Computer Requirements

Computer Requirements

Review these requirements carefully; computer hardware, software, and an Internet connection are the primary means of participating in courses and thus are significant contributors to academic success. These requirements are subject to change at any time.

Internet connection: Strayer University's technical support staff strongly recommends a broadband (Cable or DSL) Internet connection. Other high-speed and broadband connections, such as a Satellite connection, Hotspot or a shared/community Internet connection, may work but may not provide the best performance of tools and resources used by Strayer and may be required for success in your academic endeavors.

Mobile: Mobile devices may also be used with Strayer sites and courses but for most academic programs, unless otherwise noted, it is required to have a computer with full operating system like Windows or Mac to ensure access to all sites, tools, and resources used by Strayer and Strayer courses.

Minimum RequirementRecommended Requirement 
Internet Connection
Broadband 512kbps download speedBroadband (Cable or DSL)2mbps upload and download speeds
Software Requirements*
Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) 
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files 
Anti-Virus Software to scan files and emails
Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
Adobe Acrobat Reader (Current Release)
Mac Software Requirements**
Mac OS 26 Tahoe 
Mac OS 15 Sequoia 
Mac OS 14 Sonoma
With Current Software Updates
Mac Web Browser
One of the following internet browsers for accessing and navigating Strayer sites: 
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
Chrome (Current Release) 
Firefox (Current Release)
Windows Software Requirements**
Windows 11With Current Windows Updates
Windows Web Browser

One of the following internet browsers for accessing and navigating Strayer sites: 

Chrome 
Firefox 
Microsoft Edge

Chrome (Current Release) 
Firefox (Current Release)
Hardware Requirements **
8GB of Memory (RAM) 
30GB of free storage
8GB or higher of Memory (RAM) 
30GB or higher of free storage 
Webcam and Headset*

*Specific courses or programs may have additional requirements, including use of a webcam and/or headset. These requirements will be noted in either the course guide or bookstore.

**Mobile devices can also be used with Strayer sites and courses, but it is required to have a computer with full operating system like Windows or Mac to ensure access to all sites, tools, and resources used by Strayer and Strayer courses.

***Some courses also require Windows OS. Mac users will need a Windows install or Windows set-up with Parallels for courses requiring Project or Visio software.

Information Technology courses also require:

  • Windows Professional or higher is required for IIS functionality
  • 30 GB of free hard disk space
  • Mac users will need a Windows install or Windows setup with Parallels.***
  • 8GB or greater of RAM highly recommended
  • Backup storage device

Strayer recommends that new students use or purchase a computer with the recommended standards listed above at the beginning of their program and review these technical standards on a regular basis.

While other browsers and platforms may perform adequately, Strayer cannot provide technical support for browsers other than those listed above. Browsers listed as recommended are Strayer’s primary choice for best performance within the Strayer course room and other related sites.

Adobe Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Mac, QuickTime, and Safari are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft Office, Media Player, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Firefox is a registered trademark of Mozilla Corporation. Google Chrome is a registered trademark of Google, LLC.