Computer Requirements and Assistance
Computer Services and Virtual Lab
Berkeley College has always been committed to training students on the latest technology as it relates to the professional world. College facilities are equipped with current hardware and software (including specialized industry-specific applications), audio-visual equipment, wireless networking, and more. All technology is supported by Berkeley staff.
HelpDesk
The Helpdesk assists with the many Berkeley course resources, support resources, and other online data forums, Berkeley offers HelpDesk services. Students may contact the HelpDesk via chat, phone or email for technical help. The Canvas Helpdesk is available 24/7.
Computer Labs
Each Berkeley campus offers at least one computer lab for student use. Along with numerous computer stations loaded with current software, students also have access to printers and other technology to use for assignments, research, and more. Evening and weekend hours make it convenient to fit projects into busy schedules.
Virtual Lab
The Berkeley College Virtual Lab offers students secure, remote access to a variety of widely used business software programs from laptops, tablets, or smartphones with remote desktop capability. Using a secure password and student ID, the virtual lab is easily accessed by on-site and online students via a remote desktop connection.
Computer System and Software Requirements
In order to take an online course, you will need to meet the following minimum computer requirements:
PC System Requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i5 / i7 (8th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 / 7
- RAM: 8 gigabytes (GB) or greater (16 GB recommended)
- Storage: 128–256 GB SSD (or larger) → SSD is strongly recommended for speed
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics card: Integrated modern GPU or dedicated (e.g., NVIDIA GTX / AMD Radeon)
- Display: (1920 × 1080) or higher
- Sound card with speakers
- Microphone
- Keyboard and Mouse
- Webcam
Additional information can be found on the Microsoft website.
Mac System Requirements
For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose "About This Mac". These Mac models are compatible with macOS Sonoma (2023) or later.
- MacBook Air (2018 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2018 and newer)
- Mac Mini (2018 and newer)
- iMac (2019 and newer)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (2019 and newer)
- Mac Studio (all models)
For a complete list of all compatible apple devices, visit the Apple website.
High Speed Internet
High-Speed Internet Access (Cable, DSL, or FIOS). We do not recommend tethering to your mobile device. We define high speed the following:
- Minimum download speed: 25 Mbps or higher
- Minimum upload speed: 10 Mbps or higher
Software Requirements
- Windows11 or macOS Sonoma
- Remote Desktop Client (built into the Microsoft OS)
- Web browser: Chrome (latest versions)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader software (download Acrobat Reader for free)
- A current anti-virus software
- Identity Verification
- Chrome
- *Microsoft Word 365
- *Microsoft Excel 365
- *Microsoft Access 365
- *Microsoft PowerPoint 365
*Students may download for free Microsoft Office Products by logging into their MyMail accounts.
Chrome Books and computers running Windows 10 in S Mode are not compatible with all software and therefore do not meet the minimum requirements.
Please note that hardware and software requirements, as well as the availability of software in the Virtual Lab are subject to change at any time.
Interior Design Online Program Requirements
Device Requirements
PC Specifications (Windows)
| Component | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Processor | Intel® 11th Gen or newer CPU with Quick Sync – or AMD Ryzen™ 3000 Series / Threadripper 3000 series or newer CPU |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| Storage | Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache |
| GPU | 8 GB (minimum 2 GB) |
| Display | 1920 x 1080 or larger |
| Mouse | 3 button mouse required |
| Internet | Broadband required |
Devices Not Recommended for This Program
- Mac hardware is not recommended for Interior Design
Required supplies and software by semester, with cost breakdown
Costs are subject to change and are estimates only.
| Semester | Category | Required Items | Approx. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Supplies |
|
$155.00 |
| Second Semester | Software |
|
$100.00 |
| Third Semester | Software |
|
$45.00 |
| Fourth Semester | Software |
|
$240.00 |
| Fifth Semester | Software |
|
$45.00 |
| Sixth Semester | Software |
|
$45.00 |
| Seventh Semester | Software |
|
$45.00 |
| Eighth Semester | Software |
|
$45.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Chrome Books and computers running Windows 10 in S Mode are not compatible with all software and therefore do not meet the minimum requirements.
