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 students with Microsoft 365. Please refer to our Microsoft Tools page on Campus. These requirements are subject to change. You can use the Computer Check-Up tool to assist with checking your compatibility with Capella.
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.
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MINIMUM
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RECOMMENDED
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Internet Connection
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| Broadband 512kbps upload and download speed |
Broadband (Cable or DSL)
2mbps upload download speed |
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Software Requirements*
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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
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Microsoft 365 Copilot (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Adobe Acrobat Reader (Current Release)
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Mac Software Requirements**
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Mac OS 26 Tahoe
Mac OS 15 Sequoia
Mac OS 14 Sonoma
One of the following internet browsers for accessing and navigating Capella sites:
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
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With Current Software Updates
Chrome (Current Release)
Firefox (Current Release)
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Windows Software Requirements**
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Windows 12
Windows 11
One of the following internet browsers for accessing and navigating Capella sites:
Chrome
Firefox
Microsoft Edge
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With Current Software Updates
Chrome (Current Release)
Firefox (Current Release)
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Hardware Requirements***
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Desktop/laptop computer
8GB of Memory (RAM)
30GB of free storage
Multi-factor authentication (any one)
Desktop/Laptop
Mobile device
SMS/Texting
Phone Service
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Desktop/laptop computer
16GB or higher of Memory (RAM)
30GB or higher of free storage
Multi-factor authentication (any two)
Desktop/Laptop
Mobile device
SMS/Texting
Phone Service
Other hardware
Webcam and Headset*
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* Specific courses or programs may have additional requirements as noted in both the course syllabus and bookstore.
** 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 students are responsible for arranging the hardware necessary to complete coursework, e.g. for listening 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 setup with Parallels
Capella 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, 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 are registered trademarks of Google.