Students studying a major or taking Core Curriculum courses under the College of Sciences and Humanities should review the following general minimum and preferred computer specifications.
College Recommendations
Minimum Specifications
- Intel i5 processor
- 8GB random-access memory (RAM)
- 256GB solid-state drive (SSD)
- Windows 8.1 or macOS High Sierra (or newer)
- 3- to 4-year warranty
Preferred Specifications
- Intel i7 processor
- 16GB random-access memory (RAM)
- 512GB solid-state drive (SSD)
- Windows 10 64-bit or macOS Mojave (or newer)
- 3- to 4-year warranty
Recommended Accessories and Software
- Microsoft Office
- external hard drive
Department Recommendations
If your department has additional or alternative recommendations, find them below.
Department of Anthropology
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Biology
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Chemistry
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Computer Science
A computer is required for computer science courses. Mobile devices, tablets, and Chromebooks are not acceptable. In addition to the specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above, it is recommended that the memory be increased to 16 GB and the hard drive space be increased to either a 1 TB SATA drive or a 512 GB SSD drive. It is also recommended that the newest operating systems for either Windows or Mac be used.
Minimum Specifications
- Intel i7 processor
- 16GB random-access memory (RAM)
- 512GB solid-state drive or 1TB SATA
- Windows 10 or 11 (not home edition) or Apple Catalina/Big Sur/Monterey
- 3- to 4-year warranty
Recommended Accessories and Software
- Microsoft Office
- External Drive (USB)
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Dell is recommended.
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of English
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Geography
Dell is recommended. If you choose to purchase or already own an Apple computer, you will need to install Windows via Boot Camp.
Recommended Accessories and Software
- built-in or external webcam/microphone
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of History
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Mathematical Sciences
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Modern Languages and Classics
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Physics and Astronomy
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Political Science
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Psychological Science
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Sociology
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.
Department of Women's and Gender Studies
No additional recommendations. See general minimum and preferred specifications for the College of Sciences and Humanities above.