Online education at Kaplan University is simple and accessible and technical support is available 24/7. Even so, as part of the admission process to Kaplan University you are required to demonstrate certain competencies in the use of technology. Before enrolling, students will be asked to attest that they have the following abilities:


  • Use email to correspond with faculty, staff, and students
  • Access, create, and save documents in Microsoft® Office® formats*
  • Browse the Web including downloading and installing common plug-ins and configuring common browser options
  • Configure and run applications, including an antivirus application to ensure that the student's system is secure and transmitted files are virus free

 Hardware, Software, and Internet Access 

To enroll in classes online, you must have access to a computer with the following minimum requirements:



    Hardware:


  • A PC running a Microsoft Windows Operating System (XP, Vista, or Windows 7; please note, release candidate versions are not supported) or Mac OS X with the operating system’s minimum requirements for processor, memory, and hard drive (See the Microsoft or Apple website for minimum requirements)†
  • At least 10.0 GB of free hard-drive space (additional space may be needed for multimedia files)
  • 1024 x 768 monitor with a 16-bit or greater video card (24-bit preferred)
  • DVD-ROM drive or CD-ROM
  • Sound card with speakers and microphone (for selected courses)


Software:‡


  • A Microsoft Windows® Operating System (XP, Vista, or Windows 7; please note, release candidate versions are not supported) or Mac OS X
  • Microsoft Office 2003 or a more recent version§
  • A current antivirus and antispyware application that is updated regularly
  • Internet Explorer 7.0 or a more recent version, or Firefox 3.013 or a more recent version#
  • Adobe® Reader® 8.0 or a more recent version (free download)
  • Adobe® Flash Player 9.0 or a more recent version (free download)
  • Sun Java 2 SDK (Java 1.5) or a more recent version for PC (free download)
  • Classic Java (MRJ 2.2.5) or a more recent version for Mac (free download)
  • AOL Instant Messenger (free download)


Internet/Email:


  • An Internet service provider (ISP)
  • A dedicated, reliable 128 Kbps or faster Internet connection
  • An email address and account will be issued to all Kaplan University students for use within their courses


Some courses have additional software and hardware requirements. For a complete listing, click here. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

To be a part of Kaplan University’s program, you will need an Internet service provider (ISP). An ISP supplies access to the Internet for a monthly fee. In many areas, cable TV and digital telephone services offer high-speed Internet access. Kaplan University does not provide access to the Internet as part of its agreement. Check your local phonebook for a list of ISPs.

*At a minimum, students must be familiar with Microsoft® Word. Students who have not had experience with other Microsoft® Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and Access should take course IT 133.

†Students must be able to run, install, and configure programs and be able to store and retrieve documents and files on their computer.

‡Please note: newly released versions of software may not be immediately supported.

§Microsoft Word is required to submit all assignments. Some classes require the use additional software such as Microsoft Office 2007. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have the licensed software required and should not enroll in courses for which they do not have the necessary licensed software.

#If you have problems viewing pages on KU Campus using Firefox, click here for instructions to add an Internet Explorer tab to your browser.