Learn about the technology requirements you must meet to navigate your cyber and IT coursework.
To be successful in online courses at University of Maryland Global Campus, you must have reliable internet access and a current email address. Some academic disciplines may require you to download and install software to complete your coursework. These expectations will be outlined on individual program pages.
For your convenience, UMGC has outlined the standard technology requirements that should prepare you for most cybersecurity and information technology courses.
Cyber & IT Technology Requirements
If you are taking upper-level undergraduate coursework (beyond general education requirements) or graduate-level coursework in a cybersecurity and information technology field, you will need equipment that meets the following specifications.
Note: Tablets, Chromebooks, and cell phones are not compatible with the virtual learning environment.
Hardware Requirements
- 64-bit processor, Intel Core i5 (7th generation or higher), or equivalent (e.g., AMD, M1)
- Processor speed: 1.5 GHz or higher (2 GHz recommended)
- Storage: At least 250 GB (SSD [preferred] or HD), with at least 30 percent free space
- RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
- Display/monitor: Minimum 13”
- Screen resolution: Minimum 1280 px x 1024 px
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad
- High-speed Internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
- 32-bit video card
Operating System
Choose one of the following:
- Windows 10 (recommended; version 1909 or higher required for any course using Adobe Creative Cloud)
- Mac OS X 10.15 or higher
- Ubuntu 18.04+ (or other Linux LTS)
Software
- Microsoft Office 2019 or later (Office 365 Education is available for free with your student email address.)
- Most recent version/update of a web browser (Firefox, Safari, or Chrome)
- Antivirus software
- Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader
Additional Recommendations
- Built-in camera (or USB port for a webcam)
- Built-in microphone and speakers (or USB ports for external audio devices)
Graphics- or Computing-Intensive Disciplines
Courses in graphics- or computing-intensive disciplines may require a higher processing speed, more RAM, and/or better screen resolution. Please see below for our recommendations.
These recommendations apply to most upper-level undergraduate major coursework or graduate-level coursework in graphics-intensive subject areas. Please note where the requirements for these courses differ from the baseline technology requirements:
Hardware Requirements
- 64-bit processor, Intel Core i7 or higher
- Processor speed: 2 GHz or higher
- Storage: At least 6 GB available disk space
- RAM: At least 16 GB (32 GB recommended)
- Screen resolution:
- Minimum 1920 X 1080 (PC)
- Minimum 1440 X 900 retina display support (Mac)
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad
- High-speed Internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
- 32-bit video card
Operating System
Choose one of the following:
- Windows 10 (version 1909 or higher)
- Mac OS X 10.15 or higher
Software
- You must have or obtain local administrative privileges to install any needed software.
These recommendations apply to most upper-level undergraduate major coursework or graduate-level coursework in computing-intensive subject areas. Please note where the requirements for these courses differ from the baseline technology requirements:
Hardware Requirements
- 64-bit processor, Intel Core i7 or higher
- Processor speed: 2 GHz or higher
- Storage: At least 250 GB (SSD [preferred] or HD), with at least 30 percent free space
- RAM: At least 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
- Screen resolution:
- Minimum 1290 X 1800 (PC)
- Minimum 1920 X 1080 retina display support (Mac)
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad
- High-speed Internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
- 32-bit video card
Operating System
Choose one of the following:
- Windows 10 (version 1803 or higher)
- Mac OS X 10.15 or higher
- Ubuntu 18.04+ (or other Linux LTS)