COB Computer Requirements

COB Computer Requirements

All College of Business students are required to have a laptop computer. Minimum hardware and software specifications are given below. The Adkerson School of Accountancy has their own requirements.

Minimum Student Laptop Computer Specifications

Windows Machine

  • Processor: Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
  • Memory: 16 GB
  • Disk storage: 512 solid state drive (SSD)
  • Web Cam
  • Network Connectivity: Wireless
  • Other External Ports: USB
  • Operating System (64 bit): Microsoft Windows 11

Apple

  • Processor: M3
  • Memory: 16
  • Disk storage: 512 solid state drive (SSD)
  • Web Cam
  • Network Connectivity: Wireless
  • Other External Ports: USB
  • Operating System: macOS Tahoe

Software requirements

Microsoft Office and Antivirus are required for Apple and Windows Machines.

Adkerson School Computer Requirements

Computers are an essential tool accountants use to collect, analyze, summarize, and communicate information. The faculty of the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy recognize the need for students entering today’s accounting profession to have a thorough knowledge of the computer applications used in professional accounting.

The Adkerson School of Accountancy believes that the efficiencies provided by computers are maximized by students having 24-hour access to a computer, printer, and Internet access. Notebook or laptop computers are required of all accounting majors enrolled in upper-level undergraduate and graduate accounting courses. Although not required, the School strongly encourages students to have a computer during their freshman and sophomore years.

Hardware

Mississippi State University provides minimum configuration recommendations for both laptop and desktop computers at https://servicedesk.msstate.edu/TDClient/45/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1195. The following additional minimum specifications and related information will impact the computer configuration:

  • Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent.
  • 6gb RAM
  • 250gb hard drive or SSD.
  • Notebook or laptop computer (Windows-based machines are preferred, but Mac machines are acceptable. If a Mac OS machine is used, the student must have Windows emulator software installed in order to run Microsoft Access.)
  • IEEE 802.11g wireless capability (802.11n is encouraged)
  • Printer
  • 1gb USB Flash Drive for ease of transferring and turning in files.
  • Students enrolled in an online course – mountable external webcam (720p) like Logitech C920. Recommended: stand/tripod.

Software

The following software should be installed:

  • All students will need access to Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. MSU students can download Microsoft Office 365 from our ITS website and use it free of charge as long as they are enrolled students.
  • Sophos Antivirus is available to students free of charge from our ITS website once they arrive on campus and should be installed as soon as possible. You may use another antivirus program, but antivirus software is required.
  • If a Mac OS machine is used, the student must have Windows emulator software installed in order to run Microsoft Access.)
  • Other software will be provided by textbook publishers.

Financial Aid

Students may qualify for financial aid depending on their level of income and need. Students should apply for financial aid at the Department of Student Financial Aid when a student applies for admission. Students should indicate to that office that they are accounting students and wish to be considered for additional aid due to the computer requirement. Students may or may not qualify for additional aid depending on several factors. Any additional aid will most likely be through student or parent loans.