Scripps College of Communication Tech Recommendation

UPDATED: 05/12/2025

Please email: Bobcat Depot for additional questions.
Important Note: Ohio University provides Microsoft 365 at no charge to our students. To see all University-licensed software available to students at no or discounted-cost, please review this webpage.

COLLEGE / SCHOOL	MODEL RECOMMENDATIONS	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Communication (Scripps): The School of Communication Studies Majors: Health Communication Organizational Communication Communication and Public Advocacy Interpersonal & Cross Cultural	RECOMMENDED MODELS: Lenovo ThinkPad: L14, L16, X9 or X13 ACCEPTABLE MODELS: Apple MacBook Pro: System A thru System J	IMPORTANT NOTE: Microsoft 365 is required for all users. Some classes may utilize software available only for the Windows operating system. Mac users should have the ability to install Windows OS using Apple BootCamp or some other virtual machine emulator (e.g., VMware Fusion, Parallels, Virtual Box, etc.). If using a Mac and running a dual boot system, users must install Windows 10 or above. Bobcat Depot, IT techs or the Scripps College can not install Windows OS on a Mac, this would be up to the user.
Communication (Scripps): The J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies Majors: Information & Telecommunication Systems	ACCEPTABLE MODELS: Lenovo ThinkPad: L14, L16, X9 or X13 Please Note: Custom orders are available - email bobcatdepot@ohio.edu with your specs for a quote. Please reach out to professors within the program for specific recommendations if you are interested in a custom order.	IMPORTANT NOTE: Computer must be able to run Windows OS Windows 11 highly recommended, the Mac platform is strongly discouraged 12th Gen i5, i7 or better 16Gb of memory, future expansion to 32Gb desirable 512G of storage, SSD recommended, NVMe desirable 15" screen recommended Recommended upgrade to discrete graphics card for students interested in games, game development, and VR Larger monitor and peripherals recommended for home use Recommend USB-C port Webcam and Audio headset
Communication (Scripps): The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Majors: News and Information Strategic Communication	Journalism Custom Orders: Lenovo Legion 5 & 7 series laptops are highly recommended by The School of Journalism. These units are considered custom orders. If you would like more information on specifications or the ordering process, please ask the Bobcat Depot staff. RECOMMENDED MODELS: MacBook Pro: System C or System D ACCEPTABLE MODELS: MacBook Pro: System E thru J Lenovo ThinkPad: L14, L16, X9 or X13	IMPORTANT NOTE: Hardware and software are optional; computer labs are available. Required Software: Microsoft Office 365 Adobe Creative Cloud
Communication (Scripps): The School of Media Arts & Studies Majors: Animation Music Production & Recording Industry Media Arts Production Strategic Communication	HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MODELS: MacBook Pro: System F thru J RECOMMENDED MODELS: MacBook Pro: System C or System D ACCEPTABLE MODELS: MacBook Pro: System A or B	IMPORTANT NOTE: Hardware and software are optional; computer labs are available. For productions and animation focused majors, students may be subject to a variety of software: Media Arts Production: Adobe Creative Cloud Music Production / Recording Industry: Avid ProTools & Logic Pro Animation: Adobe Creative Cloud & Autodesk Maya Software can be purchased at any time after students discover what they use most.
Communication (Scripps): The School of Media Arts & Studies Majors: Media & Social Change Screenwriting & Producing	RECOMMENDED MODELS: Lenovo ThinkPad: L14, L16, X9 or X13 MacBook Pro: System A thru System J	IMPORTANT NOTE: Hardware and software are optional; computer labs are available. Microsoft 365 is required for all users. Media & Social Change: No additional production software needed Some classes may utilize software available only for the Windows operating system. Mac users should have the ability to install an up-to-date version of Windows using Boot Camp or some other virtual machine emulator (e.g., VMware Fusion, Parallels, Virtual Box, etc.). If using a Mac and running a dual boot system, users must install Windows 10 or above. Previous versions of Windows OS will not work on a newer Mac.
Communication (Scripps): The School of Visual Communication (VisCom) Majors: Information Design: Interactive Media Information Design: Publication Commercial Photography Photojournalism	RECOMMENDED MODELS: MacBook Pro: System B thru System J MacBook Air: 13-inch M4 - 512GB RECOMMENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE: Students should strongly consider warranty coverage or service plans to cover equipment from accidental damage for the duration of their college career (i.e. 4 years). Warranty Options: Safeware or AppleCare+	IMPORTANT NOTE: Students required to have a personal computer at the start of Fall Semester their first year. Required Software: Microsoft 365 Adobe Creative Cloud: