California College of the Arts
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Laptop Requirement

The Graphic Design Program relies heavily on digital media. The program therefore requires its students to have laptops and recommends certain software.

Recommended Laptops

We recommend the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Students may opt for the 17-inch MacBook Pro if a larger screen is desired.

Educational Technology Services offers a MacBook Pro bundle, and educational discounts and payment programs are available from Apple.

Recommended Software

Adobe CS3 Design Premium is recommended for most Graphic Design students. The bundle provides software for page layout, image editing, illustration, PDF workflows, and interaction design.

Any student who anticipates study within the program's motion graphic or film curriculum is highly recommended to buy the CS3 Master Collection, which provides a complete collection of software from Adobe and Macromedia, including software for print, web, interactive, film/video, and motion graphics.