Computer Requirements
All students admitted to our programs must meet these requirements for computer hardware and software.
We offer the following recommendations with student success in mind. If you have specific questions, we encourage you to contact your program's director to discuss your situation in detail.
All students are responsible for having a working device that meets the minimum requirements listed below. Please use this guide to help in making decisions regarding purchase of a computer and software for study. High-speed broadband internet service is recommended.
Technology-Based Instruction
As a student in the School of Health Professions, your program's curriculum is likely to include the following tasks:
- Accessing and downloading course files (e.g., documents, presentations, videos, etc.)
- Uploading assignment files (e.g., documents, presentations, videos, etc.)
- Taking quizzes and exams
- Posting to discussion boards
- Accessing resources through different browsers
- Taking notes or annotating resources
- Presenting student-created files or media through a data projector (lecture halls and classrooms on campus are equipped with Windows computers for use by presenters)
- Use of a functioning microphone and camera
- Course- or program-related meetings using applications requiring audio and video (e.g. BlackBoard Collaborate, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.)
- Live BlackBoard Collaborate sessions
- Use of online learning resources outside of KU Medical Center
- High-speed access to the internet
- Use of Microsoft Office 365 (see software section below)
Students are responsible for maintaining a backup of all work. Use of an online backup service (e.g., OneDrive included with Office 365) or, at a minimum, an external hard drive is strongly recommended.
Acceptable Devices
The following devices are acceptable for completing coursework in this program.
| YES | NO |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows laptop or desktop computer. See operating system and software requirements below. Some Microsoft Surface devices are acceptable if they meet the hardware/software requirements indicated on this page. |
Windows 7 laptop or desktop Windows 10 laptop or desktop (October 2025) |
| Macintosh or Apple laptop or desktop computer. See operating system and software requirements below. | iPad or Android-based tablet devices (any model) |
| iPhone (any model) | |
| Android smartphone (any model) | |
| Google Chromebook (any model) | |
| Linux-based computers |
Software Specifications
| Type | Product | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Office | Microsoft Office 365 | Free to enrolled students; KU Medical Center provides the licenses to Microsoft Office 365 allowing students to activate the Office Suite on up to five computers. To install the Office Suite on a personally owned computer, visit office365.kumc.edu and log in with a KU Medical Center username and password. Download the installation files by clicking the "Install Office apps" button in the upper right corner of the screen. Once installed, follow the prompt to activate the software using a KU Medical Center username and password to authenticate. |
| Security | Antivirus | Any paid reputable antivirus application (e.g. Norton, McAfee, etc..); Free options include the antivirus program Windows Defender installed with Windows or a third-party option such as Avast for Windows. |
| Firewall | Free, Windows built-in firewall (check to ensure the firewall is enabled) | |
| Antispyware | Windows Defender or a third-party option such as MalwareBytes (free version scans on-demand, paid version catches live). | |
| Browsers | Various | Free; Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge |
| PDF Reader | Free; Adobe Acrobat Reader | |
| Media Players | General/audio | Free; Windows Media Player |
| Video | Free; VLC, videolan.org |
Windows-based (PC) System Hardware
| Hardware Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen R5 or higher | Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen R7 or higher |
| Style | Laptop | Laptop |
| Protective Case | N/A | Device compatible case or backpack |
| RAM | 16 GB | 24 GB or higher |
| Hard Disk | 512 GB or higher | 1 TB or higher |
| Display | 1920 x 1080 (HD) | 1920 x 1080 (HD) or higher |
| Networking | Wireless 802.11 ac (Wi-Fi 5) | Wireless 802.11 ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | 2-4 year warranty |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home Edition or higher | Windows 11 Home Edition or higher |
| Data Backup | OneDrive (Microsoft Cloud Storage) * | OneDrive (Microsoft Cloud Storage) * |
| Remote Video Class/ Work | Microphone and camera (standard on most laptops) | Wireless Bluetooth microphone and camera headset |
* Included in Office 365, see software section.
Apple/Mac Hardware
| Hardware Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | M1 Chip | M2 Chip or higher |
| Style | Laptop | Laptop |
| Laptop Protective Case | Carrying case or backpack | Carrying case or backpack |
| RAM | 8 GB | 24 GB or higher |
| Hard Disk | 256 GB | 1 TB or higher |
| Display | Non-Retina / Retina | Non-Retina / Retina |
| Networking | Wireless 802.11 ac (Wi-Fi 5) | Wireless 802.11 ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | 2-4 year warranty |
| Operating System | macOS 13.x (Ventura) | macOS 14.x (Sonoma) or higher |
Support and Resources
Students can receive support for basic computing issues related to their academic work from Customer Support. Appointments are available in G110 Delp. The support desk may also be reached by phone at 913-945-9999 option 2, or at the Information Technology website (711 TTY).
Students may explore possible options for financial support in purchasing a computer for learning by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid.