Technical Requirements

As a student at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, you are required to own a variety of essential tools.

In addition to an Apple MacBook Pro laptop, you must purchase a prescribed list of accessories and software and make sure everything is up and running prior to orientation in August. This means you will need to set up accounts, install the necessary software, , and ensure that everything is functioning properly. Additional information regarding account setup and equipment insurance will be sent to you via email.

Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on what equipment and software you already own, how powerful a laptop you want, and what degree program you choose. If you’re starting from scratch and meeting our minimum requirements, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $5,000. We include ballpark prices for separate items below. The actual prices you pay will vary depending on the models you choose.

This may sound daunting. But our tech staff is here to help. Please contact us now at for recommendations, guidance, and support.

Essential Tools

APPLE LAPTOP

Minimum specifications:

  • M1 processor
  • 16 GB of memory (RAM)
  • 256 GB solid state drive (SSD)

Recommended specifications:

  • M2 processor
  • 16 GB of memory (RAM)
  • 512 GB solid state drive (SSD)

Common laptop question(s):

Can I use a Windows laptop? Newmark J operates exclusively on Mac, therefore instruction will only be provided on macOS during your time at the school. Please be mindful that your ability to follow along in class may be negatively impacted by being on Windows should you elect to use a Windows laptop; a gap that the faculty and support staff cannot bridge.

SMARTPHONE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND COMPATIBILITY

iPhone
IOS: iOS 14 and higher
iPhone: iPhone 11 and higher

ANDROID
Any Android device that has:
Android 11.0 (Red Velvet Cake) and higher
USB Host Power Requirement of 100 mA
USB Audio Class 1.1 support and higher
Bluetooth 5.0 and higher

Smartphone compatibility requirements are to ensure that the MV88+ mic kit that students receive in their 1st semester works with their smartphone. For a full list of compatible Android devices, click on MV88+ here.

EXTERNAL DRIve for time machine

~$80 and up

Purchase a 3/4/5TB external hard drive drive that you’ll use for backups using the Time Machine application on your Mac. Because you will not be carrying this external hard drive every day, it does NOT need to be a solid state drive (SSD). The Information Technology Services and Support team at our school will be available to assist you with setting up Time Machine.

external drive for everyday carry

~PROVIDED TO YOU

A 2TB external solid state drive (SSD) that you’ll carry with you every day will be provided to you!

SDHC MEMORY CARDS

~PROVIDED TO YOU

Allows use of our audio and video field recording equipment. Upon request, the Equipment Room will provide each student with two SD cards funded by the Tech & Library Committee.

SDHC CARD reader

~$15

Enables easy transfer of data from SD cards to your devices

ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD SUITE (PROVIDED TO YOU)

For video and photo editing, graphic design, PDF creation, etc. You will receive a license to Adobe Creative Cloud from the school for the duration of your enrollment at the school. Look for an email with activation information as we get closer to Orientation.

PRO TOOLS

For recording and mixing audio, you will use Pro Tools, a professional-grade digital audio workstation widely used for recording, editing, and mixing. All incoming students are required to set-up an iLok account and download the free ProTools Intro software.  Pro tools installation (PDF)

AUDIO HIJACK

$59.23 with academic discount

An application for capturing and recording audio

Buy Audio Hijack

MalwareBytes

https://www.malwarebytes.com/pricing – Standard Version Currently $44.99/year – 2025

Business-grade cybersecurity for real-time protection against viruses, malware, Trojans, worms, bots, potentially unwanted apps (PUAs), ransomware, and more.

EQROOM Image 1

Insuring Equipment

Personal Property Insurance

An insurance plan specifically tailored to the program has been arranged with Haylor, Freyer & Coon Inc. (HFC). Policies have been purchased for each student by the Technology and Library Committee using student fee funding.

This policy will cover equipment issued for production courses as well as the student’s personal property in the event of theft or damage, up to $8000. There is a $50 deductible per claim.

FAQs

Great. Just make sure your laptop meets the minimum specifications.

Have tech questions?

Our Help Desk is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Contact us at newbies@journalism.cuny.edu if you’ve got questions prior to attending orientation. During the academic year, please contact us at:

help@journalism.cuny.edu