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To support undergraduate-level coursework, collaboration, and analytics tools used in the Business programs, students are expected to have reliable access to a personal computer that meets the specifications below. Many courses use data analytics, business intelligence, and quantitative tools that require additional computing power. These specifications improve performance when working with large datasets, advanced Excel models, or business analytics software.

Students must be able to run the following software commonly used in courses and available via MAVzone for all enrolled students.

  • Microsoft Office 365 (Excel and Word need to be downloaded to the computer, not just web versions)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Modern web browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended)
  • Access to CMU's Learning Management System (D2L Brightspace)

Additional software may be required in specific courses (for example, analytics or project management tools). Instructors will provide instructions if specialized software is required.

Students may use either Windows or Mac computers. However, some software used in coursework, particularly in Data Analytics, Economics, and Finance, may only run on Microsoft Windows.

Students using Mac computers must ensure they have access to a Windows environment via a virtual machine. Our recommendations are as follows:

Mac users who plan to run a virtual machine should have at least 16 GB of RAM to ensure acceptable performance when running Windows alongside other applications.

Students should have reliable high-speed internet access capable of supporting: 

  • Video conferencing (Zoom or Microsoft Teams)
  • File uploads and downloads
  • Cloud collaboration tools

If students have questions about technology compatibility or recommended systems, they should consult CMU Information Technology Services before purchasing new equipment. 

Financial aid and other funding for technology:

Students are able to use aid to purchase laptops. Financial Aid currently budgets $1,200 per semester if they are full-time. They do have the flexibility to adjust the cost for purchasing a computer and would require a receipt to make this adjustment and reimbursement.

529 plan funds can be a powerful way to invest in your education—including the technology you will rely on as a Davis School of Business student at Colorado Mesa University. When used for qualified higher education expenses, 529 dollars can typically be used to purchase a laptop or desktop computer, along with essential accessories like a printer, keyboard, and educational software, as well as the internet access you need to complete your coursework.

To meet the usual requirements, the computer and related technology should be used primarily by you, the student, during the years you are enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution—such as CMU’s Davis School of Business. Equipment or software purchased mainly for entertainment or non-educational use generally will not qualify. Because tax treatment depends on proper use and documentation, be sure to keep your receipts.