Ensign College: From Humble Beginnings to a Global Educational Beacon

Ensign College, formerly known as LDS Business College, is a private institution of higher education located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under its Church Educational System, the college has a rich and dynamic history spanning nearly a century and a half. What began as a small local academy has evolved into a globally recognized institution dedicated to developing capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ through career-focused education.

Founding and Early Years

The college’s origins trace back to November 15, 1886, when the Salt Lake Stake Academy was founded under the direction of Karl G. Maeser. The school opened its doors with 84 students and held its first classes in the historic Social Hall. Initially offering high school, normal, business, and college courses of study, the institution was envisioned by Church leaders as a potential flagship institution of higher learning. In 1888, it was renamed the Salt Lake Stake Academy, and by 1890, it had become LDS College. An early emphasis on business courses led to the creation of a dedicated department of business in 1895. Buy fake diploma online.

The Twentieth Century: Transformation and Focus

The early twentieth century brought further name changes, including LDS University from 1901 to 1927. However, the most significant transformation occurred during the Great Depression. When LDS College closed in 1931 due to financial constraints, the business department continued to function independently, giving rise to what became known as LDS Business College. For decades, the institution operated as a two-year college focused on training students for careers in business and industry. During this period, Church policy required the college to be financially self-sufficient until the Church Educational System resumed partial funding in 1986. The college offered one- and two-year programs in accounting, marketing, management, computer information systems, health services, and other practical fields.

Career Advantages of a LDS Business College Degree

A New Era: The Birth of Ensign College

A pivotal moment arrived on September 1, 2020, when the 134-year-old LDS Business College was officially renamed Ensign College. The name carries profound symbolic meaning: “ensign” refers to a banner, standard, or symbol, and in scripture, it represents a light and a guide for the gathering of nations. The name also honors Ensign Peak, the mountain near Salt Lake City from which Brigham Young envisioned the future of the valley. According to President Bruce C. Kusch, the new name reflects the college’s mission to send forth graduates as “standard bearers” for their faith and profession.

Academic Innovation and Global Reach

Alongside the name change, Ensign College expanded its academic offerings, introducing Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in business management, communications, and information technology. The college also partnered with BYU-Pathway Worldwide to offer its job-ready curriculum online, significantly extending its geographic reach beyond Salt Lake City. In a further move toward accessibility and efficiency, the college began offering three-year bachelor’s degree programs, allowing students to graduate faster and enter the workforce sooner. Today, Ensign College serves nearly 6,000 students, with 44% coming from international backgrounds representing 76 countries.

Mission and Accreditation

Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Ensign College remains true to its founding mission: to “develop capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ”. The college’s unique learning framework prepares students with relevant, in-demand, and market-ready skills in a spiritually nourishing environment. As it looks toward the future, Ensign College continues to uphold its commitment to educating students “one by one,” preparing them to influence the world through faith, competence, and character.