Academic Catalog 2024-25

Tech Requirements

Equipment Requirements for Applied Computer Science Program:

Students in the major are required to have a fast and reliable internet connection and an Apple laptop or computer with the most up-to-date operating system for the duration of the semester. The Apple operating system (OSX) is the leading software engineering environment and working with it significantly accelerates a student’s progress as a software engineer. Any Apple computer or laptop, no older than 6 years, will work so long as it has or is upgraded to have a Solid State Drive (SSD) hard drive and at least 8 GB RAM.

To ensure that all Dominican students can take courses in the Coding and Software Design minor, the following options are recommended for meeting this requirement:

Option 1: Buy a new or refurbished Apple laptop. A refurbished laptop works as well as a new laptop. Use Dominican’s new Apple On Campus partnership to take advantage of education discounts. https://apple.com/edu/dominican

Option 2: Purchase a used Apple laptop. Any Apple laptop will work so long as it has or is upgraded to have a Solid State Drive (SSD) hard drive and at least 8 GB RAM. Used Apple laptops can be found on Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist. Please use caution when purchasing a used computer.

Option 3: Financial Aid support. You may qualify for up to $2,000 in financial aid that can be applied toward the purchase of a laptop. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more details: https://www.dominican.edu/admissions/aid/general-financial-aid-information