The following requirements are recommended for optimal success as an online student. Please note that some courses may have more specific requirements. For many online courses, a mobile device or Chromebook will NOT meet the requirements.
At the College, most instructors teaching from campus have Windows 10 (or higher) operating software and MS Office 2016 software. Microsoft 365 is available free to all students. Most instructors require students to use MS Word or a compatible software. Google docs are not accepted by Blackboard; therefore, all Google docs must be converted to a word doc or pdf file format for submission to Blackboard.
Minimum Hardware Requirements:
Windows Laptop/PC Minimum Requirements
(CIS, ACC, BCOM and BUS)*
- Windows 10 Professional, Home or Educational
- 256 GB or more of storage, SSD preferred
- 8 GB of RAM or more
- Intel Core i5 processor or better
- Microsoft Office 2016 or 365 (available free to all students)
- Webcam/microphone
- Reliable Internet access
*Chromebooks and Macs do not meet the requirements for CIS, ACC, BCOM, BUS
*Chromebooks and entry level MacBooks do not meet requirements for NUR
Mac Minimum Requirements
(GRD or Graphic Design Majors)*
- iMac, or MacBook Pro, are “industry standard”
- 256 GB or more of storage, this can be traditional HDD or SSD
- 8 GB of RAM or more
- Intel i5 processor or equivalent
- Microsoft Office 2016 or 365 (available free to all students)
- Webcam/microphone
- Reliable Internet access
*Chromebooks and entry level MacBook Air laptops do not meet the requirements for GRD
*Chromebooks and entry level MacBooks do not meet requirement for NUR
Minimum Software Requirements:
- Internet connection (ISP) and Browser Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox – latest version
- Microsoft Office 2016 or Microsoft Office 365 offered to students for free
- Plug-Ins and Other Useful Software that may be required in certain classes
- Adobe, PDF Viewer
- Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor (for specific classes only)
Minimum Computer Skills:
You should be able to do all of the following:
- Download Microsoft Office 365 or Microsoft Office 2016
- Access MCC email (Outlook) via web browser on your computer
- Download the Outlook App on a smartphone
- Send and receive email using MCC email (Outlook)
- Send attachments with an email
- View, save, and print attachments from an email
- Download files, including software if necessary
- Navigate the web using basic browser methods
- Turn on or off pop-up blockers
- Change security settings to allow items that may be blocked by your security settings
- Navigate and use tools in Blackboard
- Post and reply to discussion threads in Blackboard
- Adapt to using various online textbooks and homework systems
- Take quizzes or tests online
- Use a webcam for online test monitoring if required for online testing
- Upload files, if necessary (for example, into Blackboard, or software as needed by class)
- Save in different file formats (such as docx to pdf)
In addition to Computer Skills, students are expected to apply Email Etiquette:
The majority of online students and instructors use email to communicate.
Please keep these universal netiquette policies in mind:
- Include a greeting: “Dear Mr. or Mrs Instructor”
- Sign you full name, course and section
- Follow the specific instructor’s directions regarding subject lines and attachments.
- Write complete sentences when sending an email message.
- Take a screen shot to include when you have questions about online content or error messages
- Don’t use all CAPITAL LETTERS
- Check your spelling
- Be courteous, and never use offensive language
