General Information

President’s Message

Welcome to Ensign College. If you’re new to our campus, we’re grateful you’re here. If you’re a returning student, we’re glad to have you back.

Your experience at Ensign College will be unique and wonderfully rewarding. Our focus as an institution is to help you develop market-ready skills in a spiritually enriching, testimony building and uplifting environment. Here, you’ll learn by doing as you grow and become a capable and trusted disciple of the Savior.

Your educational pursuits at the College will prepare you for a career or further education, whichever you choose. I invite you to make every moment count in positive and productive ways. Be a dedicated student by preparing each day for rich learning experiences. As you do so, the Holy Ghost will be your Master Teacher in remarkable ways. Live a worthy life and take advantage of our proximity to a House of the Lord by being a frequent temple patron. Also, I invite you to attend weekly devotionals. As you do these things, I promise you’ll be lifted, edified and strengthened in ways you can hardly imagine.

I welcome you, warmly and sincerely, to Ensign College.

Best regards,

Bruce C. Kusch, Ph.D.

President, Ensign College

Catalog Disclaimer

The information in this catalog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between Ensign College and any person or entity.

Ensign College reserves the right to change its degree requirements, course offerings and policies as conditions require. This catalog is updated once a year, on or about the first day of fall semester registration.

A student's catalog will be the catalog in effect the fall semester of the academic year when he or she first enrolls at Ensign College. A student’s catalog year is updated when a student declares a new program of study, and the student uses the catalog in effect at the time the new program of study is declared.

Students who leave Ensign College for any semester other than spring should refer to the latest General Catalog for information regarding the College when they return.

NOTICE: Ensign College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the content of this catalog is correct, but reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice.

Catalog Expiration

Students must complete graduation requirements within four (4) years for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Associate of Science (AS) degree, or a certificate. After four years the requirements listed in the Ensign College catalog are no longer valid and accepted for graduation.

Students who take longer than four (4) years to complete an AAS degree, AS degree, or certificate will be held to the graduation requirements found in the oldest active catalog or any subsequent catalog up to the current catalog at the time of graduation.

No student can graduate under the requirements of a catalog more than four (4) years old.

Students must graduate under the requirements of a single catalog.

Course Expiration

In areas of study in which the subject matter changes rapidly, material in courses taken long before graduation may become obsolete or irrelevant. Courses completed over seven (7) years ago may not apply to the student's current degree program. Also, additional program accreditation standards may limit the applicability of courses or degree requirements to less than 7 years.

Students must appeal to the Program Chair and the Vice President of Academics for acceptance of expired courses by completing the Exception to Academic Policy form.

Accreditation

Ensign College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the Administrative staff of the institution.

Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: (425) 558-4224
www.nwccu.org

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities refers to the institution as a whole. Therefore, statements like “fully accredited” or “this program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities” or “this degree is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities” are incorrect and should not be used.

Program Accreditation: The Medical Assistant Certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assistant Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: (727) 210-2350
http://www.caahep.org

Medical Assisting Education Review Board
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 1-800-228-2262
http://maerb.com

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Ensign College considers nondiscrimination to be fundamental to its mission, goals, and objectives. Ensign College recognizes that its future success is, in part, dependent upon its ability to successfully accommodate the increasingly diverse nature of the student body and employees, which diversity is promoted by the worldwide growth of its sponsoring Church. The College is committed to nondiscrimination in its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment and other College-administered programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, veteran status, genetic information, or disability for all individuals who meet College and department academic requirements and agree to abide by the College’s standards of conduct and behavior. The College does exercise the religious exemption in admissions as granted in Title IX of the Education Amendments, 20 U.S.C. 1681 (a)(3) and in hiring employees as granted in 41 CFR 60-1.5(a)(5).

Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against should contact the Title IX Office at 801-524-8158.

Academic Freedom

Ensign College invites faculty members and students to pursue secular knowledge in a climate of religious belief. This model consciously embraces all truth, regardless of its source.

Individual freedom lies at the core of both religious and academic life and is based not only on a belief in the value of free inquiry, but also on the gospel principle that humans are moral agents. Faculty members and students are encouraged to seek knowledge in the sacred as well as the secular; to learn through their hearts, by the Spirit, and with their minds; and to honor both the written word of God and continuing revelation.

Faculty members and students are entrusted with individual academic freedom and are encouraged to pursue truth according to the theories, methodologies, and practices that characterize scholarship in the various disciplines. This trust encompasses the freedom to explore a variety of ideas.

