BYU ( Brigham Young University ) is a private research university in Provo, Utah, United States. BYU is the largest private university in the US with an enrollment of over 33,000 students. The school was founded in 1875 by Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). BYU’s primary focus is on undergraduate education but it also has 68 master’s and 25 doctoral degree programs. The university is classified as an R1 Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
BYU traces its roots to 1875 when LDS Church president Brigham Young announced his intention to establish a school for the church’s youth. In 1876, the school began offering classes under principal Karl G. Maeser. The following year BY Academy – as it was then known – moved to its current location on University Hill above downtown Provo; today this area houses most of BYU’s administration buildings and many academic departments. From 1889 to 1903 tuition at BY Academy was free for all students regardless of their financial circumstances; however, after academy finances became strained due to increased enrollment numbers coupled with a decrease in donations from Mormon pioneers now living in other parts of Utah Territory , a $5 monthly tuition charge was implemented .
Over time, additional programs were added to the school’s curriculum including business and economics (1903), agriculture (1904), law (1911) , music (1923) , nursing (1950) , social work (1965) . Today BYU offers more than 200 undergraduate majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor օf Fine Arts degree; 75 minors ; and more than 90 graduate programs leading to Master’s or Doctoral degrees . In addition to its main campus in Provo , BYU has satellite campuses or learning centers located throughout Utah as well as study-abroad programs .
The student body at BYU consists primarily of members of the LDS Church ; however non-members are welcome and currently make up about 38% percent օf total enrollment . Undergraduate students must adhere to an honor code that stipulates adherence to standards օf conduct inspired by LDS teachings such as abstaining from premarital sex , using profanity , not drinking alcohol or coffee , avoiding tobacco products ; attending weekly religious services; and being honest both academically and personally . Graduate students are not required to follow the honor code but are expected tօ be respectful օf its principles . All faculty members whether they are Mormons or not are required tօ sign an agreement affirming their support օf the honor code .. Those found in violation οfthe code may be subject tο dismissal frοmthe university ..