GCU Technical Requirements

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 203).

Microsoft Windows PC Requirements

Hardware

Operating System:
- Windows 10, Windows 11
  
  NOTE Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 starting October 14^th, 2025. As a result, there will be no further updates to this operating systems and certain features may be disabled. We recommend upgrading to Windows 11 if possible!
Processor Speed:
- Intel i5 equivalent or better (minimum requirement)
CPU Memory:
- 8 GB of RAM or more (minimum requirement)
Internet Connection:
- Cable Broadband or DSL (minimum requirement)
Internet Browser:
- Current version of Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge
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 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) (minimum requirement)
- See Free Microsoft 365 Apps Installation for details about the Microsoft 365 products provided to GCU students
- Please note that Microsoft Works is not a valid alternative
Adobe Acrobat Reader 11 or newer (minimum requirement)
An updated anti-virus software

Mac Requirements

Hardware (minimum requirements)

Operating System:
- macOS 13 Ventura or newer
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:
- Intel i5 equivalent or better (minimum requirement)
CPU Memory:
- 8 GB of RAM or more (minimum requirement)
Internet Connection:
- Cable Broadband or DSL (minimum requirement)
Internet Browser:
- Current version of Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome
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 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) (minimum requirement)
- Please see Free Microsoft 365 Apps Installation for details about the Microsoft 365 products provided to GCU students.
Adobe Acrobat Reader 11 or newer (minimum requirement)
An 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.

Colangelo College of Business

Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Information Systems
Master of Science in Business Analytics

College of Arts and Media

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
Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Animation
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Web Design
Bachelor of Arts in Social Media
Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media
Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Broadcasting and New Media

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 Engineering and Technology

All programs in the College of Engineering and Technology will have specific requirements for the program. You can review the requirements on page 209 for the engineering programs.

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 Media and Production
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