Laptop Specifications

  • Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or i9 processor (other Intel or AMD Athlon processors of equivalent performance are acceptable)
  • 256 Gb hard drive (or more)
  • 8 Gb RAM
  • Audio (via motherboard or SoundBlaster 16 equivalent)
  • 802.11ac wireless network interface (NIC)
  • Inkjet or laser printer for home use (a portable printer is not required)

Chromebooks, iPads, Android tablets, "netbooks" and other devices that cannot run the full version of Windows or Mac OS X may be useful but are not at the present time considered to be acceptable substitutes for a laptop computer meeting the above specifications.

Software

  • Operating system:
    WINDOWS: Windows 10 Build 1909 or later*
    APPLE: Mac OS X 10.13 or later (10.15 Catalina recommended).
  • An internet service provider (25Mbps download/2Mbps upload; broadband recommended)
  • Productivity Software:
    Microsoft Office365**
  • Internet web browser:
    Google Chrome is required for the Proctorio exam proctoring system.
    You may also run other current web browsers, such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Microsoft Edge, etc.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (may be downloaded at no charge from Adobe)
  • Current antivirus and antispyware software

* Windows 10 can be upgraded by going to “settings” “security and updates” at no charge.

** The university offers Microsoft's Office 365 Pro Plus subscriptions to all enrolled students. As part of that subscription, students may download Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook on up to five devices at no charge and may use those applications while they are enrolled in good standing at the university. Students who wish to purchase permanent licenses for Microsoft Office may do so when they graduate or otherwise leave the university. Follow instructions on installing the Office applications. You will not be able to connect and download the applications until your UCD account has been activated and you have claimed it. Office 365 also includes 5TB of OneDrive storage.

All programs offered by the Distance Degrees and Programs office (DDP) are distance-based programs where students attend classes online and participate in activities in an online synchronous manner. As such, a reliable computer and internet connection are essential for students to be successful in their academic studies.

Computer and Data Back-Up Requirements

All students will own a computer that meets or exceeds the specifications as outlined in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) Technical Requirements policy. In addition, students are required to make regular backs-ups of documents and data related to their programs and courses. Students will follow the data back-up requirements as provided in the SSPPS Technical Requirements policy.

NOTE: Loss of data due to computer difficulties will not be considered a valid excuse for failure to meet requirements, such as completing an assignment, meeting a deadline or performing on an exam.

Internet Connection Speeds

Students must ensure that reliable, fast internet connection is readily available for successful delivery of the curriculum. Required speeds and supplemental education technology requirements are provided below:

Required Connection SpeedsMinimum Requirements
Internet Download Speed1Mbps or more
Internet Upload Speed1Mbps or more
 
Educational Supplements
Webcam 1280x720 image resolution
USB Headset Must be hands-free, can connect to your computer via a USB port, and feature a microphone

Students will check their internet connection at http://www.speedtest.net/ to confirm their upload and download speeds. If the connection does not allow the student to connect with the minimum speeds listed above, the student will contact their internet service provider to explore more options.

The DDP office uses the University approved platform Zoom to conduct online didactic curriculum assignments and to complete student services-based activities. Students with tight bandwidth are encouraged to set Zoom to “speaker view” instead of “gallery view” to reduce internet connectivity interferences.

The DDP office strongly recommends all students secure a “backup” internet connection, such as a mobile phone WIFI hotspot, 3G dongle or other mobile internet solution, which meets the above requirements.