As a student at Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll be required to use a computer as part of your studies. It will help you enrich learning experiences in your classroom, improve communication with your instructors and classmates, and offer direct access to educational resources.
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Notes:
Once you’ve enrolled at SNHU, you’re responsible for ensuring that you have the minimum system and hardware/software required in the courses. System requirements often change without notice. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for these programs.
Accounting - UndergraduateThe following tech requirement is needed for the BS Accounting degree program.
Video Communication Platform:
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
| Tool | Version | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Anaconda Individual Edition 1 | Anaconda 2020.07 (July 23, 2020) with Python 3.8 | Visit the Anaconda website to download. |
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.
CommunicationRequired 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:
| Component Type | Minimum Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10, 64 Bit | Windows 10, 64 Bit |
| Processor | Intel 8th Gen i5 or i7 | Intel 9th Gen i7 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | 250+ GB | 500+ GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Graphics Card | Built-in (Intel) | Discrete/dedicated (such as NVIDIA or AMD) |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/c dual band | 802.11 a/c dual band |
| Office Suite | Office 2013 Professional or newer | Office 2013 Professional or newer |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| Optional Accessories | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell | Visit Dell |
Help desk support: Microsoft Windows 10, limited support for MacOS (Campus only). Support for other OS is not currently available.
CounselingVideo Communication Platform:
Required Photography Equipment:
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:
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite
This package includes Maya, 3ds Max, Motion Builder and Mudbox. Students can download these products for free under an educational agreement through Autodesk.
System Requirements
Note that some Autodesk products included in the Entertainment Creation Suite may be available for Apple ® Mac OS ® X operating systems. Students may elect to run non-native software (most notably 3ds Max) on Windows ® through Apple's Boot Camp ® or Parallels Desktop ® systems. Students who wish to obtain Windows ® 10 may do so through Azure Dev Tools .
Adobe Creative Cloud
This package includes Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat and more. Students can download these products for a reduced monthly cost through SNHU's OnTheHub store.
System Requirements
The requirements below are listed for Photoshop and Illustrator. 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 | Mac Specifications | PC Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Operation System | Mac OS® 10.13 (High Sierra), macOS version 10.12 (Sierra) or Mac OS X version 10.11 (El Capitan) | Windows 10 operating system |
| CPU | Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support | Intel® Core 2 or AMD Athlon® 64 processor; 2 GHz or faster processor |
| RAM | A minimum of 8GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessary with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications | A minimum of 8GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications |
| Disk Space | 4GB or more of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system) | 2.6GB free disk space |
| Display | 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2GB is recommended | 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended |
| Graphics | OpenGL 2.0-capable system | OpenGL 2.0-capable system |
| Component Type | Minimum Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10, 64 Bit | Windows 10, 64 Bit |
| Processor | Intel 8th Gen i5 or i7 | Intel 9th Gen i7 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | 250+ GB | 500+ GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Graphics Card | Built-in (Intel) | Discrete/dedicated (such as NVIDIA or AMD) |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/c dual band | 802.11 a/c dual band |
| Office Suite | Office 2013 Professional or newer | Office 2013 Professional or newer |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| Optional Accessories | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell | Visit Dell |
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:
The following tech requirement is needed for the BS Human Resource Management degree program.
Video Communication Platform:
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
| Component Type | Minimum Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10, 64 Bit | Windows 10, 64 Bit |
| Processor | Intel 8th Gen i5 or i7 | Intel 9th Gen i7 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | 250+ GB | 500+ GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Graphics Card | Built-in (Intel) | Discrete/dedicated (such as NVIDIA or AMD) |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/c dual band | 802.11 a/c dual band |
| Office Suite | Office 2013 Professional or newer | Office 2013 Professional or newer |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| Optional Accessories | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell | Visit Dell |
Help desk support: Microsoft Windows 10, limited support for MacOS (Campus only). Support for other OS is not currently available.
