Profile: Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Established in 1875, the university provides an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Known for its academically minded and internationally experienced student body, its world-class teaching and its beautiful mountain location, BYU is also recognized for its extensive language programs, talented performing arts ensembles, outstanding sports programs and devotion to combining solid scholarship with the principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

The university traces its roots to Utah's rich pioneer heritage. The original school, Brigham Young Academy, was established Oct. 16, 1875, on a little over one acre of land in what is now downtown Provo. At that time, Brigham Young, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, charged that all secular learning at the institution should be fused with teachings from the scriptures. Speaking to Academy Principal Karl G. Maeser, President Young said: "Brother Maeser, I want you to remember that you ought not to teach even the alphabet or the multiplication tables without the Spirit of God." BYU has remained true to that original charge.

Despite steady growth during its early years, the Academy was threatened by a series of financial and physical setbacks. With the help and sacrifice of Abraham O. Smoot, the campus moved in 1891 to new facilities on University Avenue.

The Academy's curriculum strengthened and enrollment grew. In 1903, the name was officially changed to Brigham Young University. Work began in 1909 on the Maeser Memorial Building, the first of many structures on the university's present site.

Successive administrations oversaw the university's growth in the number of buildings and the size of the student body. The university's academic development was signified by the inauguration of the school's first doctoral program in 1957. With the help of its committed presidents, BYU has continued to grow, refine its mission and pursue excellence in all areas.

Today, under the leadership of President Cecil O. Samuelson, the university remains dedicated to the integration of academic excellence with faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.

Church Educational System

Brigham Young University is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is part of the Church Educational System, which serves more than 1.2 million people in 144 countries worldwide. In addition to students at BYU in Provo, Utah; BYU-Hawaii in Laie, Hawaii; BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho; and LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah, hundreds of thousands throughout the world are being served in continuing education and literacy programs, seminaries and institutes of religion and elementary and secondary schools.

BYU offers courses in 11 colleges, in Continuing Education and Graduate Studies and in three general undergraduate areas of study. Many academic and professional programs are augmented by internships and career-related summer jobs. For fall semester 2007, bachelor's degrees were offered in 187 academic programs, master's degrees in 64, doctorates in 24 and juris doctorates in one. In the 2006-2007 academic school year, BYU awarded 8,130 undergraduate and graduate degrees.