Technology Requirements
Students in select programs must meet specific technology requirements to support coursework and testing. Use the sections below to find details on required devices, specifications and purchasing options.
Various Technology Specifications
Laptop
Required for students enrolled in
- BS in Health Sciences
- BS in Health Professions (Sonography & Echocardiography tracks ONLY)
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities BS in Nursing program
NOTE: Students enrolled in the BS in Health Professions (Radiography and Respiratory tracks) are provided a laptop.
Minimum Laptop Technical Specifications
If you are satisfied with your personal device and it meets our “minimum specifications”, you do not need to purchase a new device.
University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) IT recommends 2 manufacturers who exceed the minimum requirements which are available at the Rochester MGear store. There are multiple options available from Apple and Dell.
Minimum specifications
PC: Windows 11
Mac: MacOS Ventura
Web camera and microphone
WiFi
The following devices DO NOT meet our minimum specifications
- ChromeOS and Chromebooks
- Tablets (iOS, Android)
- PC OS’s prior to Windows 10 and Windows 10 in S mode
- MacOS prior to Ventura
- Linux systems
Use of these devices will not meet all of your academic technology needs.
Why?
- Online testing (Lockdown Browser) will not be supported when using an Android or iOS device.
- Older versions of operating systems are not being updated and may encounter security or secure data connection issues (WIFI).
While you can use a variety of devices for your academic work, reading course materials on a tablet for example, may be preferred to reading on a laptop, there will be activities you CANNOT do without a computer that meets the above minimum specifications.
Digital Tablet
Required for students enrolled in
- BS in Health Sciences
UMR Faculty have found that the use of a digital pen tablet has become essential for class participation. Many courses in Rochester are centered upon drawing figures, writing mathematical expressions, illustrating biological processes, drawing chemical reaction mechanisms, and annotating documents. To do this effectively, a digital tablet is required for BSHS students taking any chemistry, math, or biochemistry courses.
UMR IT staff recommends the iPad Air with the Apple Pencil Pro.
Purchasing devices at the Bookstore
Technology, along with textbooks, and other course materials may be purchased at MGear Store. By purchasing technology at U of M Bookstores, students have the option to charge their purchase to their student account. Then, if a student has remaining financial aid (after aid applies to tuition, fees and housing) they may use the aid to cover any purchase at the Rochester MGear store.
Financial Aid
Students who need assistance with computer costs should contact University of Minnesota Rochester One Stop to explore available financial aid options.