Hardware & Software Requirements
In order to have a quality learning experience while taking courses in the online modality, Colorado Technical University recommends that your primary computer (the computer used to access course materials and on which you will be required to install course-specific software) meets or exceeds the following specifications.
In addition, please refer to the Notes section at the end of this document. Mobile app specifications also are proved in the table below
| Requirement | PC Users | Mac Users (IT programs* require the use of a PC) | Information Technology Program PC Requirements | Additional Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration Requirements | Mobile App Users** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 | Mac OSX 10.14 | Windows 10 | PC Users: Windows 10 (10S is not supported) Mac Users: OSX 10.14 |
Android 5.x and newer iPhone or iPad with OS: iOS 11 and above |
| Processor | 1Ghz | Intel Processor | 2.6 Ghz | See PC or Mac Users requirements | n/a |
| RAM Memory | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | n/a |
| Hard Drive Space Available | 30GB minimum | 30GB minimum | 30GB minimum | 30GB minimum | n/a |
| Audio Device | Headset or speakers (some courses require a microphone) | Headset or speakers (some courses require a microphone) | Headset or speakers (some courses require a microphone) | Headset or speakers; Microphone required | n/a |
| Display/Video Card | Capable of 1280 X 800 resolution and 16 bit color | Capable of 1280 X 800 resolution and 16 bit color | Capable of 1280x800 resolution Direct X graphics card | Capable of 1280 X 800 resolution and 16 bit color | n/a |
| Internet Connection*** | Download speed 5 Mbps; Upload speed 1 Mbps | Download speed 5 Mbps; Upload speed 1 Mbps | Download speed 5 Mbps; Upload speed 1 Mbps | Download speed 5 Mbps; Upload speed 1 Mbps | Wi-fi or Mobile Data**** | Word Processing***** | Microsoft Office 365 | Microsoft Office 365 | Microsoft Office 365 | Microsoft Office 365 | Microsoft Office 365 |
| Web Browser | Firefox, Edge, or Chrome | Firefox, Chrome, or Safari | Firefox, Edge, or Chrome | Chrome (preferred), Firefox, or Safari | Firefox or Chrome (for iOS also Safari, or Puffin) |
| Web Camera | n/a | n/a | n/a | Minimum: 640x480 resolution; Recommended: 1280x720 resolution | n/a |
Download CTU Hardware & Software Requirements
* See PC requirements for Information Technology Program
** Windows phones are not supported
*** Mbps is Megabites per second; Lower connection speeds may impact performance with viewing videos, live chats, and other areas within the portal.
**** Standard mobile data rates/charges may apply
***** Access to download Microsoft Office 365 is provided upon the student’s enrollment at CTU
Notes:
- Students are required to have regular access to a computer that meets or exceeds the required specifications for online courses.
- Browsers not listed in the minimum requirements as well as the Linux operation system may not fully function with online courses and are not supported by Colorado Technical University’s Technical Support
- Other required course specifics software is provided as a part of the student’s course materials. Serval courses contain software that require students to use a PC. Students should contact their Student Success Coach for more information.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader is complimentary downloads that need to be installed in order to access some features in the Virtual Campus.
- Those whose may access courses from their place of employment, as well as Military Organizations and Militaries, may have their restrictions on the type of content allowed through courses from work and is beyond Colorado Technical University’s ability to predict or control.