Technical Specifications
Incoming first-year undergraduate students enrolling in the College of IST at University Park must have a laptop that meets or exceeds the following specifications:
The College of IST requires that all new first-year undergraduate students enrolled in the college at University Park have their own laptop that meets or exceeds minimum technical specifications. Minimum requirements and recommended specifications are listed below under the "Technical Specifications" heading.
This requirement is intended to ensure students have a device that should last for four years, ensures students have access to a level of technology needed to complete coursework, and allows instructors to effectively incorporate a standard of technology into their courses. Students may be required to bring their laptops to class.
Over time, having a personal laptop that meets certain standards better positions students to complete assignments, collaborate effectively with classmates, receive hands-on instruction, and make use of flexible educational environments. Ultimately, it supports an equitable Penn State experience and prepares students with the digital fluency needed to create new knowledge and thrive in emerging careers.
Windows Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Windows 11, Intel i7 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, hardware service warranty
- Recommended Specifications: Windows 11, Intel i7 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, hardware service warranty
- Note: Minimum and Recommended Specifications for Windows laptops are the same for students entering during this time.
Mac Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Mac OS Ventura, M1 or M1 Pro processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
- Recommended Specifications: Mac OS Sonoma, M3 or M3 Pro processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
Windows Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Windows 10, Intel i7 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, Hardware service warranty
- Recommended Specifications: Windows 11, Intel i7 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, Hardware service warranty
Mac Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Mac OS Monterey, M1 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB Hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
- Recommended Specifications: Mac OS Ventura, M1 or M1 Pro processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB Hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
Windows Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Windows 10, i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, Hardware service warranty
- Recommended Specifications: Windows 11, Intel i7 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, Hardware service warranty
Mac Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Mac OS Big Sur, M1 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
- Recommended Specifications: Mac OS Monterey, M1 or M1 Pro processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
Windows Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Windows 10, i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Recommended Specifications: Windows 10, i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, Hardware service warranty
Mac Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Mac OS Big Sur, i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB Hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Recommended Specifications: Mac OS Big Sur, M1 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB Hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
Students can purchase a laptop that meets the college’s requirement at any time before arriving on campus. However, we recommend students wait until close to their enrollment date to purchase a laptop to maximize the machine’s warranty for their time on campus.
Students who are purchasing a new laptop are encouraged to purchase one that meets the recommended specifications. Students who already have a laptop that meets the minimum specifications will not need to purchase a new one.
The Penn State Bookstore has several laptops available for purchase at a discounted rate, which can be shipped to the student or picked up on campus. While students can purchase any laptop that meets these requirements from any vendor, we strongly encourage that they are purchased through the Bookstore as some of these solutions come with multiyear support plans or promotional rebates.
You can view the Bookstore’s full selection of laptops at psu.bncollege.com.
What if my laptop does not meet the minimum requirements?
Faculty have built courses based on each student having a minimum level of technology to participate in class assignments, complete coursework, and progress through the degree program. Not meeting the requirement may result in a suboptimal experience and negatively impact your academic performance.
Do the different majors in the college have different technical requirements?
No, the minimum and recommended technical specifications are the same for each of the College of IST’s undergraduate programs.
If I have a laptop that meets the required specifications but isn’t on the college’s recommended list, can I still use it?
Yes, you can use any laptop that meets or exceeds the technical specifications.
Will my tablet or mobile device meet this requirement?
No, there are currently no tablets or mobile devices that meet the minimum required specifications.
Does the technology requirement apply to first-year students taking Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP) courses during the summer semester?
While the laptop requirement does not apply to LEAP courses during summer, all first-year students must have a laptop that meets the college’s requirement by the beginning of the fall semester.
What happens if my machine has technical problems or suffers a security breach?
The IST Helpdesk will be available to consult on software problems related to coursework and can loan you a laptop if you have a temporary problem.Visit the IST Helpdesk website for more information.
Are there any additional hardware, software, or accessories I need?
No, though some courses may require the installation of various software to complete assignments. Your instructor will guide you in any course-specific software needs.