The Interior Design Department does not require students to purchase computers, but highly recommends that students consider doing so. Interior Design students begin using sophisticated 3D modeling and visualization software in the first year of the curriculum, increasing reliance on a variety of design-related software programs as essential tools. Professional designers will rely increasingly on 3D modeling and virtual reality, which requires ever more sophisticated software and hardware. Students should plan to spend considerable time inside and outside of classes using computers with high-end graphic capabilities over high-speed internet connections.