Phi Beta Kappa

Seniors

Seniors may be considered for nomination to Phi Beta Kappa under the following conditions:

• The student has completed at least 48 credit hours of work in residence at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and be registered to complete additional hours to total at least 64 semester hours. If a student has completed fewer than 108 credits in residence at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a review of work completed elsewhere will be done.
• The student has second, or non-native, language competency by test or course through the 201-level.
• The student has completed at least one course in quantitative or mathematical thinking
• The student has a grade point average of 3.75 or higher.
• The student has demonstrated breadth in coursework by the number and variety of courses taken outside their major.

Juniors

Juniors may be considered for nomination to Phi Beta Kappa under the following conditions:

• The student has completed at least 80 credit hours of work in residence at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, accumulated in at least 5 semesters of college enrollment.
• The student has second, or non-native, language competency by test or course through the 201-level.
• The student has completed at least one course in quantitative or mathematical thinking
• The caliber of the student’s work should be of exceptional distinction, including a grade point average of at least 3.90.
• The student has demonstrated breadth in coursework by the number and variety of courses taken outside their major.

Nominations for membership in course shall be made by the Committee on Members-in-Course on the basis of a review of student transcripts; there is no “application” or “recommendation” process.

The number of students elected from any class ordinarily would not exceed 10% of the undergraduates expected to receive the liberal bachelor’s degree in that class. Thus, it is possible that a student with a 3.75 GPA and adequate progress toward their degree may not be elected to membership.

Process

In early January, the Chair of the Committee on Members-in-Course retrieves from the Registrar’s office a list of students who meet the eligibility requirements. Committee members gather to review the list and propose elections. Then at the annual chapter meeting in late January/early February, resident Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff members elect ~ 25-30 students, depending on the size of the graduating class. Election is by secret ballot and requires an affirmative vote by three-fourths of the resident members present at the meeting.

Notification

In mid-February students elected to Phi Beta Kappa will receive email notification by the president of the chapter, who will provide detailed registration and induction-related instructions. Students must complete the online registration form, which is forwarded to national headquarters in Washington, DC, to be considered members of Phi Beta Kappa.

Fees

There is a one-time $85 induction fee to the Society for all new members-in-course which the chapter completely covers. The chapter also provides inductees with honor cords to wear at commencement.

Benefits

Honorifics vary in value, so it is important to find out which ones matter the most. Our society does not aim to supply a mere credential: belonging to Phi Beta Kappa means more than simply a certification of your grade point average or your resume. In the wider world, membership in our organization is understood as an honor that is neither cheaply won nor widely bestowed. And we offer opportunities to continue to learn and grow in the company of other members of our society across the country and across generations. The networking potential alone is huge. Learn more about membership benefits.