Students and faculty participating in online and traditional web-enhanced courses must have access to the following minimum hardware and software:
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)
- 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 12.0 or later is required to install Microsoft 365. More information regarding Microsoft 365 Compatibility can be found here. - OS X 10.13 (minimum requirement)
- Processor Speed:
- 800 MHz G4, or better (minimum requirement)
- 800 MHz G4, or better (minimum requirement)
- CPU Memory:
- 8 GB of RAM or more (minimum requirement)
- 8 GB of RAM or more (minimum requirement)
- Internet Connection:
- Cable Broadband or DSL (minimum requirement)
- 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.
Your Device Information