Arizona School of Health Sciences – Residential minimum technology requirements

Updated for 2025-26

Students are required to own a laptop computer for coursework purposes by the first day of orientation. Although ATSU does not require a specific model or brand of computer, below are the minimum required specifications. For students using Title IV financial assistance, the financial aid Cost of Attendance includes an allocation for this purpose. Title IV funds will be available after matriculation.

Note about audiology residential students

Doctor of audiology – residential students are required to use Windows laptop computers rather than Mac laptops, because the majority of audiology software is not compatible with Mac computers. To avoid confusion, we have created a separate page for Doctor of Audiology – Residential Students.

See unique technology specifications for Doctor of Audiology – Residential Students

All other disciplines may use Mac or Windows.

Windows computer specifications

  • Operating system: 64-bit version of Windows 11 or newer
  • i5 Processor or better
  • 16GB RAM
  • Wi-Fi capability

Mac computer specifications

Macs not used by Doctor of Audiology – Residential Students

  • Operating system: MacOS 14 Sonoma or newer
  • All M series processors are approved.
  • 16GB of RAM
  • Wi-Fi capability

Computer software

  • Anti-virus software such as Avira
  • Microsoft Office 2019
    • When you receive your ATSU account information (This includes access to the my.atsu.edu portal and ATSU email.), you acquire access to Office 365. Please follow these instructions, if you choose to use your Office 365 account. Following graduation, your Office 365 account will be terminated. At that time you should either purchase a personal Office 365 account or move any files you need to save.
    • The suite of applications you receive with your GSuite for Education account contains Google Docs, Google sheets, and similar applications which can be used as a replacement for Microsoft Office.

Computer peripherals

  • A broadband internet connection (DSL, cable or other high-speed internet)
  • Webcam
  • Headset

Multi-factor authentication

All students are required to use multi-factor authentication (MFA).  You will be provided with information about configuring this along with your account information.

These technology requirements pertain to students in these Arizona School of Health Sciences programs

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Therapy
  • Speech-Language Pathology (First year is residential, second year is online.)
  • Note: Doctor of Audiology – Residential Students have a separate page