GCU Technical Requirements – GCU Technical Support

Students and faculty participating in online and traditional web-enhanced courses must have access to the following minimum hardware and software:

NOTE Devices running a modified version of an operating system (for example: Chromebooks and laptops using Windows 10 S) are not compatible with GCU’s technical requirements. Students using these types of devices may encounter issues downloading and installing programs such as Microsoft 365 and Adobe Reader, which are necessary for most degree programs. GCU Technical Support will not assist in disabling Windows 10 S if you have it enabled, as this will make a permanent change to your device. For more information on unsupported devices, see Device Compatibility.

All requirements shown below may vary depending on your choice of major and which College you will be attending. For more details on minimum requirements, please check the University Policy Handbook (starting at page 147).

Microsoft Windows PC Requirements

Hardware

Operating System:

Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11

NOTE Microsoft no longer supports Windows 8. As a result, there will be no further updates to this operating systems and certain features may be disabled (for example, the full download of Microsoft 365 is not compatible). We recommend upgrading to Windows 8.1, 10, or 11 if possible!

Processor Speed:

800 MHz 32 or 64 bit, or equivalent/better (minimum requirement)

CPU Memory:
- 8 GB of RAM or more (minimum requirement)
Internet Connection:
- Cable Broadband or DSL (minimum requirement)
Internet Browser:
- Microsoft Edge 38 or greater, Mozilla Firefox 45 or greater, Google Chrome 55 or greater (minimum requirement)
A/V:
- Built-in or external Webcam, Speakers, Microphone

Internet Browser Configuration:
- Pop-Up Blocking disabled
- JavaScript Enabled
- AJAX Enabled
Java Runtime Environment:
- Version 6 (build 1.6.0) or higher (minimum requirement)
Hard Disk Space:
- 256 GB Free (minimum requirement)
Audio Card:
- 24-bit or better (minimum requirement)

Software

Microsoft Office Suite 2007 or higher (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) (minimum requirement)

See Free Microsoft 365 ProPlus Installation for details about the Microsoft 365 products provided to GCU students
Please note that Microsoft Works is not a valid alternative

Windows Media Player 12 or newer (minimum requirement)
Adobe Acrobat Reader 11 or newer (minimum requirement)
An updated anti-virus software

Mac Requirements

Hardware (minimum requirements)

Operating System:
- OS X 10.13 (minimum requirement)
NOTE OS X version 13.0 or later is required to install Microsoft 365. More information regarding Microsoft 365 Compatibility can be found here.
Processor Speed:
- 800 MHz G4, or better (minimum requirement)
CPU Memory:
- 8 GB of RAM or more (minimum requirement)
Internet Connection:
- Cable Broadband or DSL (minimum requirement)
Internet Browser:
- Apple Safari 9 or greater, Mozilla Firefox 43 or greater, Google Chrome 48 or greater (minimum requirement)
Internet Browser Configuration:
- Pop-Up Blocking disabled
- JavaScript Enabled
- AJAX Enabled
Java Runtime Environment:
- Version 6 (build 1.6.0) or higher (minimum requirement)
Hard Disk Space:
- 256 GB Free (minimum requirement)
Audio Card:
- 24-bit or better (minimum requirement)
A/V:
- Built-in or external Webcam, Speakers, Microphone

Software

Microsoft Office 2008 Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) (minimum requirement)

Please see Free Microsoft 365 ProPlus Installation for details about the Microsoft 365 products provided to GCU students.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 10 or newer (minimum requirement)
Updated anti-virus software

Programmatic Technology Requirements

Students and faculty participating in the programs below must have access to the minimum computer hardware and software as identified in the University Policy Handbook.

College of Fine Arts and Production

Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations with an Emphasis in Advertising Design
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film (Non-Traditional Only)
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

All Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) and graduate level students enrolled in a ground cohort are required to have a portable device (PC or MAC laptop computer) with internet access that meets the University Technology Requirements. Make sure your device meets the minimum requirements listed on both the University Policy Handbook below, as well as the Shadow Health website.

For more information regarding your specific, programmatic device specifications, reach out to your Student Services Counselor.

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming

College of Theology

Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Digital Media
Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry
Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Production

For a comprehensive list of course specific technical requirements, click here to view the University Policy Handbook.

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