Distance Requirements

Distance Education Hardware and Software Requirements

The following are the requirements for computer connecting to classes through Cisco Meeting for synchronous distance education classes. (Please note that there may be other hardware, software, and network limitations or issues that are not identified in this document).

Recommended Hardware Requirements

Operating Systems:
- Windows 10 Pro Edition 64-bit
- Macintosh MacOS (Within three versions)
Processor Speed:
- Recommended Intel Core i-Series and above (example: Intel Core i5 or i7).
  - Intel Core 2 Processor series are aging and no longer recommended.
Memory:
- 8 to 16 GB RAM
Hard Drive:
- 10 to 20 GB of available hard drive space
Accessories:
- NIC (Network Interface Card, Wired Ethernet Connection) that can run at 100 MBPS full duplex or greater (Wireless Network access is not permitted for Distance Ed Classes).
- Webcam (recommended Logitech HD Pro C920 Web Cam)
- USB Mic/Headset (recommended Logitech USB headset)

Network Requirements

Broadband Internet:
- (DSL or cable ISP);
  - Upload/Download speeds of at least 768Kbps up/1.5MB down (Note this is the minimum bandwidth speeds acceptable and higher speeds are recommended).
- Laptop or Desktop must be hard-wired into a network connection.
- Wireless access is not acceptable. Wireless connections with video conferencing tend to be less stable and prone to connection issues. You will be required to hard wire into your home network. (This is required and is not negotiable, with the exception of rare circumstances negotiated in advance with instructors and IT support).
- Internet Service providers do not always deliver the speeds stated in your service agreement.
  - Verify your actual broadband speed by running a speed test
- Having a network connection below the minimum requirements may lead to a student being dropped from the course/program.

Other System Hardware Requirements

Within the PhD and Hartford programs, dual monitors are required to optimize the student experience, as you will often have multiple programs running during class (Cisco Meeting and other software). Monitor size is up to the individual but we recommend at least 20" for ease of viewing multiple individuals during class. If you purchase a laptop, the minimum laptop screen size is 15" and the second 20" monitor is still required.
Dual-head video card with a minimum of 256 MB RAM (the more RAM the better with video cards).
Laptops typically come with an external monitor connection built-in; if you are working on a laptop, we expect that the laptop will be hard-wired to the internet and connected to dual monitors.
The DNP programs may have slightly different requirements for peripherals and software than the PhD and Hartford programs. Please check with your instructors for more information.

Software Requirements

Cisco Meeting is the currently supported webinar platform (Account and software download links will be emailed to your university email address).
Microsoft Office - including Excel, Word, PowerPoint (students receive MS Office for free).
Other software may be required for individual courses or programs (i.e., SPSS, Endnote, etc.).
A high-quality printer (a laser printer is strongly recommended).