Graduation Requirements—Institute

Students reading scriptures

Why should I graduate from institute?

By actively participating in and graduating from institute, young adults will strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ, increase their scripture study skills, learn from others and through the Spirit, and be better prepared for their futures. The institute experience is the next step of the journey that students embarked on in seminary, and graduation is the culmination of this institute experience. After graduating from institute, students are still welcome to attend institute classes.

What are the graduation requirements?

Institute graduation signifies achievement in gospel learning and understanding. A total of 14 credits are required to graduate:

  • 8 Cornerstone course credits*

  • 6 elective course credits

*All scripture-based courses that a student has completed or will complete in semesters or terms that began prior to August 1, 2015, will be counted toward the Cornerstone requirement for graduation. Also, all elective credits earned prior to August 1, 2015, can still be used for graduation.

To earn credit for a particular course, a student must attend at least 75 percent of classes, complete assigned readings, and complete a course assessment.

What graduation awards are available?

The following table outlines the certificates and diploma that are available to institute students:

Type

Awarded To

Ecclesiastical Endorsement Required

Certificate of Attendance

Students who meet the attendance requirement for an institute course but did not meet the additional requirements. These certificates may be awarded in class at the end of a term, at an institute-sponsored activity, or at graduation exercises.

No

Certificate of Course Completion

Students who have completed an institute course in a given term. These certificates may be awarded in class at the end of a term, at an institute-sponsored activity, or at graduation exercises.

No

Institute Diploma

Students who have completed at least 14 credits, including all of the required courses. Diplomas may be awarded at stake or multi-stake graduation exercises or presented to students by their bishops in a meeting or individually.

Yes