Please note that hardware and software requirements, as well as the availability of software in the Virtual Lab are subject to change at any time.
Graphic Design Computer Requirements
Due to the software used in the Graphic Design program, students need a compatible computer that meets both Berkeley College and Graphic Design software requirements. An Apple computer with Apple silicon is the preferred platform.
Software & Technology Requirements
The GRD program uses professional-grade software that requires a qualifying device and a reliable internet connection. Review the requirements below before your first semester. Questions? Contact the Berkeley College Help Desk.
Device Requirements
Adobe Creative Cloud, Blender, and Unity are resource-intensive applications. A device that handles web browsing, streaming, or general coursework will not reliably run GRD program software. Confirm your device meets the specifications below before your first class.
Mac Specifications (macOS) — Preferred Platform
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS Monterey (12) | macOS Sonoma (14) or Sequoia (15) |
| Processor | Apple Silicon M1 | Apple Silicon M1 or later (M2 or M3 preferred) |
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB unified memory |
| Storage | 20 GB free, SSD strongly recommended | 100 GB free, SSD required |
| GPU | Metal-supported GPU, 2 GB VRAM | Apple Silicon integrated or Metal-supported GPU, 8 GB VRAM |
| Display | 1280 x 800 | 1920 x 1080 or larger |
| Internet | Broadband required | Broadband required |
PC Specifications (Windows)
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 v24H2 | Windows 11 v24H2 or later |
| Processor | Intel 6th Gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 1000 Series or newer (AVX2 required) | Intel 11th Gen or newer with Quick Sync, or AMD Ryzen 3000 Series or newer |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB for HD media; 32 GB or more for 4K and higher |
| Storage | 8 GB for installation; additional space required for media | 100 GB free, SSD required |
| GPU | NVIDIA Maxwell gen or newer, 4 GB VRAM; or discrete AMD/Intel GPU with 4 GB VRAM and OpenCL support | Dedicated GPU, DirectX 12 support, 8 GB VRAM |
| Display | 1440 x 900 | 1920 x 1080 or larger |
| Internet | Broadband required | Broadband required |
Devices Not Recommended for This Program
The following devices cannot run GRD program software and are not suitable for coursework:
- Chromebooks
- iPads and Android tablets
- Mac computers with Intel processors running macOS older than Monterey (12)
- Any computer with less than 16 GB RAM
- Any computer running a 32-bit operating system
- Surface Go or similar low-power tablet and laptop hybrids
Software Access
Your Adobe Creative Cloud License
Every enrolled GRD student receives a named user license for the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, assigned to your Berkeley College MyMail account.
When you launch any Adobe application or the Creative Cloud desktop app for the first time, you will be prompted to sign in. Enter your Berkeley College MyMail email address and create a unique password for your Adobe account. For security purposes, do not use the same password as your Berkeley College account.
- Download and install the full CC suite on your personal device at no additional cost
- Your license is active for the duration of your enrollment in the GRD program
- Your license travels with you: use it at home, on campus, or anywhere with internet access
GRD Program Software
Adobe Creative Cloud (included in your license)
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe Dimension
- Adobe Substance 3D Stager
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Lightroom
- Adobe Bridge
- Adobe Media Encoder
Non-Adobe Software (free download)
Blender, Unity, and Figma are free and do not require a license. Download and install them when required for your courses.
On-Campus Access
All GRD software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, is installed on all Mac Lab computers. Sign in with your MyMail email and password to access your files, settings, and cloud storage.
Woodland Park Campus
ACA Room 212a | ACA Room 301
Midtown NYC Campus
Room 403
Apporto Option (If You Do Not Have a Compatible Device)
Apporto is a virtual desktop environment that provides browser-based access to Adobe Creative Cloud without installing software locally. It is available as a temporary option for students who have a reliable broadband connection but do not yet have a qualifying device.
Apporto Requirements
- Stable broadband connection (25 Mbps minimum; hardwired preferred over WiFi)
- Google Chrome, latest version
- Not compatible with mobile phone tethering or unreliable WiFi
- Not recommended for use on tablets or mobile devices
Apporto does not support Blender, Unity, or Figma. If you are relying on Apporto, plan to upgrade your device before reaching 3D and motion courses in the program sequence. Additional information: apporto.com/help-center/required-environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Graphic Design FAQs
3D Digital Visualization FAQs
Chrome Books and computers running Windows 10 in S Mode are not compatible with all software and therefore do not meet the minimum requirements.
