Technical Requirements for Online and Campus Students

Minimum 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)
• OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
• Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency

Additional Information:

• Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
• Where to purchase: 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.
• Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
• Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: 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.
• Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
• Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.

The following tech requirement is needed for the BS in 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

¹Note: 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 in 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

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

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.

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

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.
• 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

*For the AI concentration the following are recommended:

• 1 or 2 TB SSD
• NVIDIA GTX 4080

Optional accessories: Headphones, external hard drive

Game art and interactive design also requires a digital drawing tablet. Students using their own laptops may choose any tablet brand, such as Huion, XP-Pen or others. However, if they plan on using the school’s lab PCs they must get a Wacom brand tablet – any series will do. We also have Wacom pen display tablets in the lab. If they want to take advantage of those, they will need to additionally get a pen that works with them.

Optional accessories: Headphones, external hard drive

It is essential that graphic design students have industry-standard hardware and software equipment. Student discounts are available.

Required Software

• Annual subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud design suite
• Office Suite

We recommend that you bring your laptop to class the first week. Your instructors will discuss the use of laptops within your classes. In general, avoid distracting other students by turning off instant messaging, email, games and other unnecessary applications before class begins. 

When using laptops and other computers, be aware of SNHU's Network Acceptable Use Policy and File Sharing Policy. Information Technology Solutions monitors illegal downloading of music and other files from campus sites and will restrict network usage for anyone found violating this policy. 

We strongly recommend that you avoid downloading unnecessary programs, utilities and games onto your laptop. These programs can create problems with other software on your computer. It is best to keep your computer clean. 

You may purchase any laptop brand that you wish and from any location/reseller.

All students are required to have a laptop computer for use in classes and other academic activities.

Minimum 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), 60 Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
• OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro

Additional Information:

• If you are a game design, graphic design, aviation, engineering, construction management or computer science student, refer to the other sections on this page for additional or different equipment requirements.
• Where to purchase: 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.
• Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
• Microsoft Office: This software is required for all campus students. Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
• Antivirus software: This is required for campus students and will be provided if needed. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
• Optional accessories: Many people find it useful to have a second power cord: one for home and one for your bag.

If your laptop requires service, we strongly encourage you to follow the manufacturer's warranty process. However, in the absence of a warranty, you may bring your laptop to the Technology Help Desk located in the Wolak Library Learning Commons. Our Help Desk staff are equipped to provide limited service depending on the computer's manufacturer.

If you have questions or problems with your computer, visit the Technology Help Desk in the Wolak Library Learning Commons, login to mySNHU and create a case online, or call 1.855.877.9919. Support is available via the Help Desk from 8 am to 8 pm. (The schedule is published each fall with exact times.)

Training

Consider enrolling in the IT-100 (Introduction to Information Technology) course early in your academic schedule for an introduction to the software on your laptop.

The Wolak Learning Center periodically offers workshops to better use the software on your laptop.

Laptops are particularly vulnerable to theft. Take the following precautions: 

• Be sure that your laptop is covered under your homeowner's insurance.
• Consider purchasing a PC theft recovery service. This service tracks the location of your computer and reports its location to a monitoring center when it connects to the internet. 
• Do not leave your laptop unattended 
• Record your laptop's serial number
• Purchase a security cable