All students enrolled in Carlos Alvarez College of Business courses are required to have access to a computer for course-related activities, which may include, but is not limited to, assignment write-ups, web resource access, Canvas access, video conferencing and online exams.
Laptop Policy
Because many classes will require students to bring a laptop to class for in-class experiential learning (see list below), all students are required to have a laptop while taking classes in the Alvarez College of Business. The singular exception is the fully online BBA in Cyber Security, in which case a desktop or a laptop is required because all of their classes will be online.
Financial Aid
Because a laptop is an academic requirement for all Carlos Alvarez College of Business students, students can make a one-time request to increase financial aid to support the purchase of an appropriate computer to complement course instruction.
Minimum Computer Specifications
Please review the minimum recommended requirements below. If you currently own a laptop, please make sure that your device meets the minimum standards.
Enrollment
Operating System:
Windows 11
Processor:
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 (or equivalent AMD Ryzen)
RAM (Physical Memory):
16 GB minimum with 32 GB ideal
Storage:
500 GB to 1 TB with at least 150 to 200 GB free storage
Connectivity:
Reliable Wi-Fi connection
Audiovisual:
Webcam (internal or external), speaker and microphone
Computers to Avoid
- Chromebooks
- MacBooks with M1/M2/M3 chips (ARM-based)
- Tablets or low-power laptops (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad)
Apple Devices
Apple MacBooks (including M1, M2 and M3 models) do not fully meet the program's core technical specifications, as many required applications are designed to run in a Windows environment and may have limited functionality or compatibility on macOS.
However, we understand that some students prefer Apple products and will not prohibit their use. Students choosing to use a Mac should be aware that limitations may exist, and they may need to utilize workarounds to access certain required software.
Software Resources
QuickBooks
Trial version is available for students from Intuit (one year of QuickBooks Online and five months of QuickBooks Desktop). Enter your information to verify your academic status.
R
R- project is a free open-source software, externally available on their website:
- Click on “CRAN”
- Depending on your professor’s instruction, there are various download package links that will automatically download on your personal/utsa desktop
RStudio
Some editions of RStudio must be paid for, but an open source version is available free of cost:
- Click on “RStudio Desktop”
- Click the download link under the Open-Source edition
SAS
SAS is available for discounted purchase from the UT ServiceNow TX Shop, requires a UT EID:
Request a UT EID: ut.service-now.com | (FAQ)
Pom QM (TreePlan Decision Tree Add-In)
Available through Pearson.
The university, through the Office of Digital Learning, provides technical support services and technology to students such as accessibility services, video conferencing technology, and productivity software. These services and tools (including access to Microsoft Office through OneDrive for Business) will be updated periodically and can be found below the information for technical support: odl.utsa.edu/support/technical-support
Contacts for Technology Support
UTSA Tech Cafe
Technology support and solutions center for students, faculty and staff. Available 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Student Support Gateway
Visit our student support gateway for accessibility, Canvas access, online learning and tech support.
