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What Will I Learn About in a Faith-Based Degree?

Learn more about what fellow students and members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe

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Our beliefs are the core of who we are. They shape our lives and our future. They also inspire BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s mission and curriculum as we seek to help students reach their full potential.

So what exactly do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe, and what will you learn about during your BYU-Pathway journey? Read on to find out!

Belief #1: God is our loving Heavenly Father

Jesus with a child
God loves and cares for each of His children.

We believe that God is our Heavenly Father and that He loves and cares about you and all His children.

“I see the world differently. God shows me through this process of education that He cares about me, He loves me, and He really wants me to progress in my life.”
— Florencia Molina, Argentina

Belief #2: God has a plan

mongolian family hugging
Following God’s plan helps us find joy.

Your life has purpose and meaning, and God has a plan for His children. This plan is designed to help you experience joy as you receive a body, bond with a family, and learn to follow Christ as you prepare to return to His and God’s presence. Following this plan will help you reach your full potential.

“I feel God working His way, shaping me for what He wants me to do for Him. It’s been so incredibly special to me. I’m so grateful for that deeper connection to the Lord and to the gospel since starting BYU-Pathway.” — Kyla Ford, Utah, USA

Belief #3: Jesus Christ is our Savior

Jesus Christ with Mary and Martha
Jesus Christ and His Atonement cleanse us from our sins.

We believe that Jesus is our Savior and that it’s only through His Atonement that we can be saved and live with God and our families eternally. We all make mistakes, but we believe that through His sacrifice we can all be clean again.

“After my divorce, I lost focus of the Lord’s path. A sister invited me to join BYU-Pathway and promised it would change my life. After joining, I started my repentance process, got married, and received my temple recommendation. BYU-Pathway brought me back to the Lord’s wonderful path.” — Stefanie Diran-Kromopawiro, Suriname

Belief #4: The scriptures are the word of God

group of youth study the scriptures together
God can teach us as we study the scriptures.

We believe in modern revelation — God still speaks to His children today! His words and direction are found in the Bible, as well as latter-day scripture, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and modern-day revelation through prophets.

“In my classes, … I discovered I am a son of God, I have a purpose, and there’s another book (the Book of Mormon) written by ancient people who recorded the miracles that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ provided for them.” — Dwight Guinhouya, Togo, West Africa

Belief #5: Following Jesus Christ brings lasting joy

Young man laughing with an elderly woman while washing dishes
Serving in the way Christ served helps us become more like Him.

The primary way we’ll find joy in this life is by striving to become more like Jesus Christ, full of faith, hope, charity and love, virtue, knowledge, patience, humility, diligence, and obedience. By learning more about the Savior and striving to develop His attributes, you will feel a deep sense of joy and satisfaction.

“Even though you’re learning a temporal subject, like communication or biology, you’re also learning about God and Jesus Christ. You learn about how you can help others and you can achieve different Christlike attributes.” — Kevin Barros, Columbia

Belief #6: God’s Church has been restored on earth

First presidency and quorum of the 12 apostles at the Rome temple
Christ’s Church and His priesthood exist today.

The same Church Jesus Christ organized while He was on the earth exists today! He called apostles with priesthood authority, and He still has living prophets and apostles with that same authority now. Whether you are part of the Church or another faith, people from all walks of life are welcome at BYU-Pathway.

“I was worried if I would be able to acclimate myself, or worse yet, if I would be accepted as an outsider to the Church learning system because I wasn’t a member; however, I was immediately greeted with open arms by the missionaries and classmates during my first weekly gathering.” — Dave Hunter, Texas, USA

These are a few of the beliefs that you’ll learn more about in our faith-based degree program. Learn more about BYU-Pathway and how it can help you strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ while pursuing a degree.

What have you learned in your courses that have brought you closer to Jesus Christ, or what do you hope to learn?