GSBS Personal Computer Requirements | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Recommended System Specifications (2026-2027)

PC and MAC

Specifications designed to support students through a 4-6 year degree cycle.

Hardware

Processor Windows: 12th Gen. Intel Core i5 / Ryzen 5 (or higher)
Mac: Apple M2 Chip (or higher)
RAM 16GB Recommended
Wireless Card 5GHz & WiFi 6 Compatibility Required
Hard Drive 512GB+ Solid State Drive (SSD) Recommended

Software

Operating Systems

Windows 11 OR
Mac OS Sequoia (Minimum MacOS 13 - Ventura)

Productivity Software

Microsoft Office 365 Suite*
Google Docs / Apple iWork

Peripheral & Testing
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Respondus LockDown Browser
Google Chrome

Important Notes

  • Testing Requirements: GSBS courses utilize online testing via Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB). This software is fully compatible with Windows and Mac laptops but is not supported on Linux, Chromebooks, or most mobile devices.
    • Note for Dual-School Students: The School of Pharmacy and School of Medicine may utilize other testing platforms (e.g., ExamSoft or Proctorio). If you are a Pharm. Sci. M.S./Ph.D. or GMES student, please check with those respective school resources for additional hardware/software compatibility.
  • Tablets & Chromebooks: Devices such as iPads, Android tablets, or Chromebooks are excellent for note-taking and content consumption but will not substitute the need for a full Windows or Mac laptop for testing and specialized software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, LDB).
  • Internet: High-speed broadband access is required for Brightspace course content and remote testing. Mobile hotspots are not recommended for examinations.
  • *Office 365: Word, PowerPoint, and Excel are currently available to TTUHSC students via the ITSC. The full Microsoft Office 365 Suite is expected to be available for institutional download later in 2026. Please do not purchase a separate subscription. Access details will be provided during orientation.
  • Cloud Storage: TTUHSC provides Box accounts for HIPAA-compliant cloud storage. It is highly recommended to sync all academic work to Box to prevent data loss. Contact the ITSC for Box setup assistance.
  • Additional Hardware: Webcams are required for Zoom meetings and certain proctored exams (but not for the GSBS use of LDB). Most modern laptop webcams are sufficient. Note: GSBS policy does not allow remote Zoom attendance for standard in-person classes; Zoom is primarily for faculty/student consultations or meetings.