Laptop Requirements
Updated April 2024
As of fall 2023 all department computer labs have been eliminated and replaced with docking stations to allow students to connect their laptops. Computer based classes will REQUIRE a laptop meeting the
below minimum specifications. Please note that computers must be running Windows 10 or 11. MAC
COMPUTERS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. macOS does not support many of the software programs used by
the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Students may consider purchasing an
extended warranty with accidental damage protection to ensure the laptop lasts the duration of the
degree program.
| Specs | Minimum requirements | Recommended* |
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 | 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 |
| CPU | 12th Generation Intel i7 processor (10- core, 2.8 GHz base clock with 4.7 GHz Turbo Boost, 12 MB cache) |
13th Generation Intel i7 or better processor (10-core, 3.6 GHz base clock with 4.9 GHz Turbo Boost, 12MB cache) |
| RAM | 16GB | 16 GB or 32GB |
| Graphics | Direct X 12 capable graphics card or on-board graphics processor | Dedicated Graphics card with 2 GB memory |
| Hard Disk | 512 GB or larger solid-state drive | 512 GB or larger solid-state drive |
| Screen | 12" screen | 15" or 17" screen |
| Video Output Port | USB-C to allow connection to docking station |
USB-C to allow connection to docking station |
| Accessories | Mouse, USB3.0 flash drive | Mouse, USB3.0 flash drive |
| Approximate cost** | $800-$1,000 | $1,000-$1,200 |
*When purchasing a laptop exceeding the minimum requirements, priority should be given to an upgraded processor.
**Approximate prices do not include an extended warranty.
Laptops meeting the minimum specifications are required for the following courses:
| Architectural engineering | Construction science and management |
|---|---|
| CNS 210 Graphic Comm I | CNS 200 Computer Applications |
| CNS 321- Graphic Comm II | CNS 210 Graphic Comm I |
| ARE 421 Plan Reading | CNS 321 Graphic Comm II |
| ARE 521 Computer Aided ARE Design | CNS 310 Intro to BIM |
| ARE 561 Electrical Systems 2 | CNS 325 Construction Documents |
| ARE 562 Mechanical Systems 2 | CNS 330 Site Construction |
| ARE 563 Structural Systems 2 | CNS 510 Tech Management |
| ARE 571 Systems Integration and Design | CNS 544 ASC Competition |
| ARE 671 ARE Capstone | CNS 641 Construction Estimating |
| ARE 712 Energy Modeling | CNS 643 Pre-Construction |
| ARE 715 AEI Competition Team | CNS 645 Construction Scheduling |
| ARE 722 Building Loads and Computer Aided Analysis/Design | CNS 660 Construction Operations |
| ARE 731 Advanced Lighting Design | CNS 738 Mechanical and Electrical Estimating |
| ARE 734 Advanced Mechanical Air Systems Design | |
| ARE 735 Electrical Systems Design | |
| CNS 738 Mechanical and Electrical Estimating |