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While facilities are provided for students to use, costs for supplies, individual equipment, and required field trips necessary to the successful completion of the program are the responsibility of the student. Due to variation in individual materials used, it is impossible to predict the exact costs for each student. A reasonable estimate of additional expenses is in the range of $900 to $1,200 per semester.  In some semesters, additional expenses may be as high as $2000. 

Computer Requirements

All students in the architecture and interior design programs are required to have a laptop computer at the beginning of the sophomore year.  SIU has a computer purchase agreement with 710 Bookstore in Carbondale.  We recommend that you check prices with 710 Bookstore before buying a system elsewhere.  

We are currently recommending these guidelines as the minimum requirements for a computer system:  

Processor		Pentium Core II, 1.83 Ghz or faster
Memory		2 Gb, 2 DIMM, 667 Mhz (or faster)
Hard Drive		160 Gb (minimum)
Optical Drive		DVD CDRW Combination Drive
Storage Devices		USB 2.0 Basic Speed Standard Devices
Wireless Networking		802.11 b/g, 54 Mbps
Modem		56 K
Operating System		Microsoft Windows Vista Premium
Software		Microsoft Office
		AutoCAD Architecture
		Adobe PhotoShop
		Revit BIM Suite

Notes:  

1. AutoCAD Architecture software includes AutoCAD.  There is no need to purchase AutoCAD software separately when purchasing AutoCAD Architecture.  
2. PhotoShop Note:  Adobe Creative Suite is recommended. 
3. USB 2.0 Basic Speed Standard storage devices include a variety of storage solution products sold under such brand names as Jump Drive and Flash Drive.  School of Architecture systems work with standard or high speed storage devices.   
4. Students may download some software FREE at the AutoDesk Student Web Site:  http://students4.autodesk.com/.  Registration is required but is free.  A school email is required. 
5. SIU students are eligible for special pricing on Microsoft software.  Please visit the SIU E-Academy web site for more information. 
6. Software is also available at 710 Bookstore at academic prices.  You may find it cheaper to buy software from the bookstore instead of a hardware vendor.  Students ordering a system through 710 Bookstore receive academic prices on software purchases made at the bookstore.  

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