The official BYU Catalog is the definitive primary resource for all academic programs, course descriptions, and university policies at Brigham Young University. It serves as a binding agreement between the university and the student, detailing the specific graduation requirements, prerequisite structures, and institutional regulations necessary to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree.
The Purpose and Structure of the BYU Catalog
The BYU Catalog is more than just a list of classes; it is a foundational document that governs the academic journey of every student enrolled at the Provo campus. Updated annually, the catalog outlines the "contract" under which a student enters the university. As of the 2026 academic year, the catalog remains the central repository for all curricula sanctioned by the University Curriculum Committee and the Board of Trustees.
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Catalogs
The university maintains two distinct sections within the digital catalog portal: the Undergraduate Catalog and the Graduate Catalog. The Undergraduate Catalog focuses on baccalaureate degrees, minors, and the University Core (General Education). It is designed for students pursuing their first four-year degrees. The Graduate Catalog is tailored toward master’s and doctoral candidates, emphasizing research requirements, thesis/dissertation protocols, and advanced professional certifications.
The Significance of the "Catalog Year"
One of the most critical concepts for any student to understand is their "Catalog Year." Generally, a student’s catalog year is the academic year in which they first enrolled at BYU. This is vital because curriculum requirements often change. If the Department of Chemistry updates its major requirements in 2026, a student who began in 2024 is typically "grandfathered" into the 2024 requirements. However, students often have the option to officially update their catalog year to a newer version if the revised requirements are more advantageous to their career goals. Understanding which year you are following is the first step in avoiding graduation delays.
Navigating the Online Catalog Portal
In 2026, the BYU Catalog is accessed primarily through a dedicated web interface at catalog.byu.edu. The digital platform is designed to be searchable and cross-referenced, allowing users to move seamlessly between a major's requirements and the specific descriptions of the courses that fulfill them.
Searching for Courses and Descriptions
The course search function allows students to filter by department, course level (100-level introductory to 700-level advanced graduate), and credit hours. Each course entry provides:
- Credit Hours: The number of units awarded upon successful completion.
- Prerequisites: Courses or conditions that must be met before enrollment (e.g., "MATH 112 with a C or better").
- Course Content: A brief summary of the topics covered during the semester.
- Offered Terms: An indication of whether the course is typically available in Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer.
Departmental and College Listings
The catalog is organized hierarchically. Users can browse by College (such as the Marriott School of Business or the College of Life Sciences) and then drill down into specific Departments. This structure is helpful for students who are exploring potential majors, as it allows them to see the breadth of faculty expertise and the variety of emphasis areas within a single field of study.
Core Components of a BYU Degree
To graduate from BYU, a student must satisfy three primary layers of requirements outlined in the catalog: the University Core, the Major requirements, and the total credit hour threshold.
The University Core (General Education)
BYU’s University Core is unique among American universities due to its integration of secular and religious education. The catalog details the specific "Cornerstone" religion courses required of all students, regardless of their major. Beyond religious education, the Core includes:
- Foundations: First-year writing, advanced writing, and quantitative reasoning.
- Civilization: American Heritage and World Civilizations.
- Regional/Thematic: Foreign language options, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts/letters.
Each category in the catalog lists dozens of approved courses. Students must ensure the classes they choose are explicitly listed in the catalog as "GE-certified" for their specific catalog year.
Major and Minor Requirements
The meat of the catalog is found in the major requirement pages. These pages use a "block" system to show students exactly what is needed:
- Pre-Major Requirements: Classes that must be completed to "apply" to a limited-enrollment program.
- Core Major Requirements: The essential classes every student in that major must take.
- Electives/Emphasis Tracks: Options to specialize in a sub-field (e.g., a Communications major specializing in Advertising vs. Journalism).
Total Credit Hours and Residency
The catalog specifies that a minimum of 120 credit hours is required for any baccalaureate degree. Furthermore, it outlines "Residency Requirements," which state that a certain number of those hours (typically 30) must be earned through BYU-Provo courses rather than transfer credits or independent study.
Academic Policies and Procedures
The BYU Catalog serves as the official handbook for university-wide academic policies. These rules ensure consistency across the institution and protect the integrity of the degrees conferred.
The Honor Code and Academic Honesty
As a private institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU requires all students to adhere to an Honor Code. The catalog links academic performance to these standards, outlining the consequences of plagiarism, cheating, and fabrication. Detailed information on these expectations can be found through the BYU Honor Code Office.
