Students enrolled in Art and Design Foundations courses in the degree programs listed below are required to have access to a personal laptop computer that meets the minimum specifications outlined on this page. Laptops are used regularly in Art and Design Foundations coursework and should support digital tools used throughout a student’s degree program.

This requirement applies to students in the following degree programs:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Art and Design & Illustration
• Art Education (BSEd)
• Art Therapy (BA)
• Visual Studies (BA)

The Art and Design Foundation curriculum emphasizes the integration of digital tools, creative software, and technology-based practices across the first-year curriculum.

This requirement ensures:

• Consistent access to technology for all students.
• Equitable participation in digital assignments, documentation, and creative work.
• Preparation for professional practice in art, design, and time-based media.

The revised Art and Design Foundations curriculum introduces digital processes in all studio areas, building habits and technical fluency that students will continue to develop in their majors.

The laptop requirement begins with students entering the Art and Design Foundations program in Fall 2026.

Current students (who began prior to Fall 2026) are not required to purchase a laptop but are encouraged to ensure they have reliable access to one for coursework.

Both Mac and PC configurations are supported, allowing students choice in their preferred platform. Students can find full details in the Laptop Requirements section above.

Using the specifications provided in the Laptop Requirements section, students are welcome to purchase a computer from a vendor of their choice. Additionally, Temple’s OwlTech store offers school-specific laptop recommendations that meet program requirements.

OwlTech provides:

• Verified configurations for Tyler programs.
• Educational pricing and financing options.
• Extended warranty and protection plans.
• Seasonal discounts and accessory bundles.

Visit shopowltech.com for current recommendations and purchasing options.

Temple offers several ways for students to borrow or rent laptops, both short- and long-term.

Laptop Rentals

At Temple, there are several options for borrowing computers on campus:

• Complimentary 4-hour loans at the TECH Center Lab and Laptop Share kiosksthroughout campus.
• Free, long-term laptop loans for the current or upcoming semester through the Student Technology Assistance Application (STAA).

To check eligibility, complete the STAA form.

More info: OwlTech Rentals and Student Technology Assistance

Art and Design Foundations Department Loaners

The Art and Design Foundations Department maintains a small number of loaner laptops for use during class time in the event a student forgets their laptop, their laptop requires repair, or another emergency arises.

Note: These devices are not intended as a long-term substitute for Foundation students. Students in the Foundation program are required to have and maintain their own laptops.

Yes. Required software will be available to students through Temple’s educational licenses or via free/open-source tools used in coursework. Software provided free of charge by Temple includes the Adobe Suite, Microsoft 365, Zoom, among others. Additionally, many software providers have programs for students that include free and reduced-cost software.

Students may coinsider, at their discretion:

• External mouse (for precision work)
• Headphones with a microphone (for time-based or video work)
• External drive or cloud storage for backups
• Optional stylus or pen tablet (e.g., Wacom, iPad with Pencil)

Yes. Support is available through:

• Temple’s Help Desk and Tech Center (hardware/software troubleshooting).
• OwlTech’s on-campus service counter (repairs and diagnostics).
• Art and Design Foundations faculty, who will assist with basic software setup as it applies to assignments