Department of Art

Computer/Laptop Requirements

VCD Laptop and Equipment Requirements
Department of Art, Art History, and Visual Communication Design
Cal Poly Pomona

The Department of Art, Art History, and Visual Communication Design at Cal Poly Pomona requires all Visual Communication Design (VCD) majors to have a laptop. The department primarily operates in a Mac-based environment, which aligns with industry standards in visual communication design. Most faculty use Mac systems, and while students may choose to use a Windows-based computer, the specifications must be comparable to those outlined below.

Recommended Laptop Configuration
MacBook Pro

  • Apple M4 chip with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU

  • 48GB unified memory

  • 512GB SSD storage
    Link to model

We strongly recommend purchasing through Apple’s education store or an academic discount program. If cost is a concern, aim to match the specifications as closely as possible. Prioritize RAM and GPU performance over screen size or storage capacity.

External Storage

  • LaCie Rugged 5TB Portable External HDD

    • USB 3.0/2.0 compatible

    • Shock, dust, and rain resistant

Camera Requirement
All second-year VCD students are required to take VCD 2361A: Digital Photography. This course requires a DSLR camera. A recommended option is:
Canon EOS Rebel T7 with EF-S 18-55mm Lens
Please consult your photography instructor before making a purchase to ensure compatibility with course requirements.

Software Requirements

  • Adobe Creative Cloud is required for all VCD students.

  • Additional software may be required for specific classes. These will be communicated by the course instructor.

Additional Recommendations
While not required, the following items may improve workflow and productivity:

  • Mouse

  • External keyboard (for home use)

  • Second monitor (for home use)

  • iPad Pro with Apple Pencil

  • GoPro camera

(Revised July 2025)