Students Technology Purchasing

Discount Software & Computers for Students

Software

Students can receive a discount on several software applications simply by using their SMU Email address. Visit smu.onthehub.com to purchase Adobe applications and more.

Students are eligible to download the Microsoft Office suite, SAS, SAS JMP, and Mathematica free of charge under our campus agreement. Also, many software packages are available to use virtually within Apps.SMU, our virtualized environment.

Hardware

General Computer Recommendations

Apple and Windows platforms are fully supported and compatible with campus IT services. The following are suggested minimum requirements for a personal laptop and we recommend systems that meet or exceed the following specifications

Memory: 8GB or more.
Processor: Intel Core i5 processor or higher.
Storage: 256GB or more.
Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD 620 Graphics or better.
Wireless: 802.11n WiFi wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible
Additional: Built-in video camera and microphone.
Order Early:
 Due to the ongoing computer chipset shortage and other global supply chain issues, OIT encourages incoming students to order their new computers as early as possible—preferably 2-3 months in advance—to ensure they will have the device in hand before arriving on campus.

Computer Requirements & Recommendations by School

Cox School of Business

REQUIRED:

  • Windows laptop or Mac laptop with Windows operating system (Bootcamp, Parallels or VMware for MacBook or MacBook Pro laptop)
  • Current Microsoft Office*.

Special Requirements for Certain Programs/Areas:

  • Students in the MSF program and some MBA Finance courses are encouraged to have HP 12C or BA II Plus calculators
  • Students in the MSBA program, please contact Chester Chambers for additional information
  • Students in ITOM courses need to have MS Access and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio installed
  • ITOM and Stat courses require Solver for Excel add-ins and StatPlus:mac LE (Mac users only)
  • Students in ITOM 6222 – requires JMP
  • Marketing research course requires Excel Data Analysis Add-In

* Please Note:
 Students may freely download the Office apps from smu.edu/microsoft365.

Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

REQUIRED:

  • Computer using Mac OS or Windows with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.*

Special Requirements for Computational Courses:

  • Mac with MAC OS X, Windows, and UNIX platforms; LaTex for text editing

* Please Note:
 Students may freely download the Office apps from smu.edu/microsoft365.

Dedman School of Law

REQUIRED:

  • Computer using Mac OS or Windows with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. *

* Please Note:
 Students may freely download the Office apps from smu.edu/microsoft365.

Lyle School of Engineering

REQUIRED:

  • Laptop or desktop computer. Lyle provides computing lab facilities for completion of course work.

Meadows School of the Arts

What is the requirement?

All students at Meadows are expected to have an Apple laptop computer meeting specific criteria as they enter courses in their major. The minimum laptop specifications are as follows:

REQUIRED:

Model: 13" MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
Operating system: macOS 10.10 or higher
Processor: Apple M1 Chip
RAM: 8GB or higher
HardDrive: 256gb or larger
Technical Support: AppleCare Protection plan
Software: Microsoft Office*
Other recommended software packages vary by academic division and course.

More information about the requirement and financial aid to meet the requirement can be found on the Meadows Laptop Requirement page.


* Please Note:
 Students may freely download the Office apps from smu.edu/microsoft365.

Perkins School of Theology

REQUIRED:

  • Computer using Mac OS or Windows with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.*

SUGGESTED:

  • 14 to 15 inch laptops and Mac for students working with media such as Audio and Video.

* Please Note:
 Students may freely download the Office apps from smu.edu/microsoft365.

Simmons School of Education and Human Development

REQUIRED:

  • Computer using Mac OS or Windows with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. *

* Please Note:
 Students may freely download the Office apps from smu.edu/microsoft365.

Mobile Phone Service

SMU has a contract with both AT&T and Sprint. Through these contracts, students can receive discounts on existing or new lines of service. Click on your desired vendor to learn more or sign up for your cell phone discount.