Marquette University: laptop requirements
Yes — a conforming laptop is required. Marquette University (Opus College of Engineering) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet.
The published specification
Operating system: "Windows 11 is required. Most engineering software will not run on MacOS or Linux."
Processor: "Minimum quad-core AMD or Intel processor". Within that: "AMD Ryzen 5 minimum or 7 is recommended from the 5000 or newer series"; "Intel Core i5 minimum or Core i7 is recommended from the 11th generation or newer series".
Memory (RAM): "32 GB or higher is recommended, 16 GB is minimum"
Storage: "512 GB or greater solid-state drive is highly recommended, 256 GB minimum"
Graphics: RECOMMENDED, not required: "For running SolidWorks efficiently on a laptop, the Quadro series from NVIDIA or the Radeon Pro series from AMD are recommended. These professional-grade GPUs offer better stability, reliability, and performance compared to consumer gaming graphics cards."
Warranty: RECOMMENDED, not required: "4-year on-site warranty with accidental damage protection highly recommended" — specifically 4-year on-site, next-business-day service including accidental damage protection.
What this specification rules out
"Do not purchase an ARM-based processor such as Qualcomm Snapdragon or Apple M1." MacOS and Linux are unsupported; "Students that choose to buy or use a Mac will not receive support for compatibility issues with engineering software." College support is limited to Windows 10 and 11; "There is no support for Apple computers."
Also listed on the same page
Display: "FHD (1920×1080) or higher-resolution is recommended". Network: "Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) minimum or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) recommended". Input: touch-screen and pen-based display inputs are "helpful, but not required". Also recommended: webcam (built-in or USB), portable mouse, laptop security cable, 32 GB USB (thumb) drive.
Source
Taken from Marquette University's own published page: https://www.marquette.edu/engineering/coetech/laptop-requirements.php — stated for Page section is headed "Hardware Specifications – 2026" and instructs "Please order your laptop before June 1, 2026" (2026–27 entry).. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.
Laptops for Marquette University students
Marquette University laptop requirements: common questions
Does Marquette University require students to have a laptop?
Yes — a conforming laptop is required. Marquette University (Opus College of Engineering) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet.
What does Marquette University's specification rule out?
"Do not purchase an ARM-based processor such as Qualcomm Snapdragon or Apple M1." MacOS and Linux are unsupported; "Students that choose to buy or use a Mac will not receive support for compatibility issues with engineering software." College support is limited to Windows 10 and 11; "There is no support for Apple computers."
Where does this Marquette University laptop specification come from?
Marquette University's own published page at https://www.marquette.edu/engineering/coetech/laptop-requirements.php, stated for Page section is headed "Hardware Specifications – 2026" and instructs "Please order your laptop before June 1, 2026" (2026–27 entry).. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake.
Packing for Marquette University
A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full Marquette University dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.