Psi Chi International Honor Society
“The purpose of this organization shall be primarily to advance the science of psychology; and secondly to encourage, stimulate, and maintain scholarship of the individual members in all academic fields, particularly in psychology.”
Founded in 1929, Psi Chi began primarily as an organization for those students in psychology who were working on research projects. The students in individual chapters would get together and discuss various topics of research. Since then, Psi Chi has grown to serve many other functions in the field of psychology, such as community service and educational projects. The national chapter still recognizes excellence in research through nationwide graduate and undergraduate research competitions and awards. Since 1929, Psi Chi has expanded greatly. With over 1,150 chapters and more than 750,000 lifetime members, Psi Chi is one of the largest and most respected honor societies in the country. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS). The Society publishes Eye on Psi Chi, a quarterly newsletter which helps to unite the members as well as to inform and recognize their contributions and accomplishments. Additionally, it publishes the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, which includes empirical manuscripts authored by Psi Chi members at the undergraduate, graduate, and faculty level.
The aims of Psi Chi are summarized in two Greek words: Psyche: meaning literally “mind” or scholarship – symbolizes enrichment of the mind; Cheires, meaning literally “hands” – symbolizes fellowship and research.
Benefits of Membership:
- receive recognition for academic excellence
- enjoy lifetime membership (the national registration fee of $55 is the only payment ever made to the national organization)
- gain access to $400,000 in awards and grants
- develop leadership skills
- network at Society conventions and build invaluable contacts
- subscribe to electronic publications
- publish research in a scholarly journal
- meets one of the requirements for entrance at the GS-7 level in numerous professional and technical occupations in the US government
The ultimate test of the value of any membership organization lies in the accomplishments of its members. In each year of Psi Chi’s history, more and more members have undertaken graduate studies. Psi Chi is well represented in the professional ranks of all the behavioral sciences. The membership directories of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS) are studded with the names of Psi Chi members, both active and alumni. This is only one example demonstrating that the Society’s purposes are being fulfilled.
Requirements:
Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have made the study of psychology one of their major interests and who meet the minimum qualifications:
- be enrolled as a major or minor in a psychology program (or a program psychological in nature)
- have completed at least 3 semesters or equivalent of college coursework
- have completed at least 9 semester hours (or equivalent) of psychology courses
- have earned an overall GPA that is in the top 35% of their class in general scholarship (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale)
- have a minimum 3.0 GPA in psychology courses
There is no application process. If you meet the membership requirements, the Psi Chi faculty advisor will contact you and invite you to join Psi Chi.
Faculty Advisor
AY24-25 Officers
- President: Nadia Lonnberg ’25
- Vice President: Ashley Johnson ’25
- Secretary: Elsa Oates ’26
- Social Media Manager: Leonardo Montenegro ’25
Administrative Assistant
- Angie Draheim ’03