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Laptop Requirements for graduate and undergraduate students

All students are required to have a personal laptop.

All Kogod students will need a personal laptop for use in a number of Kogod classes. Additionally, Kogod courses require that students use Office 365 Pro Plus for all quantitative assignments. Although Kogod recommends Windows laptops, Apple Macintosh laptops are acceptable when configured to meet the specified software requirements.

Please make sure your laptop meets the following requirements:

Kogod follows the general OIT recommendations for Windows and Mac laptops: Laptop Recommendations

Software requirements

  • Free MS Office 365 ProPlus OR purchase MS Office Professional, which includes Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Outlook, OneNote.
  • Latest Java plugin.  
  • Any additional software required in the syllabus. Students enrolled in Finance elective courses, BSF or MSF will need STATA.
  • At least 6 hours of battery life. (We recommend purchasing an extra battery if the laptop has a removable battery.)
  • Students will need full Administrator rights on their computers. (Kogod and OIT cannot support computers on which the user doesn't have full access rights.)
  • Students will need to keep the software up to date, run antivirus scans, and fix hardware and software problems in a timely manner. Students are responsible for keeping their laptops in working order and to consult with OIT to resolve any issues they may be experiencing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. That said, only a limited number of courses will require you to bring a laptop to the scheduled class and it is during these classes that you must use a compliant device. Please check the syllabus for clarification.

While we recommend you have your own laptop compliant with KSB requirements, you can obtain a loaner from FSIT Lab (KSB T55) for the duration of the class period, you need to return it as soon as the session is over. AU Library also provides laptop loaners for students.

You can obtain a loaner from FSIT Lab (KSB T55) for the duration of the class period, you need to return it as soon as the session is over. This is only a one- time loaner, you are responsible to get your machine fixed by the next session. AU Office of Information Technology provides drop- in support for software problems at the AU Library and limited hardware troubleshooting. For hardware problems you might need to contact your vendor.

Yes, if you are a Kogod student. Otherwise, it is recommended all students have a laptop that is compliant with these requirements. Laptops are important research tools and we see them being useful for students even if the current classes don't specifically require laptop use. Students can delay purchasing the necessary software but new students are strongly encouraged to arrive on campus with a fully compliant device.

Please check with your advisor if you qualify for financial assistance. If you don't qualify for assistance, you can obtain a loaner from FSIT Lab (KSB T55) for the duration of the class period. You need to return it as soon as the session is over. AU Library also provides Windows laptop loaners for students. Assignments can be completed at the Kogod FSIT Lab.

LinkedIn Learning has a number of tutorials for beginners. To access the site, click on the link or log in to myAU portal -> select Technology -> LinkedIn Learning link >> once in search for the software you want to learn about.

No. Your professor will advise you when you are required to have a laptop available for the class.

This varies by professor. Please ask them directly.

No, these devices do not support the Windows Operating System which is required to run the proper version of Microsoft Office.