Grading Scales and GPA
The catalog defines the university’s 4.0 grading scale. It explains the nuances of "P/W" (Pass/Withdraw) grades, "I" (Incomplete) grades, and "E" (Failing) grades. Importantly, it details how a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated and the thresholds for "Academic Warning," "Probation," and "Suspension." For instance, if a student's cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, the catalog dictates the specific steps the student must take to remain enrolled.
Registration and Withdrawal Deadlines
While specific dates change every year, the catalog outlines the policy regarding deadlines. It explains the "Add/Drop" period, the point at which a "W" (Withdrawal) will appear on a transcript, and the "Discontinuance" process for students who need to leave the university mid-semester for personal or medical reasons. Detailed calendars are typically maintained by the BYU Registrar.
Comparison of BYU Academic Tools
Navigating the catalog is easier when students understand how it interacts with other university systems. The following table distinguishes the catalog from the tools used for daily academic management.
| Tool | Primary Purpose | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| BYU Catalog | Official Rulebook | Checking major requirements, course prerequisites, and university policies. |
| MyMAP | Planning & Registration | Building a semester schedule, registering for classes, and tracking progress toward graduation. |
| Graduation Maps | Visual Roadmaps | Seeing a recommended 4-year sequence of courses for a specific major. |
| Learning Suite | Course Management | Accessing syllabi, submitting assignments, and viewing current grades for enrolled classes. |
| Advisement Report | Progress Tracking | A personalized digital checklist showing which catalog requirements have been met. |
How to Use the Catalog for Long-term Planning
Successful students use the catalog as a proactive tool rather than a reactive one. By studying the catalog two or three semesters in advance, students can identify "bottleneck" courses—classes that are only offered once a year or that serve as prerequisites for several other required courses.
Integration with Graduation Maps
BYU provides "Graduation Maps" for every major. These maps take the raw requirements from the catalog and lay them out in a suggested eight-semester sequence. However, these maps are templates. The catalog remains the "source of truth"; if a map suggests a course that the catalog says requires a prerequisite you haven't taken, the catalog's rules will always prevail.
Consultation with Academic Advisement
While the catalog is comprehensive, it can be complex. Each college at BYU has an Academic Advisement Center. Advisors use the catalog to help students navigate "exceptions" or "substitutions." If a student took a similar course at another university, the advisor uses the catalog’s course descriptions to determine if the transfer credit can satisfy a BYU requirement. Students can find their specific advisor at the BYU Advisement portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a course required by my catalog is no longer offered?
If the university stops offering a specific course listed in your catalog year, the department will typically designate a "substitute" course. You should consult your academic advisor to ensure the substitution is officially recorded on your Progress Report so it counts toward graduation.
Can I change my catalog year to a newer one?
Yes, students can generally move to a newer catalog year if they prefer the updated requirements. However, you cannot move to an older catalog year (one that was active before you were admitted). Changing your catalog year is a permanent decision and should be discussed with an advisor to ensure you don't inadvertently add new requirements to your plate.
Where can I find the requirements for a minor?
Minor requirements are located within the Undergraduate Catalog, often listed under the department that sponsors the minor. Most minors at BYU require between 15 and 24 credit hours. The catalog will specify which courses are required and how many elective hours within the minor are needed.
Does the catalog include information about tuition and fees?
While the catalog mentions that tuition is a requirement for enrollment, specific dollar amounts are usually updated more frequently than the catalog. For the most current 2026 tuition rates, students should refer to the Financial Services or Enrollment Services websites rather than the academic catalog.
Are the requirements for transfer students different in the catalog?
The graduation requirements (what classes you need) are the same for transfer students, but the catalog contains a specific section on "Transfer Credit." This section explains how many credits can be transferred in and the process for having those credits evaluated to see if they match BYU’s specific course descriptions.
Practical Recommendations for Students
To make the most of the BYU Catalog in 2026, follow these three steps:
- Download Your Catalog Year: Go to the catalog website and save a PDF version of your specific enrollment year. This ensures you have a permanent record of the requirements you are expected to meet, even if the website updates for future students.
- Cross-Reference with Your Progress Report: Periodically log into MyMAP and view your "Advancement Report" (or Progress Report). Compare it against the catalog to ensure the system is correctly identifying the courses you've taken as fulfilling the right requirements.
- Check Prerequisites Before Registration: Before the registration period opens each semester, look up every course in the catalog. Verify that you have completed the necessary prerequisites with the required minimum grade to avoid being blocked from adding the class.
The BYU Catalog is the roadmap to your degree. By understanding its structure, staying mindful of your catalog year, and using it in tandem with academic advising, you can navigate your university experience with confidence and clarity.
