Device Requirements for the DVM Professional Program
Students entering the DVM Professional Program at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) must purchase one of the configurations described below to satisfy the “Buy-Your-Own-Device (BYOD)” requirement for teaching and examinations. The cost of each system includes a four-year maintenance agreement to accommodate computer needs throughout the program.
*Note: Devices with ARM / Snapdragon (CPU) Processors are not supported, and should not be purchased for use in the DVM Program. Their use will not allow for testing with ExamSoft, the required examination software. Windows RT, Windows 10, and Windows 11S are NOT supported by ExamSoft.
Laptop Specifications (PC or MAC)
The table below details the recommended and minimum specifications that must be met.
| Hardware | Recommended for PC | Recommended for Mac |
| Hard Drive | 512GB or greater Solid- State Drive | 512GB or greater Solid-State Drive |
| Memory | 16GB – 64GB of RAM | 16GB – 64GB of RAM |
| Operating System | 64-bit Windows 11 | macOS 15, macOS 26 (Sequoia, Tahoe) |
| Processor | Intel 13th Generation i5, i7, i9 AMD Zen4 Series *ARM Processors are not supported | Apple M2, M3, and Apple Rosetta 2 |
| Screen | 13″- 15” | 13″- 16” |
| Hardware | Minimum for PC | Minimum for Mac |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB hard drive | 256 GB hard drive |
| Memory | 16 GB of RAM | 16 GB of RAM |
| Operating System | 64-bit Windows 11 | macOS 14, macOS 15, macOS 26 (Sonoma, Sequoia, Tahoe) |
| Processor | Intel 12th Generation i5, AMD Zen4 + | M1, M2, M3 and Apple Rosetta 2 |
| Screen | 13″- 15” | 13″- 15” |
| Other Requirements | PC | Mac |
| Microphone | Required | Required |
| Webcam – External or built-in | Required | Required |
| Internet Speed / Bandwidth | 2.5 Mbps or better upload speed | 2.5 Mbps or better upload speed |
| Privacy Screen – fit to your display screen | Required for on-campus assessments | Required for on-campus assessments |
| Software | PC | Mac |
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office (provided by Texas A&M) | Microsoft Office (provided by Texas A&M) |
Approved Configurations with Purchasing Information from the Texas A&M Software Center
Mobile Devices (including iPads) Recommendations
NOTE: Mobile devices are not supported with the test-taking software (including iPads). This software will be used for the majority of exams. Students must have a compatible device to use for exams, in addition to any optional mobile devices.
The VMBS strongly recommends that all students with mobile devices, such as an Android phone, Android tablet, iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, have the most recent operating system. Please make sure your devices are set to be automatically updated by the vendor to ensure that your devices are always on the most current operating platform. Mobile devices are not supported with the test-taking software.
Security Recommendations
The VMBS strongly recommends that students ensure their personal devices, specifically laptops, tablets, and phones, have disk encryption toggled on. This will keep your data safe should your device be stolen. Please keep your decryption key in a safe place.
Things to Consider Regarding Security
- All software and Operating Systems (OS) should be set to automatically update, which will ensure you have the latest patches. It is recommended to check with the Texas A&M Technology Services – Veterinary Medicine team before upgrading the OS to a version higher than these recommendations.
- The VMBS also recommends that students set their Screen Savers to the 10–15 minutes setting on all their devices. It is also suggested that students consider purchasing a privacy screen for laptops and or tablets. Note: privacy screens are required for ALL in-class exams.
- Make sure that passcodes and/or biometrics are enabled for devices to ensure data security.
Additional Helpful Links
- Texas A&M Software Center for purchasing software: software.tamu.edu
- Texas A&M Technology Services – Veterinary Medicine Help Desk
The Technology Services – Veterinary Medicine Help Desk assists with VMBS-specific classroom or software issues: it.tamu.edu/vetmed - Texas A&M Technology Services – Help Desk Central
Help Desk Central assists Texas A&M students, faculty, and staff with their IT questions by phone, email, chat, in person, and on the web. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year: it.tamu.edu/help/
Financial Aid
Students who will be seeking financial aid should be aware that the cost of a laptop computer, up to certain limits, can be added to the student’s budget for purposes of computing financial aid under the guidelines of the US Office of Education. Please note that students can only utilize this once while they are in the DVM program.
If you have questions about the financial aid application process, please contact Dianne Mays via email at dimays@tamu.edu or call 979.845.9043 for information before purchasing your laptop.
NOTE: These requirements do not apply to students in any of the VMBS Undergraduate or Graduate Programs.
