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. Capella provides learners with the opportunity to purchase Microsoft® products at a significant discount (see Course Materials > Software Discounts). These requirements are subject to change. The most current requirements are published on Campus and are reflected in the Computer Check-Up tool, also available on Campus.
Internet connection: Capella University’s technical support staff strongly recommends a broadband (Cable or DSL) Internet connection. Other highspeed and broadband connections will work but will not provide the best performance of tools and resources used by Capella, such as a Satellite connection or a shared/community internet connection.
Mobile: Refer to the Capella Mobile support page for details on accessing Capella sites from a mobile device, such as iPhone, Android, and Chromebooks.
|
MINIMUM
|
RECOMMENDED
|
|
Internet Connection
|
| Broadband 512kbps upload and download speed |
Broadband (Cable or DSL) |
|
Software Requirements*
|
|
Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files Anti-Virus Software to scan files and emails
|
Microsoft Office 2016 or higher (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Adobe Acrobat Reader (Current Release)
|
|
Mac Software Requirements**
|
|
Mac Ventura (13)
Mac Monterey (12) Mac Big Sur (11)
One of the following internet browsers for accessing and navigating Capella sites:
- Chrome (recommended)
- Firefox (recommended)
- Safari Apple QuickTime
|
With Current Software Updates
Chrome (Current Release)
Firefox (Current Release)
Apple QuickTime (Current Release)
|
|
Windows Software Requirements**
|
|
Windows 11
Windows 10
One of the following internet browsers for accessing and navigating Capella sites:
- Chrome (recommended)
- Firefox (recommended)
- Microsoft Edge
|
With Current Software Updates
Chrome (Current Release)
Firefox (Current Release)
Windows Media Player (Current Release)
|
|
Hardware Requirements***
|
|
2 GHz Processor
8GB of Memory (RAM)
30GB of free storage space
|
3 GHz Processor or higher
8GB or higher of Memory (RAM)
Webcam and Headset
|
* Specific courses or programs may have additional requirements as noted in the course syllabus.
** Mobile devices can also be used with Capella 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 Capella and Capella courses.
*** Capella learners are responsible for arranging the hardware necessary to complete coursework, e.g. for listing to or recording audio, viewing or recording video, and/or participating in web conferencing (synchronous or asynchronous). Hardware is not covered by the resource kit fee.
Information technology courses also require:
• Windows Professional or higher is required for IIS functionality
• 30GB of free hard disk space
• Mac users will need a Windows install or Windows set up with Parallels
• 8GB or greater of RAM highly recommended
• Backup storage device
Some MBA courses also require Windows
• Mac users will need a Windows install or Windows set up with Parallels
Capella recommends that new learners 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, Capella cannot provide technical support for browsers other than those listed above. Browsers listed as recommended are Capella’s primary choice for best performance within the Capella courseroom and other related sites.
Adobe Acrobat is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Mac, QuickTime, iPhone and Safari are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft Office, Media Player, Microsoft Edge, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Firefox is a registered trademark of Mozilla Corporation. Chrome and Chromebooks is a registered trademark of Google.