Discount Software & Computers for Students
Software
Students can receive a discount on several software applications simply by using their SMU Email address. Visit 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.
DO NOT PURCHASE OFFICE
Students have the ability to download the Microsoft 365 apps for FREE at smu.edu/microsoft365. Microsoft 365 can then be installed on up to 10 devices.
General Computer Recommendations
Apple and Windows platforms are fully supported and compatible with campus IT services. The following are suggested requirements for a personal laptop and we recommend systems that meet or exceed the following specifications. Please confirm with your program.
| Minimum | Recommended | |
| Memory: | 8GB RAM |
16GB RAM |
| Processor: | Intel i5 processor AMD A10, Ryzen 5 Apple M1 |
Intel i7/i9 processor or higher |
| Storage: | 256 GB or more, preferably SSD | 500GB |
| Graphics: | Intergraded graphics card with minimum 4GB memory | Dedicated graphics card with minimum 4GB memory. |
| Wireless: | 802.11n WiFi wireless networking | 02.11n WiFi wireless networking. |
| Additional: | Built-in video camera and microphone. | Built-in video camera and microphone. |
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
Lyle programs use software that may not be available for macOS, such as SolidWorks and Fluent, and some that are only partially supported, such as LabView, MATLAB, COMSOL. While Lyle provides computing lab facilities for the completion of coursework, it is recommended that students enrolled in Lyle meet the following recommendations for their personal computers:
REQUIRED:
| Memory:: | 16 GB or more |
|---|---|
| Processor : | Minimum Intel Core i5; Inter Core i7 or higher recommended |
| Storage: | 512 GB or more, preferably SSD |
| Graphics: | Dedicated graphics card with minimum 4GB memory |
| Wireless: | 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking. |
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.