Overview of General Requirements  

  • Desktop or laptop computer with hardware sufficient to meet the needs of the individual program of study 
  • Reliable internet access 
  • Updated web browser  
  • Webcam 
  • Microphone 
  • Headphones or speakers 

Required Hardware  

Laptop or desktop computer  

Must be capable of running up-to-date web browsers and applications required for your courses. Older versions of Windows and OSX may not be compatible with essential software and systems. Students must also have full administrator access to their computer. This means that students may not be able to use a company provided computer as they often restrict some system operations necessary for online coursework.

NOTE: Chromebooks and many tablets will not meet the minimum requirements for our program, a computer capable of running the full desktop version of the operating system is required.  

Audio & visual equipment   

Meeting with your instructor(s) and classmates for office hours or virtual live lectures as well as recording assignments, presentations, and other tasks will require an up-to-date webcam, microphone and speakers or headset. The built-in webcam and microphone on many laptops are suitable, and there are a range of external options available that should meet needs. 

Reliable high-speed internet service   

In order to load course materials and join meetings, you will need a dedicated internet connection, either by connecting from the JHU campus or your home network.   

Required Software  

Web Browser  

An up-to-date version of an approved web browser is required for access to JHU systems as well as the external platforms and tools in use such as Canvas. We recommend using Firefox or Chrome to ensure compatibility with our platforms.  

Canvas  

Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals uses Canvas as the platform for delivering online courses. This platform is also used by instructors to supplement their in-person courses. Canvas is a web-based application capable of supporting teaching and learning, project collaboration, and group interaction.  

Please refer to Canvas’s technical requirements for more specific information.  

Zoom  

Zoom is the video conferencing platform used by the Engineering for Professionals program, your course may conduct real-time, virtual office hours and other meetings via Zoom. Many departmental and institutional events will also be held using Zoom, and we recommend keeping the application up to date.  

For more information on Zoom at EP, please see Zoom for Students.  

Microsoft Office and Email  

All Johns Hopkins affiliates have access to the Microsoft Office 365 suite which includes Word, Powerpoint, Excel and more for online and local use. For more information on how to access these tools go to office365.jh.edu or sign in to portal.office.com with your JHED ID and password. Many courses and programs may also require students to download Microsoft Teams, to communicate, complete assignments, or attend meetings. 

Your official JHU email address can be accessed through Microsoft Outlook. Please check this inbox regularly, as all official communication from EP will be sent to your JHU email address. For more information about email at EP please see this page. 

NOTE: You must sign in with your JHED ID in the format [email protected] NOT @jhu.edu (example [email protected]). For JHED ID login assistance please contact the IT Help Desk at 410 955-HELP (410-955-4357)  

Course Specific Software  

Many of the applications required for EP courses are available through the my.jh software catalog or the WSE IT software download page, more information is available on this page.   

If you have any questions regarding these technical requirements, please contact us at [email protected].