The Board of Trustees and the academic leadership of Ensign College expect faculty members to protect the fundamental interests and the doctrines of the Church, the individual faith of Church members, and the mission of the College at all times. Faculty members are free to discuss and analyze Church doctrine and policy. However, faculty members should not engage in expressions with students privately or in public that knowingly contradict or oppose Church doctrine and policy. Faculty members should not deliberately attack or deride the Church or its leaders. Nor should they violate the Honor Code.

Mission Statement

Ensign College is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is part of the Church Education System (CES).

All units included in CES are:

• Ensign College, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Brigham Young University (BYU), Provo, Utah
• Brigham Young University – Hawaii (BYU-H), Laie, Hawaii
• Brigham Young University – Idaho (BYU-I), Rexburg, Idaho
• Brigham Young University – Pathway Worldwide (BYU-PW), Worldwide
• Institutes of Religion and Seminaries, Worldwide

The mission of the College is to develop capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ.

• Strengthening faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, and following His example, are at the center of all we do.
• A unique learning and teaching framework prepares confident and skillful learners with relevant, in-demand, and market-ready skills.
• Learning and teaching take place in a spiritually nourishing and uplifting environment.
• As each learner discovers their potential, they are enabled with power to act and grow; to become valuable employees, lifelong learners, and leaders in their homes, the Church and in their communities.

As an institution, we seek and follow the counsel and guidance of inspired leaders in harmony with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its purposes, and in fulfilling our stated mission.

Deep Learning at Ensign College

The Spirit-Centered classrooms at Ensign College are designed to achieve deep learning and create environments where students act to become capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ. Employing a variety of teaching methods through a distinct learning pattern, courses are immersive, integrated, iterative, and interactive, where information is not simply delivered and where students accept and assume responsibility for their learning. The outcomes of deep learning include capability, competence, and confidence to enter the world of work prepared to make significant contributions.

Deep Learning is the result of a learner, acting in, with, and by faith in Jesus Christ; it is inherently a spiritual experience and evidence of the fruits of the Atonement of Jesus Christ working in the lives of the learner and teacher. Deep Learning leads to understanding---the capacity to know, do, and become---and is ultimately a gift of the Spirit.

College Wide Capabilities

To align with the mission of Ensign College to develop capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ, the college is focused on helping learners demonstrate the following key capabilities:

Teamwork and Leadership: Create and sustain a culture of trust, vision, and continuous improvement that adds value to an organization.

Communication: Share information in diverse audiences, modes, and environments for the purpose of mutual understanding and edification.

Technical Skills: Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish specific tasks through proper systems, processes, and tools.

Problem-Solving: Analyze complex problems and generate creative solutions supported by informed evidence.

Professionalism: Exhibit behaviors reflecting a moral foundation of strong ethics and accountability.

Ensign College Board of Trustees

Officers

Russell M. Nelson, Chairman
Dallin H. Oaks, First Vice-Chairman
Henry B. Eyring, Second Vice-Chairman
R. Kelly Haws, Secretary

Board Members

Russell M. Nelson, Chairman
Dallin H. Oaks, First Vice-Chairman
Henry B. Eyring, Second Vice-Chairman
Jeffrey R. Holland*
David A. Bednar*
Quentin L. Cook
Dale G. Renlund
Robert C. Gay*
Donald L. Hallstrom
Gérald Caussé
Jean B. Bingham*
Bonnie H. Cordon
Stephen W. Owen
R. Kelly Haws, Secretary*

*Members of the Executive Committee

Office of the Commissioner of Church Education

Paul V. Johnson, Commissioner, Church Educational System
R. Kelly Haws, Assistant to the Commissioner and Secretary to the Boards

Ensign College President’s Executive Council

Bruce C. Kusch, President
Tim Sloan, Vice President of Academics
Guy M. Hollingsworth, Vice President of Student Services
Mark L. Richards, Vice President of Administration and Operations
Alan L. Young, Managing Director of Online Programs

College Map

Academic Departments

Business

Professional Services

Digital Technology

General Studies

Institute of Religion

Ensign College is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The College is funded largely by the tithes of the Church. It is anticipated that students will achieve a balanced education, will leave Ensign College built up in their faith and commitment to the Lord and His kingdom as they are prepared to engage the world of ideas and work through education or training in their chosen field. A knowledge of the gospel and an individual testimony can lead to peace and happiness in this life and prepare students for eternal life hereafter.

Because regular gospel study should be a continuing part of a student’s college experience, it is strongly encouraged that students take one religion class each and every semester they are enrolled. Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “If you are attending a church school, consistently include a class each semester in religious education” (Ensign/Liahona May 2015).

Graduation Requirements for Degrees and Certificates

There is no degree, major, or minor, offered from the Ensign College Institute of Religion. To earn any degree offered by Ensign College, the Religion Course requirements listed below must be met.

