Overview
Currently, there is wide variability among CES (Church Education System) Institutions in how religion credits are fulfilled, transferred, and counted. This variability has created a complex and difficult process for both students and CES Institutions. A unified consensus has been reached to streamline the transfer credit policy that will:
- Reduce confusion for students by clarifying how religion credits count.
- Encourage continuous participation in religious education, so students stay enrolled throughout their entire time at a university or college.
- Support each CES school in teaching its own students, while also allowing those students to take religion courses at other CES schools or through Institute when appropriate.
- Allow CES to work as a system by unifying how credits are transferred and counted.
Summary of Changes
Registration Limit
- Beginning Fall Semester 2026, students may only register for one religion course per term without Department approval.
- Students may now only register for a maximum of 6 religion credits per year.
- Students should pace completion of their religion requirements throughout their academic experience.
Religion Waiver Limit
- Beginning January 1, 2027, students with less than 30 transfer credits from non-CES institutions will no longer receive religion credit waivers at BYU-Idaho.
- Credit transferred from another CES entity is excluded from the calculation of religion waivers.
Institute Transfer Limit
- Beginning January 1, 2027, a maximum of four Institute of Religion credits can be transferred to any CES Institution.
- Degree-seeking students should complete their religion courses at their CES university or college.
Registration Limit for Religion Courses
Beginning Fall Semester 2026, students may no longer register for a second religion course on the first day of the semester or block.
Students with legitimate, extenuating circumstances may work with Academic Advising to determine their optimal path to graduation. As necessary, registration exceptions may be considered by the Department of Religious Education.
Students are encouraged to take religion courses throughout their university experience. Therefore, a maximum of 6 religion credits per academic year may be counted toward the 14-credit religion requirement.