You will utilize a variety of different software programs during your program. To be successful, it is important to make sure that your computer meets the setup recommendations and software requirements as outlined below. For information on specific software programs and technology, please review the options at left.
Internet access required (Broadband is recommended as students with dial-up may experience degraded performance)
Windows 7 (and higher) or Mac OS X (and higher)
2GB of RAM minimum
40GB hard drive
DVD drive, speakers, and headphone connected to the computer
Inkjet or laser printer
Portable media (thumb drive)
Recommended Web browser—current version of Chrome
Other Web browsers (most up-to-date version of Firefox)
Microsoft Office
Adobe Reader ver. 10.1 or higher
Adobe Flash Player ver. 11.7 or higher
Apple QuickTime ver. 7.7 or higher
Windows Media Player ver. 11 or higher
Antivirus software (e.g., McAfee or Norton) installed, running, and kept current by promptly installing the upgrades and patches made available by the software manufacturer
It is recommended that students use a laptop computer to complete their coursework in the online classroom. Students who have a supported mobile or tablet device in addition to their laptop may also download the Blackboard App, which allows students to complete select portions of their coursework while on the go.
Some programs may require additional technology requirements that are not mentioned above. Please refer to the program within the Walden University Catalog to review any special technology requirements for the program of study. In addition, please refer to the section titled Student Technology Responsibilities under Technology Policies.
Students attending virtual residencies will have additional requirements. In addition to the current technical requirements for Walden’s online courses, the virtual residency requires you to have the following:
Webcam (minimum resolution at 640x480 standard definition)
Broadband Internet at 1.5 Mbps or higher (required due to streaming media needs)
Video card with 64MB VRAM and pixel shaders or 4 texture units
Screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher
2GHz Dual-core CPU or higher
During the course of the program, requirements (either hardware or software) may change from the original technology recommendation. Make sure to consult the software/hardware requirements within the program or with the faculty member or program director for any technology recommendations that may have changed since the original recommendation mentioned above or within the program of study.
