Computer Recommendations
2021 Computer Recommendations for Incoming Students
We’ve worked with JMU IT and the JMU Academic Departments to offer you computers that meet the recommendations and requirements for your major. We’ve listed the computers which have been approved by most of the academic programs below under General Recommendations.
The academic programs with more specific recommendations and requirements are listed separately under Specific Recommendations. Please contact the Madison CyberZone directly if you have additional questions.
College of Science and Mathematics*
*Some software titles for the Physics concentration are taught using the Windows version. While a Mac version may be available, interface and features differ from the Windows version. Windows based labs are available with needed software for students to complete assignments.
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7500 series
MacBook Pro 13” or 16” with a minimum of 16GB memory and 512GB Flash Storage*
College of Integrated Science and Engineering*
*School of Integrated Sciences students may be required to use virtualization software such as VirtualBox, VMware or Parallels. Students should consider higher end systems that can adequately support this software.
Recommended: 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7500 series
MacBook Pro with TouchBar 13” or 16”
Minimum: 8GB Memory, 256GB SSD
Geographic Science Program*
*GS Majors who purchase Apple computers will need to run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization software. The college will provide a free version of Windows and CISE-IT staff can assist with the installation. We encourage GS majors to consider Windows based computers. Some of the software taught is graphics intensive and Windows based.
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7500 series
Department of Engineering
Recommended: 32GB Memory, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX A-Series Graphics Card
Minimum: 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA T-Series Graphics Card
College of Business*
*College of Business requires a laptop that meets their minimum recommendations. We recommend getting a Windows laptop.
For more information on COB laptop requirements and recommendations please visit:
Recommended: 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD, 4-Year Accidental Damage Warranty
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7500 series
Minimum: 8GB Memory, 256GB SSD
School of Art, Design, and Art History*
*Architectural Design and Industrial Design recommend students postpone purchasing a computer until they are accepted into Upper Division classes. The Studio Center offers a computer lab for all Architectural Design and Industrial Design students. If you must purchase a computer for your first year:
Architectural Design
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7500 series
Industrial Design
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7500 series
Graphic Design Majors
School of Media Arts and Design
*SMAD recommends students postpone purchasing a computer until they are accepted into the program. SMAD provides a full featured iMac lab for prospective SMAD students.
If you must purchase a computer for your first year, SMAD’s custom recommendations are available here:
