The information on this webpage is accurate as of Fall 2025. Updates or modifications of these requirements may occur at any time in accordance with Campus and Health Sciences guidelines. Students will be notified of any changes within a reasonable timeframe and are expected to make necessary adjustments to remain in compliance.
Overview
The UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) expects all incoming Pharm.D. students to have a laptop (or notebook) computer with wireless access, a printer, various specific software applications and internet access. It will be used for information access, instructional applications, and official communications - in class and at home.
UC San Diego does not require a specific brand of laptop computers. However, students must pay attention to the requirements provided in order for their computer to be of sufficient processing power and resolution to meet their academic needs. A range of laptop computer configurations (described as Minimal to Optimal) are acceptable. Both Apple and PC computers are acceptable.
- Minimum Configuration: This is the least expensive configuration that will meet the school's requirements. It may need some upgrading after a few years. If you already have a computer that meets or exceeds this minimum, it will be adequate to being pharmacy school.
- Optimum Configuration: This configuration more than meets the school's requirements and has capabilities that will be useful while at pharmacy school. If you can afford to purchase a computer with this configuration or better, it should serve your needs throughout pharmacy school.
Note: Chromebooks and non-Pro versions of Surface tablets are not recommended, as they cannot be used for certain required SSPPS-based applications.
The Office of Medical Education Technology is available to answer questions about these recommendations and show you how to configure your laptop computers for connection to the UC San Diego wireless network.
Additionally, students must review ExamSoft/Examplify minimum system requirements to ensure that their computers meet the requirements. If you have any questions regarding ExamSoft/Examplify, please contact Ezra Blaize, SSPPS's Assessment & Accreditation Officer, at eblaize@health.ucsd.edu.
Configurations
Apple Laptop Configurations
iPads are not recommended for use during exams at SSPPS.
| Title1 | Title2 |
|---|---|
| row1 | |
| row2 | |
| row3 |
Software for Apple Computers
PC Laptop Configurations (including tablet PCs)
Chromebooks and non-Pro versions of Surface tablets are not recommended as they cannot be used for certain required SSPPS-based applications.
Software for PC Computers
Peripheral Devices
Internet Access