School of Mass Communication and Journalism Computer Requirements

Beginning in the fall of 2008 all students entering the School of Mass Communication and Journalism will be required to own an Apple laptop computer. Students on the Hattiesburg campus (that is, all students except those in the film program) will be required to take MCJ 200, Introduction to Digital Media Production, a 2-credit hour course designed to introduce students to computer software they will be required to use as students and as professionals. That course is a prerequisite for all 300- and above MCJ courses. Students must own an appropriate Mac laptop to take MCJ 200.

Students who qualify for financial aid can use that aid toward the purchase of the required computer and software. (Students can pick up a letter that verifies the computer requirement and their enrollment in the school by coming to Southern Hall 216 or by emailing the director of the school at.)

We recommend that students purchase their computers through The Apple Store, where they will receive academic discounts. To get to recommended computer systems, follow this link:

http://www.apple.com/edu/southernmiss

Select Recommended Systems (top of right column)

Most students will want the MCJ Base System, a Mac Book with 2 gigs of Ram, Microsoft Office and the Apple Care warranty.

Broadcast journalism students will want the MCJ Broadcast Journalism system, a Mac Book that includes Final Cut Express, a video editing software they will use in their broadcast journalism courses.

Film and broadcast production students will want the MCJ Broadcast Production/Film system, a Mac Book Pro that includes Final Cut Studio 2. Those students may eventually also want to purchase external hard drives to accommodate the large size of video files.

Students who are required to take MCJ 200 (that is, all students except for those in the film program) will also need to purchase Photoshop, InDesign and Dreamweaver software, which will be used in MCJ 200. Those applications are available in the Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium. Software can be purchased through the university bookstore or other vendors; students can typically find the software at lower prices through The Apple Store, which lists phone numbers to call for information about academic discounts on software and software bundles.

Though the Apple Care warranty provides students with some protection, we strongly recommend that students purchase insurance to ensure their laptops from theft or accidental damage. We recommend getting insurance through the following: www.safeware.com.

The following links are to PDF documents containing information on current specials being offered in conjuction with the purchase of a MAC. Feel free to take advantage of these great opportunities.

Adobe Creative Suite 3
(Terms & Conditions)

$100 rebate with the purchase of a printer