Computer & Technology Requirements

The most important technology that you will need at Liberty is a computer. Liberty’s IT Marketplace offers several kinds of computers depending on what you want and need for your classes. Liberty has partnered with Dell, Lenovo, and Apple to offer students discounts on computers from all three manufacturers.

General Recommendations

For students wishing to utilize personal devices for their degree programs either on-campus or online, we recommend the following hardware specifications so that you can comfortably run multiple applications for classes:

• Processor: Intel i-Series (i3, i5, i7 10th generation or newer) or equivalent** Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 9 processor 3000 series or newer**
  • For Macs: 13″ to 16″ MacBooks (M1 processor or newer)
• Memory: 16 GB RAM or higher
  • For Macs: 8GB RAM or higher
• Hard Drive: 256GB or higher
• Video: Integrated or Dedicated graphics card
• Wireless Card:
  • Wi-Fi 6 or 6E NIC
  • 5GHz Dual Band / 6GHz Tri Band
  • 2×2 2.4Gbits. (20/40/80MHz)
  • WPA2-PSK/WPA2-Enterprise

Design and Arts recommendations

For students in design courses like Interior Design, Communication and Arts, Studio and Digital Arts, and Cinematic Arts, the following specifications are recommended:

• Processor: Intel i7-Series (10th generation or newer) or equivalent** Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 9 processor 3000 series or newer**
• Memory: 16 GB RAM or higher
• Hard Drive: 500GB or higher
• Video: Integrated or Dedicated graphics card with 4GB of VRAM or higher
• Wireless Card:
  • Wi-Fi 6 or 6E NIC
  • 5GHz Dual Band / 6GHz Tri Band
  • 2×2 2.4Gbits. (20/40/80MHz)
  • WPA2-PSK/WPA2-Enterprise

Digital Media and Journalism & Studio and Digital Arts Recommendations

• 14″ to 16″ MacBook Pro (M1 processor or newer) recommended due to software utilized
• Memory: 8 GB – 16 GB RAM
• Hard Drive: 256GB – 512GB

School of Music Recommendations

• 13″ to 16″ MacBook Pro (M1 processor or newer) recommended due to software utilized
• Memory: 8 GB – 16 GB RAM
• Hard Drive: 256GB – 512GB

Computer Science & Engineering Recommendations

• Processor: Intel i7-Series (10th generation or newer) or equivalent**
• Memory: 16 GB – 32 GB RAM
• Hard Drive: 500GB or higher, or dual 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD
• Video: Dedicated graphics card with 6GB of VRAM or higher
• Wireless Card:
  • Wi-Fi 6 or 6E NIC
  • 5GHz Dual Band / 6GHz Tri Band
  • 2×2 2.4Gbits. (20/40/80MHz)
  • WPA2-PSK/WPA2-Enterprise

**Please review software needs for your degree as processor requirements may differ depending on needed applications. Please note ARM-based processors may not work with all applications for coursework.

• For the best browsing experience with Canvas, we officially recommend Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
• Note: Only the Chromium version of Edge is supported. To verify which version of Edge is currently installed on your computer, open Microsoft Edge and select the three dots in the upper right corner to view “Settings and more”, and then select “About Microsoft Edge” in the left side menu. This page should mention “Chromium” below the Update settings section. If it instead reads “Microsoft EdgeHTML”, you can download the Chromium version of Edge.

Devices like Chromebooks or mobile devices (tablets, phones, etc.) that do not have the following operating systems will have limited or no support.

• Windows: 10 or 11
• macOS 12 or newer (Monterey and Ventura)

• Office 365 (Available to students)
• Office 2021 (Windows and Mac)

Liberty has partnered with multiple software vendors to offer you great discounts on some of the software needed for your courses. The Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, OneNote, etc.) is available for currently enrolled students at no additional cost through Liberty.edu/Office365. Visit the IT Marketplace to view additional software that may be required by individual classes in a variety of majors.

All recommended Lenovo bundles purchased through the IT Marketplace affiliate link come with the option to purchase a manufacturer’s warranty (valid up to 4 years) and are eligible for on-campus service and repair at the IT HelpDesk for the entirety of their warranty. All Apple computers purchased have the option of choosing the 1-year manufacturer’s warranty or 3-year AppleCare+ warranty that is eligible for on-campus service and repair at the IT HelpDesk for the entirety of their warranty. Dell machines purchased online are eligible for Dell’s extended manufacturer’s warranty and accidental coverage. Safeware is also sold through the Barnes and Noble Campus Bookstore for devices purchased at that location.

The IT HelpDesk is also able to perform certain hardware & software repairs on Dell, Lenovo and Apple laptops that were not purchased through Liberty’s IT Marketplace’s vendor links, but this service depends on the type of warranty, damage, and other factors.

All customers who purchase software through the IT Marketplace can receive installation assistance by Liberty University’s IT HelpDesk for free. You can call, stop in, or visit the HelpDesk website for free IT assistance.

Contacting an Online Vendor Representative:

If you have questions about your order purchased through an affiliate vendor, or if there is a problem with your order, please contact the appropriate vendor representative using the contact information below:

Apple Barnes & Nobles Campus Bookstore | 434-582-2316

Dell Sales Chat | 1-800-433-2392

Lenovo Sales Rep | 919-237-8800

ThinkEDU Contact Support

GENERAL READING BOOKS, NOOK® DEVICES, SOFTWARE, AUDIO, VIDEO & SMALL ELECTRONICS

• A full refund will be given in your original form of payment if merchandise is returned within 14 days of purchase with original receipt in original packaging.
• Opened software, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, music, and small electronics may not be returned. They can be exchanged for the same item if defective.
• Merchandise must be in original condition.
• No refunds or exchanges without original receipt.

The IT Marketplace online will only ship within the United States.