This information is for new students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences. Only majors with recommendations are listed. If you don’t see your major, there are no specific recommendations for your program.

Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Exercise Science, Health Sciences

  • Students should have a laptop (Chromebooks and tablets should be avoided).
  • Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) loaded onto the laptop. The online versions of these software products are insufficient for the student needs.
  • An external mouse is also suggested as it makes navigating within these software programs much easier than using a mouse pad.

Computer Science and Cybersecurity

  • We strongly encourage students to purchase a laptop rather than rely on a desktop or notebook, as portability will be important for coursework, labs, and collaborative activities. 
  • There are no strict requirements regarding operating system or specific configurations for our program. Both Windows and MacOS systems work well for our courses. While many students prefer Mac laptops for their longer battery life, either option will serve you well. 
  • We recommend the following specifications to support the software and tools used throughout the program. 
    • Memory (RAM): 8–16 GB
    • Storage: 512 GB SSD
    • Processor: 5–8 core CPU

Game and Interactive Media Design

  • These minimum system requirements are recommended: 
    • i7 or Yrzen 7 processor
    • 32 GB RAM
    • 1 TB hard drive storage 
    • Graphics Card RTX40 Series and above

Film and Television

  • An Apple or PC that will run the Adobe Creative Suite.

Music Production

Students aren't required to have a computer or to own any of the software we use in our Music Production classes. Rider provides a lab with hardware, software, and time to complete homework, and we run the courses without expecting students to have their own copies of the programs. 

  • These minimum system requirements are recommended: i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 500GB hard drive storage.
  • If a student chooses to purchase a computer and the software we use in Music Production classes: most software offers student pricing, so always check before paying full price. 
    • We require students to work with Ableton Live Suite (MUS 213, 313, 316) and Serato DJ Pro (MUS 116), which are compatible with both Windows and Mac machines.
    • Students sometimes use Logic Pro, Pro Tools, or FL Studio in MUS 316 (but not MUS 213 or 313), which are compatible with both Windows and Mac machines. Please note that Logic Pro is a Mac-only software; it is installed in our labs, but we don't require students to work in it.

Theatre Design and Technology 

  • Students are encouraged to own an Apple laptop.

Westminster Choir College

  • All Westminster Choir College students are also required to have a tablet for use in choral rehearsals and performances. A minimum of an 11-inch tablet (Apple or Android) is suggested.