“What kind of computer do I need to be an online SNHU student?”

A big advantage to being an SNHU online student is that there are no set class times, so you’re free to study around your weekly schedule — and work wherever you have access to a computer and the internet.

You’ll need to make sure you have access to a computer and the internet before the start of your first term. Specifically, here is what you’ll need to have for most degree programs:

Career Success
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Laptop or Desktop

Windows 11 Home or Pro or comparable Apple Operating system. See minimum required specs below.

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Internet Access

About 15 hours per week per course. 5MBPS download speed.

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Anti-Virus Software

Your internet service provider may include this with your subscription.

IMPORTANT: Chromebooks or iPads Cannot be Primary Devices

Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.

Man on a laptop Students who use computers that meet minimum recommended requirements have a higher chance of success in their courses. (Based on May 2024 success study.)

Minimum required hardware specifications

  • CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
  • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
  • Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
  • Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)

The following tech requirement is needed for the BS Accounting degree program.

Video Communication Platform:

  • Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed

Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:

  • Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency
.

Tool Version Resources
Anaconda Individual Edition1 Anaconda 2020.07 (July 23, 2020) with Python 3.8 Visit the Anaconda website to download.

Access the Anaconda User Guide to get started.
GitHub Free Create an account at the GitHub website.
JupyterNotebook 6.1.4 (stable) Visit the Jupyterwebsiteto download.

Access the JupyterInstallation Guide and JupyterUser Documentation to get started.

Note: Jupyter Notebook is included in Anaconda Individual Edition. If you download Jupyter Notebook separately from Anaconda, you’ll also need to download and install Conda (or Pip,Pipenv or Docker).
VS Code 1.50 (September 2020) Visit the Visual Studio website to download.

Access the Visual Studio User Guide to get started.
Python 3.9.0 (October 2020, stable) Visit the Python website to download.

Access the Python Beginner’s Guide to get started.
Python Pandas 1.1.3 (October 2020, stable) Visit the Python Pandas website to get started.
Sequel Ace (Mac Only) Visit the GitHub website to download.
My SQL Workbench (PC Only) Community Edition Visit the MySQL website to download.
Tableau Desktop Once you’ve enrolled, visit the Tableau website to download your free license.
Tableau Prep Builder Once you’ve enrolled, visit the Tableau website to download your free license.

1 Note that Anaconda Individual Edition includes the following software programs: Jupyter Notebook, VSCode and Python. 

In addition, a webcam and microphone that work with the student’s computer are required. An optional second monitor is recommended. 

Required Software

Adobe Creative Cloud is required for all students in the BA Communication program. Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe.

Adobe's terms and conditions require a full-year contract for Creative Cloud.

System Requirements

Please refer to the requirements for Adobe Photoshop, which demands the most technical requirements of the Adobe Creative Cloud and is used throughout the graphic design program. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.

Video Communication Platform:

  • Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed
  • Learn more about our detailed technical requirements

Component Type Minimum Requirement Recommendation
Operating System Windows 11, 64-Bit Windows 11, 64-Bit
Processor Quad-core Intel i7 series or AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz Quad-core Intel i9 series or AMD equivalent
Memory (RAM) 32GB RAM 64GB RAM
Hard Drive 1TB solid state drive 1TB solid state drive*
Graphics Card NVIDIA GTX 1050 or higher, 4GB NVIDIA GTX 4060 or higher, 8GB*
Optional accessories: Headphones, external hard drive
*For the AI concentration the following are recommended:
  • 1 or 2TB SSD
  • NVIDIA GTX 4080
    		•

    Video Communication Platform:

    • Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
    • Webcam
    • Microphone
    • Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed
    • Learn more about our detailed technical requirements

    Required Photography Equipment:

    • Interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) either DSLR or mirrorless models with manual and semi-auto modes allowing for shooting in RAW and control of the ISO, white balance, aperture, and shutter speed. The camera must have a hot shoe center pin on the top to attach a flash unit and other compatible accessories.
    • Wireless camera remote control
    • Tripod
    • Lighting Kit

    NOTE: Phone and/or tablet cameras are not permitted for use in this course. They lack the technical functionality to properly complete required assignments.

    Required Software:

    Adobe Creative Cloud is required for all students in the digital photography program. Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe.

    Adobe’s terms and conditions require a full-year contract for Creative Cloud.

    System Requirements:

    Please refer to the requirements for Adobe Photoshop, which demands the most technical requirements of the Adobe Creative Cloud and is used throughout the digital photography program. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.

    Video Communication Platform:

    • Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
    • Webcam
    • Microphone
    • Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed
    • Learn more about our detailed technical requirements

    Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:

    • Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency

    Component Type Minimum  Recommended 
    Operation System  Windows 11 64-bit Windows 11 64-bit
    CPU  Quad-core Intel i7 series or AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz Quad-core Intel i9 series or AMD equivalent
    RAM  32GB RAM 64GB RAM
    Disk Space  1TB solid state drive 1TB solid state drive
    Optional accessories Headphones, external hard drive

    Required Software

    Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite

    This package includes Maya, 3ds Max, Motion Builder and Mudbox. Students can download these products for free through Autodesk. Terms subject to change at Autodesk’s discretion.

    Adobe Creative Cloud

    Adobe Creative Cloud is required by all students in the game art and development program. Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe. Adobe's terms and conditions require a full-year contract for Creative Cloud.