Content Requirement

Graduation requirements for AAS and AS degrees:

• Two of the four cornerstone courses as core requirements, plus two additional courses (four credits).

Certificate program requirements will have the following guidelines:

• Certificate programs with 15 credits or less will not require any religion courses.
• Certificate programs with 16 – 29 credits will require one religion cornerstone course.
• Certificate programs with 30 or more credits will require two religion cornerstone courses.

Courses with the same number and similar title are considered equivalent across all CES institutions and whether taken at or transferred into an institution, will fulfill the content requirement for graduation (see residency requirement below). Additionally, to earn credit, a student must attend at least 75% of classes.

Residency Requirement

Each institution determines how many religious education credits a student must complete on-campus. For transfer students, this requirement may increase the number of credits needed to graduate. For example, if a student has completed several courses at one CES institution before transferring to another, depending on the residency requirement of the institution, the courses transferred may meet the content requirement but not the residency requirement. Each student at Ensign College will be required to take at least one (2 credit) religion course at the college to fulfill the residency requirement (if their program is more than 15 credits).

Transfer Students

Depending on the total number of credit hours a student transfers, each CES institution uses a formula or scale for determining the number of religion credits (residency) remaining for graduation (see table below).

Second Religion Class in the Same Semester

Students will only receive religion credit for one religion class per semester.  Any exceptions to this must be approved through the Office of the Registrar. Exception to this policy are courses: REL 110R and REL 190R.

Transfer of Religion Credit from Other Universities

Religion credit earned at other LDS Church schools will transfer to Ensign College as an equivalent religion course or elective credit so long as the course is taken for credit and such credit is noted on an official transcript. While religion credits from other LDS Church schools may transfer to fulfill required religion content, they do not satisfy the Ensign College resident religion requirement (religion courses taken while attending Ensign College). Coursework in religious studies from any institution other than an LDS Church school or Institute of Religion will not be accepted toward filling the Ensign College religion requirements.

Transfer of Religion Credit from CES Institutes of Religion

Religion credit earned at Church Education System (CES) Institutes of Religion will transfer to Ensign College as an equivalent religion course or elective credit so long as the course is taken for “Church University” or “BYU” credit and such credit is noted on an official Institute transcript. Qualifying Religion credit taken from CES Institutes of Religion do not count as residency religion requirements.

Dates and Deadlines

FALL 2020 Academic Deadlines

Full Semester Class Deadlines

*See tuition refund policy

Block B Class Deadlines

*See tuition refund policy

Spring 2021 Academic Deadlines

Full Semester Class Deadlines

*See tuition refund policy

Block B Class Deadlines

*See tuition refund policy

Winter 2021 Academic Deadlines

Full Semester Class Deadlines

*See tuition refund policy

Block B Class Deadlines

*See tuition refund policy

Terminology and Degrees

For students wanting to earn more than one degree or certificate, at least 25% of the credit hours for each additional degree or certificate must be unique. For example, a student earning two certificates would earn total credits for the first certificate and then would need 25% unique courses of the total credits for the second. Likewise, a student earning two AAS degrees or one AS and one AAS degree would earn 60 credits for the first degree and at least 15 unique credits (25% of 60) for the second. Students cannot earn two AS degrees.

Degrees

Three degrees are offered at the College: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Science (AS), and Certificates.

Associate of Science (AS)

• A minimum of 60 credits are required.
• The AS degree, as a regionally accredited degree, is a transfer degree because it satisfies the majority of lower division general education requirements and should be accepted at four-year institutions.
• Depending on the requirements of the receiving institution, students may be required to complete additional courses to meet specific institutional graduation requirements.
• Required credits include religion, general education, college success courses, internship, certificate requirements, and if applicable, electives.
• At least 50% of required credits must be earned directly from Ensign College.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

• A minimum of 60 credits are required.
• The AAS degree is not a transfer degree. This degree is provided in fields of study where additional education does not significantly increase employability.
• Required credits include religion, program required courses, program core courses, and if applicable, electives.
• Some individual course credits may transfer to other institutions depending on the requirements of the institution receiving the transfer request.
• At least 50% of required credits must be earned directly from Ensign College.

Certificates

• There are several certificates offered at the College and all certificates can be either completed as a stand-alone certificate or as part of the AS degree requirements.
• Certificates completed as a stand-alone certificate are only eligible for federal financial aid (pending FAFSA eligibility) if the certificate is more than 15 credits.
• All certificates are eligible for federal financial aid (pending FAFSA eligibility) as part of the AS degree requirements.

*Programs are not eligible for federal financial aid as a stand-alone certificate.