Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Graduate Education

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The remarkable history of Brigham Young University’s graduate education programs can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of the Brigham Young University graduate education.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Brigham Young University graduate education: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU graduate education programs. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 96 Papers, 1903-1961 Papers of Christen Jensen, the Graduate School dean from 1929-1948. Collection includes correspondence, reports, memoranda, minutes, and examinations concerning Brigham Young University transfer credits, awards, faculty meetings, graduate school, Franklin S. Harris, Ernest L. Wilkinson, history, political science, and public administration.
  • UA 875 Graduate Council minutes, 1946-1973 Graduate Council minutes, 1946-1973; Graduate School report, August 1962; and Graduate School procedures manual, September 1972.
  • UA 296 History and mission, 1949, 1969 Contains a brief history by Christen Jensen, and two papers describing the administrative responsibilities and mission of the Graduate School.
  • UA 118 Records, 1952-1968 Collection includes correspondence to and from Deans Christen Jensen (1953-1954), George H. Hansen (1954-1957), and A. Smith Pond (1957-1959) concerning the graduate programs, policies and requirements for admittance. Also includes memorandums concerning graduate awards, nominations for honorary degrees and the religious influence and standards of Brigham Young University.
  • UA 1101 Records, 1954-1993 This collection contains correspondence, meeting minutes, committee assignments, information on graduate programs, information supporting a review of graduate programs, and other files documenting the history of the Graduate School from 1954 to 1993. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
  • UA 710 Records and correspondence of Chauncey C. Riddle, 1970-1979 Records of Chauncey Riddle, the Dean of the Graduate School.
  • UA 1199 Records, 1983-1986 This collection consists solely of Graduate Council meeting minutes from 1983-1986.
• Sample materials related to BYU graduate education:
  • BX 8608 .A1a no.746 Speech given at the graduate students’ banquet, Brigham Young University by Neal A. Maxwell on 1 March, 1973 Discusses using the gospel of Jesus Christ to become more significant and more interesting people and in order to face the future with excellence and anticipation.
  • BX 8608 .A1 no.3818 Graduate study in psychology at Brigham Young University A pamphlet distributed in the 1970s giving general admissions procedures and prerequisites, brief program descriptions, a list of faculty and their interests, an overview of facilities and financial assistance options.
  • UA 1208 Series III English Department graduate department files The series contains materials from the graduate department from 1989-2003. These materials include minutes, awards, reports, and bound honors theses.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the evolution of Brigham Young University graduate education. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.