DePaul University: laptop requirements

Yes — a conforming laptop is required. DePaul University (Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, School of Computing) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet.

📌 This is a requirement, and it is college-specific. It binds the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, School of Computing, not necessarily every DePaul University student — check your own program before buying.

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The published specification

Operating system: "Windows as the host operating system (dual booting is acceptable; running Windows in a VM will not suffice)."

Processor: "Faster processors (Intel i7 or better, AMD Ryzen 7 or better) with 8+ cores."

Memory (RAM): "16GB of RAM."

Storage: "at least 512GB" — but note this figure is stated as a School of Computing general recommendation ("We do recommend systems with..."), NOT as part of the required list for this track.

Graphics: RECOMMENDED, not required: "An Nvidia GPU is strongly recommended over ATI/Intel GPUs."

What this specification rules out

"In particular, Macs cannot be used for these degree programs." Running Windows in a virtual machine "will not suffice" (dual booting is acceptable).

Source

Taken from DePaul University's own published page: https://my.cdm.depaul.edu/v2/Box/Download?id=1ea60148-7fc2-491b-b1df-31a061e6cb0c&preview=true — stated for Document is titled "Computer Recommendations for CDM Programs" and dated "Updated on August 2, 2024".. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.

Laptops for DePaul University students

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Search Amazon for Windows 11 laptop →

DePaul University publishes no capacities to build a search from, so this is a general search — check with DePaul University IT before ordering — listings change and this page does not track stock or price.

DePaul University laptop requirements: common questions

Does DePaul University require students to have a laptop?

Yes — a conforming laptop is required. DePaul University (Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, School of Computing) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet.

What does DePaul University's specification rule out?

"In particular, Macs cannot be used for these degree programs." Running Windows in a virtual machine "will not suffice" (dual booting is acceptable).

Where does this DePaul University laptop specification come from?

DePaul University's own published page at https://my.cdm.depaul.edu/v2/Box/Download?id=1ea60148-7fc2-491b-b1df-31a061e6cb0c&preview=true, stated for Document is titled "Computer Recommendations for CDM Programs" and dated "Updated on August 2, 2024".. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake.

Packing for DePaul University

A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full DePaul University dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.

Laptop requirements at other schools: Drexel University · East Carolina University · George Mason University · Illinois State University · Indiana University Bloomington · Iowa State University