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Mission & Aims of BYU

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Mission of the University

The mission of Brigham Young University — founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued.


Aims of a BYU Education

BYU 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. These are the common aims of all education at BYU. Both those who teach in the classroom and those who direct activities outside the classroom are responsible for contributing to this complete educational vision. A BYU education should be:

  • Spiritually Strengthening
  • Intellectually Enlarging
  • Character Building
  • Leading to Lifelong Learning and Service

BYU Strategic Objectives

Becoming BYU
Becoming the Christ-Centered, Prophetically Directed University of Prophecy
Strategic Plan 2024–2029

  • 1. Strengthen the student experience.
    • 1.A. Build faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel and testimony of living prophets and apostles.
    • 1.B. Pursue the Inspiring Learning Initiative.
    • 1.C. Advance student-centered mentoring and scholarship.
    • 1.D. Increase the number of students receiving a BYU education.
    • 1.E. Admit students who are committed to the type of education described in the BYU mission and aims and who are willing and eager to learn in an environment of study and faith.
    • 1.F. Eliminate gaps in graduation rates.
  • 2. Retain a focus on undergraduate teaching.
    • 2.A. Advance faith-based, high-quality teaching and learning.
    • 2.B. Leverage the strengths of online learning to enhance the student learning experience.
    • 2.C. Improve access to limited-enrollment programs.
  • 3. Foster BYU’s double heritage.
    • 3.A. Enhance the BYU Foundations for Student Success course (UNIV 101).
    • 3.B. Develop disciple-leaders among faculty, staff, administrative employees, and students.
  • 4. Develop the courage to be different.
    • 4.A. Elevate BYU’s unique message to key audiences.
  • 5. Build a covenant community.
    • 5.A. Promote a sense of covenant belonging among all members of the campus community consistent with BYU’s Statement on Belonging.
  • 6. Invest in mission-inspired scholarship.
    • 6.A. Increase the investment in mission-inspired scholarship.
  • 7. Focus on mission-aligned hiring.
    • 7.A. Reinforce mission-aligned hiring.

Foundation Documents

From its inception more than a century ago, the goal of Brigham Young University has been to offer "a new kind of education" for Zion, one based on precepts "revealed by the Lord," as Karl G. Maeser once remarked. Today, BYU is widely recognized for its deep commitments to inspired religious values and rigorous intellectual learning.