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 have to set up accounts, install software, and verify everything is working.

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 newbies@journalism.cuny.edu for recommendations, guidance, and support.

Essential Tools

APPLE LAPTOP

Minimum specifications:

  • M1 processor
  • 8 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)
Purchasing:
Common laptop question(s):
  1. 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

~$600 plus data plan

For shooting high-quality photos and HD video

EXTERNAL DRIve for time machine

~$79.99 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

~$169.99 and up

Purchase a 1TB external solid state drive (SSD) that you’ll carry with you every day.

SDHC MEMORY CARDS

~$60

Allows use of our recording and field equipment

ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD SUITE

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 receive a license to Pro Tools from the school for the duration of your enrollment at the school. Look for an email with instructions for checking out a license as we get closer to Orientation.

AUDIO HIJACK

$42 with academic discount

An application for capturing and recording audio

Buy Audio Hijack

SOPHOS HOME

Free

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

Buy Sophos Home (Free)

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Insuring Equipment

In your pursuits at the Newmark J-School, you will use video and audio gear from our equipment room – including taking it out into the field. To borrow equipment, you are required to have personal property insurance. We’ve arranged for a simple $200 policy through Haylor that covers you for 18 months.  This insurance also protects your laptop and many other personal items, such as your bicycle.

You will need to provide us with a certificate of insurance before you can borrow gear. 

Buy Personal Property Insurance Now

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 or help@journalism.cuny.edu during the academic year.