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Technology Requirements

All traditional and second-degree BSN students are required to have a laptop for academic and testing purposes. Online students (RN to BSN, certificate and graduate) may use a desktop computer or a laptop since they will complete course work at a distant location. 

We do not currently support mobile devices for HESI exams (iPads, Androids, etc). We do not support any computer systems other than Windows or Mac (no Chromebooks, Linux devices, etc.). For questions regarding laptop hardware or software, email nursing-design@tamu.edu.

At all times, the computer should be capable of running the software below or contain the necessary hardware listed. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer has the required software.

Upon admission, students will be given access to an orientation course, which provides instructions on how to access each of the software programs listed below and confirms the computer meets the requirements. Completion of the technology orientation course is required prior to being given access to an individual's nursing academic courses.

Mac Laptops/Desktops Requirements

  • Operating System: 11.0 Big Sur (or newer)
  • Hard Drive: 250 GB hard drive or solid state drive
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Battery Life: Minimum of 6 hours required. (8 hours recommended)
  • High Speed Internet Connection: Minimum connection speed of 20 Mbps
  • Ethernet Port (USB, USB-C adapter for ethernet is sufficient)
  • Ethernet Cable
  • Safari Browser (free)
  • Mozilla Firefox Browser (free)
  • Chrome Browser (free)
  • HonorLock Chrome extension (free)
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser (free; will be provided)
  • Microsoft Office 365: Once you are registered for classes, you will have free access to Office 365 through the web and the ability to install apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) on up to 5 devices.
  • Zoom (licensed access will be provided)
  • Texas A&M Duo Authentication: You will be required to verify your identity using dual authentication on a mobile device.  
  • Texas A&M Gmail: You will be required to read your Texas A&M Gmail.  It is recommended you do this daily and connect to a mobile device so you never miss any critical announcements.  
  • Adobe Reader (free)
  • Scanning capabilities: You may use a mobile app (such as Microsoft Lens) or visit a store which provides scanning services (such as Fed Ex Office).
  • Webcam
  • Computer microphone
  • Computer headset and/or ear buds

Windows Laptops/Desktops Requirements

  • Operating System. Windows 10 (or newer).  We do not support Windows 7 or 8.  
  • Processor. Intel Core 2 Duo, i3, i5 or i7 processor
  • Hard Drive: 250 GB hard drive or solid state drive
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Battery Life: Minimum of 6 hours required. (8 hours recommended)
  • High Speed Internet Connection: Minimum connection speed of 20 Mbps
  • Ethernet Port (USB, USB-C adapter for ethernet is sufficient)
  • Ethernet Cable
  • Safari Browser (free)
  • Mozilla Firefox Browser (free)
  • Chrome Browser (free)
  • HonorLock Chrome extension (free)
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser (free; will be provided)
  • Microsoft Office 365: Once you are registered for classes, you will have free access to Office 365 through the web and the ability to install apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) on up to 5 devices.
  • Zoom (licensed access will be provided)
  • Texas A&M Duo Authentication: You will be required to verify your identity using dual authentication on a mobile device.  
  • Texas A&M Gmail: You will be required to read your Texas A&M Gmail.  It is recommended you do this daily and connect to a mobile device so you never miss any critical announcements.  
  • Adobe Reader (free)
  • Scanning capabilities: You may use a mobile app (such as Microsoft Lens) or visit a store which provides scanning services (such as Fed Ex Office).
  • Webcam
  • Computer microphone
  • Computer headset and/or ear buds