Welcome to the Pathway Program

BYU-Idaho and Institutes of Religion has received permission from the Church Board of Education to bring interactive online courses to select Institute buildings on a trial basis.  Our goal is to provide a pathway to educational opportunities to young adults regardless of where they live or where they may ultimately receive their degree. This pilot will be known as the Pathway Program and will be under review by the Church Board of Education.

Each Institute building will act as a gathering place for various course discussion and assignment activities. Students enrolled in the Pathway Program online courses will also be required to enroll in a local Institute course. While anyone interested in furthering their education will be considered for the program, the ideal student will fit the following criteria:

  • 18 to 30 years old
  • Not enrolled in a university full-time
  • May be enrolled or previously enrolled at a community college
  • Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in an institute class
  • Single or married
  • Active in local ward or branch

Pathway to Education

The Pathway Program consists of a four-level approach. Students will be encouraged to continually progress toward academic achievement at each level. High-quality, online courses are currently being developed for each level with distant site educational gathering components as part of the curriculum.

Link to Pathway Program Academic Plan


Level 1 (Academic Start):

  • Open student program with minimal application requirements during the first two semesters
  • Students will enroll in an existing institute course in additional to a BYU-Idaho online course(s).
  • Course participation and success will be monitored by an outside service mission couple, institute director and BYU-Idaho staff
  • Weekly group gatherings will take place at the Institute building as facilitated by service mission couple. Gatherings will focus on course discussion and educational activities
  • $65 per credit hour
  • Students accumulate up to 15 credit hours
  • Students formally apply to the BYU-Idaho Bachelors of Univeristy Studies Online Degree during the second semester of Level 1

Level 2:

  • Students select a Professional Certificate track leading toward Associates in General Studies
  • Students in Level 2 are eleigible for Pell Grants and other financial aid considerations
  • Students accumulate up to 20 to 30 credit hours and earn a Professional Certificate that is marketable and leads to future employment

Level 3:

  • Students progress toward online associates degree at their own pace, howeer an accelerated pace will be encouraged
  • Students accumulate up to 60 credit hours

Level 4:

  • After earning an associate's degree, students electing to continue their education have three options. Students may continue working online toward a Bachelors in University Studies from BYU-Idaho, students may apply for a transfer to BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, or students may consider transferable options to a local university.
  • Students accumulate up to 120 credit hours.