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Computer Requirements

Computer Requirements

The MSU Department of Building Construction Science requires all students to purchase a laptop (with related software and peripherals) by the start of the semester the students enroll in BCS 1116 Building Construction Science Studio A.

Software used in the building construction fields have minimum system requirements that must be addressed carefully. Most software used in the studio and supporting classes is upgraded yearly. It is likely that you may need to upgrade the machine (in two years) and possibly replace it in 3-4 years.


Laptop guidelines and requirements

  • BCS requires students to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the “Value: Balanced price and performance” criteria for the current version of Autodesk Revit. BCS recommends students have a laptop that meets the “Performance: Large, complex models” performance criteria for the current version of Autodesk Revit
  • Additional External Storage Devices: minimum 2 TB external hard drive and minimum 32 GB flash drive
  • Screen Size: 15 inch (minimum)
  • Network: Wireless (Dual-band, 802.11a/g/n/ac/ax)

Operating System Requirements

Building Construction Science students are required to use the current version of Windows. Students will be required to use programs that are only compatible with the Windows Operating System. Because of this, the department advises against Apple Mac OS. Apple users will be required to use Apple’s Boot Camp or other Windows Emulator (VMFusion, Parallels, etc.) but may still encounter compatibility issues.

NOTE: Vista Home Edition and Windows Home Editions will not work with the MSU network and are not supported by the College of Architecture, Art, and Design nor ITS (Information Technology Services).


Software

Suggested Software*: Each studio level has specific software requirements. Lecture courses will also have specific requirements (not unlike textbook requirements). Required software for all courses will be documented in each course syllabus. 

Word Processing

Microsoft Office (latest version)

Acrobat X Pro (latest version)

  • Standard student license available 

Bluebeam Revu

CAD Software

AutoDesk products

3D Modeling 

Trimble Sketchup Pro

  • Free download available

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

AutoDesk Revit

Scheduling

Microsoft Project: (latest version) Verify w/ class requirements

  • Free download available to students during studio

Other

Verify w/ studio requirements. 

*Please note that Building Construction Science considers software requirements analogous to textbook purchases.

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Contact Us
Department of Building Construction Science

  • 823 Collegeview St.
  • 132 Howell Hall
  • Post Office Box 6222
  • Mississippi State, MS 39762
  • Phone: (662) 325-8305
  • Campus Mail Stop: 9635
bcs@caad.msstate.edu Department of Building Construction Science Directory FIND US
Building Construction Science

(662) 325-8305

Interior Design

(662) 325-0530

Dean's Office

(662) 325-5150

Architecture

(662) 325-2202