Video Communication Platform:
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
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:
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:
For nursing education and population healthcare tracks:
For family nurse practitioner track:
Minimum
Recommended
Windows 10 64-bit
Mac OS X 10.12
Windows 10 64-bit
Mac OS X 10.12
Quad-core Intel i-3 series or
AMD equivalent processor
Quad-core Intel i-3 series or
AMD equivalent processor
500GB hard drive 5400 RPM
500GB hard drive 5400 RPM
DirectX 11 compatible video card
DirectX 11 compatible video card
Minimum
Recommended
Windows 10 64-bit
Windows 10 64-bit
Quad-core Intel i-5 series or
AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz
Quad-core Intel i7 series or
AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz
500GB solid state drive
500GB or 1TB solid state drive
NVIDIA GTX series graphics card 2 GB
NVIDIA GTX 1050 or higher, 4 GB
Minimum
Recommended
Windows 10 64-bit
Windows 10 64-bit
Quad-core Intel i-5 series or
AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz
Quad-core Intel i7 series or
AMD equivalent processor - minimum 3.0GHz
500GB solid state drive
500GB or 1TB solid state drive
NVIDIA GTX series graphics card 2 GB
NVIDIA Quadro series, 4 GB
Component Type
Minimum Requirement
Laptop
You will need the portability to take to your classes
Processor
13th Generation Intel® Core™ i9-13900H (36MB Cache, 24 core, up to 5.40 GHz)
Memory
16GB, 2x8GB, DDRS, 4800MHz
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, 8GB GDDR6
Hard Drive
1TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, Solid State Drive
Display
16-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) Display
Wireless
Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201, (2x2), 802.11 AX, BTwrls card
Battery
6-Cell, 86WHr Integrated
Recommended Warranty
3-Year Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis + Accidental Damage
Game Art and Interactive Design also requires a digital drawing tablet. For any student that is using their own laptop, they can get any brand; Huion, XP Pen, or other brands. 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.
Game and Simulation ProgrammingComponent Type
Minimum Requirement
Laptop
You will need the portability to take to your classes
Processor
13th Generation Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX (36MB Cache, 24 core, up to 5.40 GHz)
Memory
16GB, 2x8GB, DDRS, 4800MHz
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, 8GB GDDR6
Hard Drive
1TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, Solid State Drive
Display
16-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) Display
Wireless
Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201, (2x2), 802.11 AX, BTwrls card
Battery
6-Cell, 86WHr Integrated
Recommended Warranty
3-Year Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis + Accidental Damage
Graphic DesignIt is essential that graphic design students have industry-standard hardware and software equipment. Student discounts are available.
Minimum Mac Specifications
Model
Memory
32GB RAM (64GB RAM preferred)
Display Size
Hard Drive
750GB or larger
Antivirus Software
Your choice – antitrust software is required for students to connect to the SNHU network.
Required Software
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.
Laptop PurchaseYou may purchase any laptop brand that you wish and from any location/reseller but SNHU students can take advantage of discounts from Dell and Apple.
Software: Microsoft Office is required for all students. Office 365 is available to all students for free.
Extended Service: The Dell laptops in this program come with a 1-year limited warranty, plus 1 year of accidental damage service. We strongly recommend that you purchase the 4-year warranty and the 4-year accidental damage service or choose a plan that matches the length of time you expect to keep the laptop. The accidental damage service can take care of items not covered under the warranty including drops, power surges, screen breaks and spills. The top three repairs on campus tend to be broken screens, malware/virus removal and liquid damage like spills. Broken screens and liquid damage are not covered under a regular warranty but require accidental damage coverage.
If you purchase a brand other than Dell, accidental coverage may be available under a different name. Ask the reseller you are dealing with for details.
If your laptop requires service, bring it to the Technology Help Desk in the Wolak Library Learning Commons. Help Desk staff are certified to perform warranty repairs on Dell and Apple computers. For other brands, the Help Desk can perform limited service and any warranty repairs would be your responsibility to arrange.
Order By: Order your laptop by the first week of August to ensure it arrives in time for the fall semester.
Resident Students: When you come to campus, bring the following with copy of the paperwork that comes with your laptop, including the invoice, warranty, product registration and any manuals.
International Students: If you reside outside of the United States and prefer to have the laptop shipped directly to your SNHU campus address, provide Dell with the following ship to address:
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 North River Road
Manchester, New Hampshire 03106
Attn: (Your Name), Incoming Student
Then send an email to the mailroom supervisor at mailroom@snhu.edu to alert them that you have ordered a laptop computer and that it will be shipped to your campus address before your arrival.
Laptop RequirementsAll undergraduate day students are required to have a laptop computer for use in classes and other academic activities.