Technology Requirements

For Business Students

Laptop Recommendations

As a College of Business student you will be required to utilize a laptop throughout the entirety of your academic career for all coursework. There are required specifications (all outlined below) for the type of laptop or technology you should invest in.

Some programs and classes will require software that will only run on a Windows-based laptop. If you choose to purchase an Apple laptop, depending on your program, you may be unable to complete required course work. We strongly suggest you read the information in the MacOS vs Windows FAQ entry below. For information on where you can purchase a laptop, please see the Where Can I Buy a Laptop? FAQ entry.

  1. You will have specific technological needs to complete your course work and Depending on your major, you will need a specific operating system (Windows or Mac).

  1. A laptop is required (you may use a tablet for notetaking) – review recommendations here.

  1. You cannot utilize a Chromebook as these are not laptops. 

  1. You have access to the College of Business IT Team for support. If you have additional questions regarding laptop requirements, contact us at (541) 737-0947

Still have questions? Review our FAQs here! 

 

 
Minimum Specifications
Recommended Specifications
Processor
12th Gen. Core i3
13th Gen. Core i5
Memory
8GB RAM
16GB RAM
Storage
256GB SSD
512GB SSD or larger
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Card
Integrated Graphics Card

Program-Specific Requirements

Tablets or phones may be used for personal note taking, but course work will require use of a laptop.

The Design programs within the College of Business require the purchase of a laptop. It is expected that each student will have purchased a laptop that meets these requirements for their specific program.  Typically, the first course needing a laptop and software will be DSGN 121.

Need a temporary laptop?  Visit Student Multimedia Services in the Valley Library to check out a laptop rental.

 

Students in Apparel Design require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.

WINDOWS
Minimum Specifications
Recommended Specifications
Processor
12 gen Intel® Core™ i5 Processors / AMD® Ryzen 5000 Series processors
13 gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processors / AMD® Ryzen 7000 Series  processors
Memory
16GB RAM
32GB RAM
Storage
512GB SSD
512GB SSD or larger
Graphics
Discrete graphics card
Discrete graphics card
MAC
Minimum Specifications
Recommended Specifications
Processor
M1
M2 or better
Memory
16GB RAM
32GB RAM
Storage
256GB HDD
512GB SSD or larger
Graphics
OS
Mac OS Ventura latest update
MacOS Sonoma latest update

Students in Interior Design will need to run software on a Windows-based laptop that also has heavier 3D graphics needs. Therefore, a laptop running Windows is required for interior design. It is strongly recommended to have a discreet graphics card as listed in the recommended specifications.

 
Minimum Specifications
Recommended Specifications
Processor
11th Gen. Core i5
11th Gen. Core i7
Memory
16GB RAM
16GB RAM
Storage
512GB SSD
512GB SSD or larger
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Card
Discrete Graphics Card

For students in Design and Innovation Management, a Windows-based laptop is strongly recommended. It is possible to use a laptop running Mac OSx for most coursework, but some business courses require software that is Windows only.

 
Minimum Specifications
Recommended Specifications
Processor
11th Gen. Core i5
11th Gen. Core i7
Memory
16GB RAM
16GB RAM
Storage
512GB SSD
512GB SSD or larger
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Card
Discrete Graphics Card

Students in Merchandising Management require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.

 
Minimum Specifications
Recommended Specifications
Processor
11th Gen. Core i5
11th Gen. Core i7
Memory
16GB RAM
16GB RAM
Storage
512GB SSD
512GB SSD or larger
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Card
Discrete Graphics Card

 

FAQs

Some programs and classes will require software that will only run on a Windows-based laptop. If you choose to purchase an Apple laptop, depending on your program, you may be unable to complete required course work.

Apparel Design (AD): Windows or Mac
Design & Innovation Management (DIM): Windows strongly recommended
Interior Design (ID): Windows required
Merchandising Management (MM): Windows or Mac  

Students in Apparel Design require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.

For students in Design and Innovation Management a Windows-based laptop is strongly recommended. It is possible to use a laptop running Mac OSx for most coursework, but some business courses require software that is Windows only.

Students in Interior Design will need to run software on a Windows-based laptop that also has heavier 3D graphics needs. Therefore, a laptop running Windows is required for interior design. It is strongly recommended to have a discreet graphics card as listed in the recommended specifications.

Students in Merchandising Management require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.

No, a Chromebook will not support the necessary software for your courses. We strongly recommend the purchase of a laptop that meets the required specifications by major (listed at the top of this page).

Tablets or phones may be used for personal note taking, but course work will require use of a laptop.

  • Office 365 (Microsoft teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive and so much more) are provided to students (on up to 5 personal devices) for free! Download this software here.
  • Zoom is provided for easy and reliable video and web collaboration. Download this software here.

Dell: OSU Business Configurations

Microsoft Education Store: Student Discounts & Deals (Windows, Surface, Laptops & more)

Apple Store

  • There are numerous computer labs on-campus that are available to students. The hours for these computer labs vary and might not be as accessible as a personal laptop. Below are two of the computer labs our College of Business students often use:
  • We encourage you to look at a variety of stores for deals and annual sales. While we have recommendations listed below of where you can purchase laptops – you do not need to purchase them from these links. Often, you can find a computer that meets our requirements at a lower cost.
  • If you would like to talk through “paying for college”, we encourage you to connect with our Center for Advancing Financial Education (CAFE). You can make in-person and remote appointments here:

Visit Student Multimedia Services in the Valley Library to check out a laptop or other necessary technology.

Windows computers are available to all COB students in the Austin Hall 290 Computer Lab. Please visit Austin Hall Computer Lab for more information.

If you need a temporary laptop, visit Student Multimedia Services in the Valley Library to check out a laptop rental.

  • We encourage you to reach out to the OSU Service Desk, you can find more information here.
  • Additionally, you can stop by the College of Business Helpdesk for support - located on the second floor of Austin Hall. More information can be found here.