Technology Requirements

Learning and completing your online coursework requires sufficient technology and internet access.

All online UW Extended Campus programs use the online learning management system Canvas which is accessible from nearly any device. However, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer with these minimum hardware specifications:

  • High-speed connection to the internet
  • 160GB hard drive
  • Monitor and graphics card capable of 1024 x 768 display (minimum)
  • Stereo sound card, speakers and/or headset, microphone
  • A webcam may be required in some courses (check with your Success Coach)
  • Operating System
    • For PC users: Windows 7 or higher
    • For Mac users: recent version of OS X

Desktop or laptop computers (rather than tablets) are highly recommended because of their ability to open and run multiple applications for an extended period of time, and their compatibility with and ability to install new applications.

While Canvas is accessible from nearly any device, the mobile view is not currently optimized for advanced interactions such as quizzing. For the best learning experience a desktop or laptop computer is recommended.

Google Chrome is a preferred browser for Canvas.

If you have a slow internet connection, you may want to look for high-speed internet access from an alternate source, such as satellite or wireless offered by a mobile provider.

The Virtual Lab 

UW Extended Campus degree programs such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, IT Management, Applied Computing, and other technical programs include access to our online, cloud-based virtual lab. The virtual lab allows you to remotely access and use software tools and programming languages without the need to purchase or install applications on your own computer.

For the most up-to-date list of virtual lab system requirements, we have put together a knowledge base article with this information.

Need Technical Support?

Visit our Tech Support Portal for more information about minimum system requirements, supported operating systems, supported browsers, system-check for plugins, and computer and internet security information.

Have questions? Contact an enrollment adviser at:

Business Hours:

Enrollment advisers are available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST, or by appointment.