Religion Requirements for Full-time Students

• 14 hours of religion credit are required for all full-time students to graduate.
• All students who graduate from BYU must complete 4 hours of credit in Book of Mormon (RelA 121 and 122). Book of Mormon should be taken the first year. Returned missionaries must enroll in sections designated for returned missionaries.
• All full-time students must complete one Doctrine and Covenants class (RelC 324 or 325).
• All full-time students must complete one of the following New Testament classes: RelA 111, 200, 211, 212, 310, or 311.
• No more than 4 hours of religion credit per term, quarter, or semester, whether taken at BYU or elsewhere, may be counted toward the religion requirement. (Spring and summer terms together equal a semester.) Semester Abroad programs may require exceptions.
• Part-time students and students enrolled for a term or a block must complete 2 credit hours of religion for every 15 hours of BYU registration.
• Classes numbered in the 500s and 600s do not apply toward undergraduate religion credit.
• Students who entered BYU before fall semester 1985 must complete 14 hours of religion, including 4 hours of credit in Book of Mormon (121 and 122), but are not required to take Doctrine and Covenants or New Testament.

Non-LDS Students

Students who are not LDS are strongly encouraged to enroll in RelC 100, Introduction to Mormonism, during their first semester in residence. This course is designed to be informational, to introduce students to the culture, scriptures, and distinctive doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to prepare them for subsequent religion classes. It may be used to fill either the New Testament or Doctrine and Covenants requirement.

Religion Requirements for Transfer Students

Transfer students should look at the religion requirement as consisting of two parts: a subject matter requirement and a credit hour requirement. The subject matter requirement may be completed either at BYU, at one of the other Church Educational System schools, or an LDS Institute of Religion. A minimum number of religion credit hours must be completed at BYU regardless of the number of religion credit hours completed elsewhere to fulfill the credit hour requirement according to the following schedule:

Note: The transfer credits are shown in semester hours. To convert quarter hours to semester hours, multiply the quarter hours by two and divide by three (i.e., 12 quarter hours x 2 = 24 ÷ 3 = 8 semester hours).

Courses for Ancient Scripture and Church History and Doctrine

See Religious Education ( Ancient Scripture or Church History and Doctrine) in the Academic Departments, Degrees, and Courses section of this catalog.

Students Studying Off Campus

BYU students who study off campus to fulfill degree requirements are required to register for a religion course during the semester. This can be fulfilled through Independent Study or at a BYU Continuing Education Center. Students must complete 2 credit hours of religion for every 15 hours of registration at BYU Continuing Education Centers.

Religion Credit from Non-LDS Colleges and Universities

Religion credit from non-LDS universities and colleges will not satisfy the religion requirement at BYU. The transfer credit may, however, apply as elective credit toward the total hours required for graduation.

Preparation for Church Educational System Employment

To be considered for employment as a professional seminary teacher, a student must obtain a bachelor's degree in a major of his or her choice and complete the seminary teacher training classes (RelC 370, 471). Following a student teaching experience in a local seminary, the most effective teachers are recommended for positions. Complete information is available through the Office of Seminaries and Institutes (207 JSB, [801] 422-2031).

Graduate Programs

See the BYU 2002-2003 Graduate Catalog.

Religious Studies Center

(370 JSB)

The dean of Religious Education is also the general director of the Religious Studies Center, which promotes research in areas related to Religious Education. The center is the supporting and coordinating agency for religion-oriented research throughout the university and the Church, concentrating on research, writing, and other scholarly activities.

Richard L. Evans Chair of Religious Understanding

The Richard L. Evans Chair of Religious Understanding promotes understanding among people of different faiths. Its purpose is to articulate to a broad audience the religious values to which Elder Evans dedicated his life and to promote an enlightening exchange among Latter-day Saints, members of other faiths, and other people of good will.

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