    System Requirements

    Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Autodesk, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Autodesk website.

    Please refer to the requirements for Adobe Photoshop, which demands the most technical requirements of the Adobe Creative Cloud and is used throughout the graphic design program. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.

    Component Type Minimum Requirement Recommendation
    Operating System Windows 11 64-bit Windows 11 64-bit
    Processor Quad-core Intel i7 series or AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz Quad-core Intel i9 series or AMD equivalent
    Memory (RAM) 32GB RAM 64GB RAM
    Hard Drive 1TB solid state drive 1TB solid state drive
    Graphics Card NVIDIA GTX 1050 or higher, 4G NVIDIA GTX 4060 or higher, 8GB
    Optional Accessories Headphones, external hard drive

    Required Software

    Adobe Creative Cloud is required by all students in the graphic design and media arts program. Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe.

    Adobe’s terms and conditions require a full-year contract for Creative Cloud.

    System Requirements

    Please refer to the requirements for Adobe Photoshop, which demands the most technical requirements of the Adobe Creative Cloud and is used throughout the graphic design program. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.

    Video Communication Platform:

    • Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
    • Webcam
    • Microphone
    • Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed
    • Learn more about our detailed technical requirements

    The following tech requirement is needed for the BS Human Resource Management degree program.

    Video Communication Platform:

    • Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
    • Webcam
    • Microphone
    • Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed

    Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:

    • Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency

    Component Type Minimum Requirement Recommendation
    Operating System Windows 11 64-bit Windows 11 64-bit
    Processor Quad-core Intel i7 series or AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz Quad-core Intel i9 series or AMD equivalent
    Memory (RAM) 32GB RAM 64GB RAM
    Hard Drive 1TB solid state drive 1TB solid state drive
    Graphics Card NVIDIA GTX 1050 or higher, 4GB NVIDIA GTX 4060 or higher, 8GB
    Optional Accessories Headphones, external hard drive

    Video Communication Platform:

    • Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
    • Webcam
    • Microphone
    • Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed
    • Learn more about our detailed technical requirements

    Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:

    • Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency

    Students enrolled in the BSN program are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware, software, and equipment. In addition to the SNHU technology requirements, BSN students should have the following:

    • The ability to record (webcams and microphones are often built into laptops or computers)
    • At least 5Mbps internet upload speed
    • At least 20GB of internal storage space to install and run the required software.
    • Please note computers with detachable keyboards, such as the Surface Pro, are not supported.
    • If using a Windows machine, at least Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen with an integrated graphics chip
    • If using a Mac machine, at least Intel i5 or Apple M1 with an integrated graphics chip
    • Google Chrome

    Students enrolled in the MSN program courses are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware, software and equipment. In addition to the SNHU technology requirements, MSN students should have the following:

    For nurse executive leadership and healthcare quality and safety tracks:

    • 10Mbps or higher for ideal streaming (download)
    • Ability to record (webcam and microphone are often built into laptop or computer)
    • A laptop is recommended

    For nursing education and population healthcare tracks:

    • 20Mbps (download) and 5Mbps (upload)
    • Ability to record (webcam and microphone are often built into laptop or computer)
    • Assessment kit (tools specified in course syllabus)
    • A laptop is recommended

    For family nurse practitioner track:

    • 20Mbps (download) and 5Mbps (upload)
    • Ability to record (webcam and microphone are often built into laptop or computer
    • Government-issued photo ID is required for proctored exams
    • Browser plug-in for online proctored exams
    • Assessment kit (tools specified in course syllabus)
    • A laptop is required during NUR-600 and all practicum courses

    Frequently Asked Questions

    If you don’t find the answers to your questions below, please reach out to your admission counselor at 888.387.0864 or admission@snhu.edu.

    SNHU doesn't offer students laptops.You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine.

    We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
    Students who wish to use Apple computers need to verify their machine offers comparable specs.
    Chromebooks and iPad tablets do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. While these devices may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device, as they do not work with some course technologies.
    While phones may be used to check emails and for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device, as they do not work with some course technologies. 
    For most programs, SNHU online students will need internet access with 5MBPS download speed.

    Students should expect to need to be online for about 15 hours per week per course — so, keep that in mind if you’re planning on logging in online at a library or other public facility.

    Anti-virus software is strongly recommended for online student devices. Check with your internet service provider, as many offer this free as part of your internet subscription.
    SNHU does not provide laptops or purchase laptops on behalf of students.

    Excess financial aid money may be used to purchase laptops, but it’s important to know that financial aid payments usually appear in student accounts three to four weeks into the term. This is far too late if it is your only means of accessing a laptop.

    To succeed in your courses, you need to have access to a computer and the internet for the first day of the term (preferably sooner so you can familiarize yourself with mySNHU and Brightspace).
    SNHU students can download Microsoft 365 Education for free. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and now Microsoft Teams, plus additional classroom tools.

    Once you have your SNHU email address, you can download Microsoft 365 software here. Terms are subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
    Some programs, like business analytics, game design, graphic design and computer science, require specialty software, a more powerful computer and other equipment (like a camera). Please see Program-Specific Tech Requirements for Online Students above on this page.
    Both are great, but laptops make it much easier to work in different rooms or locations.
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