Institute – Religion Course Requirements

Statement of Policy 

To graduate from a Church Educational System (CES) institution (BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, BYU-Pathway, Ensign College, or Institute), undergraduate students must:

1. Complete the four cornerstone courses (8 credits). Cornerstone classes may be taken at any CES institution of Higher Education (BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, or Ensign College) as well as BYU-Pathway and may be transferred to any other CES institution as course equivalent credit.

2. Complete at least 3 elective religion courses (6 credits) for a total of 14 credits. These classes may be taken for credit at any CES institution.

3. Students are expected to take religion classes at the school where they are enrolled. However, prior to enrolling or during semesters/terms when not taking classes at their institution, students may enroll in an Institute class for “CES transfer credit” (“CES transfer credit” requirements are listed at the bottom of this document). Up to 4 total Institute credits may be transferred and applied toward the religion requirement. Any additional classes taken for credit in Institute will not transfer and will need to be retaken at the CES Higher Education Institution.

4. Students earning religion credits from any CES institution of higher education (BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, or Ensign College) as well as BYU-Pathway, may transfer those credits anywhere within CES to count as course equivalent credit toward the 14-credit religion requirement.

5. Excluding AP and concurrent enrollment credits, students transferring academic credits from all other institutions of higher education (non-CES) may have their 14-credit requirement reduced based on the table below:

*Note: Students transferring fewer than 30 credits are required to take 14 religion credits. All students, including transfer students, may transfer up to 4 Institute credits as outlined in no. 3 above.

Pacing of Religion Credits
A vital part of education in a CES Institution is the integration of spiritual and academic learning. As such, students are encouraged to enroll in religion courses consistently throughout their time at CES institutions. Therefore, no more than six credits of religion per academic year may be counted toward the 14-credit requirement.

CES transfer credit requirements:

• Inform their Institute instructor of intent to receive CES transfer credit at the start of the semester/term

• Complete attendance and additional readings, assignments, and assessment requirements

• Institute custom courses and workshops do not receive Institute credit and cannot be transferred.

APPROVER 
CES Executive Committee

APPROVAL DATE 
2026-01-14

POLICY STEWARD 
Director of Curriculum

EXECUTIVE SPONSOR 
Curriculum Vice President 

APPLICABILITY 
This policy applies to all BYU-Pathway Worldwide students.