» Membership - Psi Chapter of California at Chapman University

A Lifetime Connection

An invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa recognizes and honors exceptional academic achievement in the arts and sciences. It is a mark of outstanding personal achievement that will have an impact on the rest of your life and career.

Phi Beta Kappa membership lasts a lifetime. It connects diverse, accomplished individuals in nearly every career field. Employers view Phi Beta Kappa membership as a competitive advantage and a mark of personal distinction.

Just 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. These chapters select only the top 10 percent of their arts and sciences graduates to join Phi Beta Kappa – making Phi Beta Kappa membership one of the most prestigious honors a student can receive.

Eligibility and Election

Membership in Chapman University’s Phi Beta Kappa Chapter is by invitation only. It is contingent upon fulfillment of minimum requirements and is at the discretion of the local chapter. (Please read the national Phi Beta Kappa Membership requirements for more information.)

Phi Beta Kappa honors exceptional academic achievement in the arts and sciences. To be considered for membership in Chapman University’s Phi Beta Kappa Chapter, candidates must at least meet the following minimum criteria.

  • Be a candidate for a bachelor’s degree, with at least ¾ of the credits ordinarily required for a bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts and sciences. To be eligible for consideration, students at Chapman University must have completed 90 qualifying credit hours in the liberal arts and sciences and must have been a full-time Chapman student for at least two years.
  • GPA of no less than 3.8 is required for students within 6 months of expected graduation. At the Chapter’s discretion, students with a later expected graduation may be invited with a 3.9 GPA.
  • The student record must demonstrate “depth and breadth” in the study of liberal arts and sciences, considering the number, variety and level of courses taken outside the requirements of the major and the proportion of the candidate's overall program those courses constitute.Consideration shall also be given to the number of elective courses taken above the introductory, or general education, level.  
  • Knowledge of a second, or non-native language, minimally appropriate for a liberal education (no less than completion of intermediate college level, or non-native language, or the equivalent). Completion of a language course at the 202 Level minimally satisfies this criterion.
  • At least one course in college-level mathematics, logic or statistics, with content appropriate to liberal arts and sciences. It should introduce students to mathematical ideas, abstract thinking, proofs and axiomatic character.  
  • In keeping with the Founders’ interest in fostering not only academic excellence but also friendship and morality, invitation to Phi Beta Kappa should be extended only to persons of good moral character.

Since its founding in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has counted among its members 17 U.S. Presidents, 40 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and more than 140 Nobel Laureates, as well as noted scientists and researchers, business and civic leaders, artists, performers and athletes.

A list of notable PBK Members such as Bill Clinton, Condoleeza Rice, and more.

Today, technology and the digital universe have replaced quill pens and paper, but freedom of inquiry and liberty of thought live on through the students who accept the honor of Phi Beta Kappa membership each year.

A Lifelong Connection

Once you are elected and accept the honor of membership, you are automatically a member for life. (You may choose to pay national dues to receive the national member magazine and other perks.)

Induction into Phi Beta Kappa is just the beginning. Members in more than 50 U.S. cities may join a Phi Beta Kappa alumni association. These groups provide opportunities to participate in engaging networking activities and cultural programs. Many associations are active in their communities, supporting scholarships and partnering with local charitable organizations.

Members automatically receive The Key Reporter, a publication with news about Phi Beta Kappa alumni, programs, projects, awards and activities.

Phi Beta Kappa also connects members on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr – all great avenues to network with other Phi Beta Kappa members.

Find information about our past Chapter events at the Digital Commons.