The Opus College of Engineering curriculum reflects engineering education in the 21st century. This includes using the latest computer technologies in both teaching and learning to prepare students for a future increasingly defined by digital technology and team-based work-spaces.  As a result, all engineering students are required to have a laptop computer that meets the minimum specifications required to run a variety of engineering software.

Hardware Specifications – 2024

• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 are required. Most engineering software will not run on MacOS or Linux.
• Processor: Minimum quad-core AMD or Intel processor
  * AMD Ryzen 5 minimum or 7 is recommended from the 5000 or newer series
  * Intel Core i5 minimum or Core i7 is recommended from the 11th generation or newer series
  * Do not purchase an ARM-based processor such as Qualcomm Snapdragon or Apple M1
• Memory: 16 GB or higher is recommended, 8 GB is minimum
• Hard Drive: 512 GB or greater solid-state drive is highly recommended
• Display: FHD (1920×1080) or higher-resolution is recommended
• Input: Consider touch-screen and pen-based display inputs which are helpful, but not required
• Network: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) minimum or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) recommended
• Warranty: 4-year on-site warranty with accidental damage protection highly recommended
• Other: Webcam (built-in or USB), portable mouse, laptop security cable, CAT-6 Ethernet cable (with USB-C adapter if your laptop does not have network jack onboard), 32 GB USB (thumb) drive are also recommended

Please order your laptop before June 1, 2024.  We highly recommend purchasing new laptops with 4-year on-site, next-business day warranty service including accidental damage protection.  This means a technician would come to campus or your home to repair hardware problems instead of having to travel to a store or mail back to a depot.  Without an on-site warranty, you risk being without a laptop for several weeks while it is repaired.

System Manufacturers

The following companies offer laptops we recommend to students:

• Dell at www.dell.com
• HP at www.hp.com
• Lenovo at www.lenovo.com

Support Policy

The College of Engineering offers students basic computer support to assist with the installation of required engineering software applications. Support is limited to Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. There is no support for Apple computers. Students are encouraged to contact their course instructors for assistance with using engineering software.

To request assistance with engineering software installations, please contact the COE Help Desk at 414-288-5140 or by e-mail at coetech@marquette.edu. In-person support is offered to students at the COE Technology Services office, Engineering Hall room 254.

Frequently Asked Questions

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