You may contact the bookstore at (330) 672-2762 or visit their website at https://kent.bncollege.com/.

It is also recommended that students purchase an upgraded three-year computer warranty. This is due to portable computers being subjected to more wear and tear than desktop computers.