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: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage.
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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 that meet this specification
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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: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage.
What laptop specification does DePaul University publish?
DePaul University (Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, School of Computing) publishes 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, on "Windows as the host operating system (dual booting is acceptable; running Windows in a VM will not suffice).". It is a minimum, not a target. Confirm against the source page before buying.
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.
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