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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

  1. Ensure alignment with the university mission.
    1. Make mission-fit hiring decisions.
    2. 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.
    3. Advance faith-based, high-quality teaching and learning.
    4. Advance student-centered mentoring and scholarship.
    5. Promote a sense of belonging among all members of the campus community consistent with BYU's Statement on Belonging
    6. Enhance BYU’s position as a leader in topical areas that are “central to the Church’s purposes” (as stated in the BYU mission), including languages and the institutions of family, religion, and constitutional government.
  2. Enhance the educational experience of students.
    1. Pursue the Inspiring Learning Initiative.
    2. Improve access to limited-enrollment programs.
    3. Leverage the strengths of online learning to enhance the student learning experience.
  3. Enlarge the influence of a BYU education
    1. Increase the number of students receiving a BYU education.
    2. Elevate BYU's unique message to key audiences

(updated 6/6/2022)


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.