Computer Policy
All PMBA students are required to have access to a computer which meets the minimum hardware specifications published each year by the Pamplin College of Business. The computer is not required to be a laptop, nor is it required that the student be the owner of this computer. However, students must utilize a computer onto which they are permitted to load any software that is required for PMBA courses. Since many companies prohibit their employees from loading new software to company-owned computers, students may need to utilize their own computers in order to comply with this requirement.
PMBA students are not eligible to purchase the suite of software commonly known as the "software bundle", which is utilized in the full-time MBA program on campus. Due to Microsoft's pricing restrictions, if the bundle was made available to PMBA students, then all students in the program would be required to purchase it. Since many students have access to current software on their computers, and since it is the desire of the program administration to avoid unnecessary expenses for students, we do not wish to require all students to purchase the bundle. Excellent prices are still available on many required pieces of software through Virginia Tech software sales.
As noted in the requirements, all PMBA students are required to have a machine that can run Windows. In order to run Windows on a Mac, the student will need to purchase and install a program such as Bootcamp or Parallels. Some software used in the PMBA program is only designed for Windows, hence the requirement. If you are purchasing a new machine to bring to VT, we recommended that you purchase a Windows machine.
For more information, please visit: Student Computer Purchase Policy