Please note that hardware and software requirements, as well as the availability of software in the Virtual Lab are subject to change at any time.
Course-Specific Software Requirements
All of the following software programs listed below with the noted exceptions will be available through our online virtual lab for students taking online courses. (Graphic Design requirements are broken out separately.) Accessing the virtual lab is slower than having the software installed on your own computer and requires a high-speed internet connection. Student versions of most of the software listed are available for purchase at BerkeleyStore.BerkeleyCollege.edu.
Instructions for connecting to the Online Virtual Lab: Virtual Lab Instructions.
Course software and material requirements listing
| Course Title | Required Software / Tools |
|---|---|
| ACC2115 Accounting Information Systems |
|
| ACC2252 Federal Taxation I |
|
| BDS1100 Storytelling with Data |
|
| BDS2240 Programming for Computer Science and Data Science |
|
| BDS2260 Machine Learning |
|
| BDS3360 SQL and Managing data |
|
| BDS4410 Data Security and Privacy |
|
| BUS2250 Computer Applications in Business |
|
| BUS2281 Project Management |
|
| BUS4430 CRM and Enterprise Systems |
|
| CIS1115 Computer Applications |
|
| CIS2201 Advanced Spreadsheets |
|
| ENG1105 Writing and Research |
|
| ENG2205 Writing Through Literature |
|
| ENG2215 Public Speaking |
|
| ENG2265 Business Communication |
|
| ENG3316 The Confident Writer |
|
| FAS1111 Photoshop and Digital Graphics I |
|
| FAS1112 Illustrator and Digital Graphics II |
|
| GRD1100 Graphic Design Principles |
|
| GRD1101 Photoshop & Digital Graphics |
|
| GRD1102 Illustrator & Digital Graphics |
|
| GRD1105 Painting |
|
| GRD1170 Drawing |
|
| GRD1190 Typography I |
|
| GRD2205 Three-Dimensional Design |
|
| GRD2226 Professional Development |
|
| GRD2230 Digital Photography & Creative Media |
|
| GRD2233 Web Design |
|
| GRD2210 Graphic Design in Visual Culture |
|
| GRD2240 Digital Publishing |
|
| GRD2280 3D Design & Modeling |
|
| GRD2290 Typography II |
|
| GRD3305 Design Production |
|
| GRD3315 UI/UX Design |
|
| GRD3360 Packaging Design |
|
| GRD3395 Branding |
|
| GRD4400 Animation Foundations |
|
| GRD4405 Motion Graphics |
|
| GRD4410 Publication Design |
|
| GRD4420 Game Design |
|
| GRD4455 Capstone Research |
|
| GRD4460 Capstone Project |
|
| GRD4470 Special Topics in Graphic Design |
|
| GRD4481 Portfolio |
|
| GRD4483 Internship |
|
| HEA2255 Electronic Health Records |
|
| IBS4450 International Business Simulation |
|
| ITM2210 Introduction to Database Management |
|
| ITM2220 Web Design and Graphics |
|
| ITM2260 IT Project Management |
|
| ITM3311 Distributed Database Systems and Design |
|
| ITM3312 Database Programming |
|
| ITM3320 Fundamental of Website Management |
|
| ITM3321 Web Graphic Development |
|
| ITM3322 Web Development and Animation |
|
| ITM3330 Object-Oriented Programming |
|
| MGT4425 Management Simulation |
|
| MKT4460 Quantitative Research Design and Analysis |
|
No course requirements match your search criteria.
Chrome Books and computers running Windows 10 in S Mode are not compatible with all software and therefore do not meet the minimum requirements.
Please note that hardware and software requirements, as well as the availability of software in the Virtual Lab are subject to change at any time.
Contact Us
Questions About Computer and Software Requirements and Access?
Berkeley College Help Desk — Canvas and chat support available 24/7.
Staffed Monday – Friday, 8 am to 8 pm EST.
