- Topics:
- About |
- Eligibility |
- Selection |
- Membership & Events
About Phi Beta Kappa
What is Phi Beta Kappa?
Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society, recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Election to Phi Beta Kappa signifies outstanding scholarly achievement, intellectual curiosity, and breadth of study.
About 10% of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. These chapters select only about 10% of their arts and sciences graduates to join.
Notable Phi Beta Kappa alumni include Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, Nobel Laureates, and more.
What are the benefits of joining Phi Beta Kappa?
Joining Phi Beta Kappa offers many benefits. Noting your PBK membership on your resume/CV signals your exceptional academic achievement. Membership also provides the opportunity to connect with a diverse network of fellow PBK members and offers resources for your career.
There are many Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Associations throughout the country. One of these is the Baltimore Association, which hosts in-person and virtual events, gatherings, tours, and networking events; it also has a LinkedIn group. Annual dues are only $35 per year; for recent graduates, the first year is free and their second year is half price.
How is Phi Beta Kappa different from other Greek organizations and honor societies?
Membership in Phi Beta Kappa signals to employers as well as graduate and professional schools that you were an exceptional, broadly educated undergraduate student at a distinguished university. The Phi Beta Kappa distinction on a resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile always stands out, as it conveys intellectual rigor, a strong work ethic, and the ability to think clearly and independently. Phi Beta Kappa status is often a powerful signal to those who do not yet know you that you are especially well educated, capable, and disciplined.
Eligibility
What are the minimum eligibility requirements for consideration?
To be considered for election to Phi Beta Kappa by the Eta of Maryland Chapter, a student must meet the following minimum criteria:
- At least 90 total credits in liberal studies subjects earned at a college or university
- At least 36 credits completed at UMBC
- A minimum GPA of 3.5 in liberal studies subjects
- Completion of UMBC General Education Program language requirements
- Demonstrated competence in mathematics through the pre-calculus level
- Completion of at least six courses (18 credits) in a coherently structured program of liberal studies outside the student’s major
What counts as “liberal studies subjects”?
Liberal studies subjects include coursework in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics traditionally associated with a liberal arts education. Professional, technical, or narrowly vocational courses generally do not count toward the liberal studies credit requirement.
What is meant by a “coherently structured program of liberal studies outside the major”?
This requirement ensures academic breadth beyond the major field of study. Students must complete at least six courses (18 credits) in liberal studies that form a meaningful, coherent program, such as a minor or certificate in a discipline outside their major, or a second major.
Can students in STEM majors be selected?
Yes. Students in all majors may be considered, provided they demonstrate substantial breadth and excellence in liberal studies coursework beyond their major discipline.
Why does Phi Beta Kappa emphasize breadth outside the major?
In addition to academic excellence and a strong GPA, Phi Beta Kappa places a strong emphasis on breadth of study in the liberal arts and sciences. The Eta of Maryland Chapter looks for students who have pursued meaningful coursework beyond their major and demonstrated intellectual curiosity across disciplines.
As part of this emphasis, candidates are expected to complete a coherent program of study outside their primary major, such as a minor, certificate, or second major. The selection committee considers the range, level, and coherence of a student’s coursework outside the major when evaluating candidates.
Phi Beta Kappa’s focus on breadth reflects its mission to recognize students who have demonstrated both depth and range in their academic pursuits.
Selection
How are students selected for Phi Beta Kappa at UMBC?
Students are selected through a rigorous review process conducted by faculty and staff representative of the Eta of Maryland Chapter at UMBC. The chapter evaluates students based on academic achievement, rigor and breadth of coursework in the liberal arts and sciences, and fulfillment of chapter criteria. Meeting the stated criteria makes a student eligible for consideration, but does not guarantee election.
Does meeting the minimum criteria guarantee selection?
No. Meeting the minimum criteria makes a student eligible for consideration, but election to Phi Beta Kappa is competitive and selective. The chapter evaluates the overall strength, rigor, and breadth of each student’s academic program.
When are students typically considered for selection?
Students are usually considered in senior year, after they have completed enough coursework to meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate sustained academic excellence. A very limited number of students are considered for election in their junior year.
Do students need to apply or be nominated?
At UMBC, eligible students are identified through an internal review process conducted by the Eta of Maryland Chapter. Students do not apply directly.
How can I tell if I am on track for being eligible for Phi Beta Kappa?
How will I know if I have been selected for Phi Beta Kappa?
Students selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa will receive a formal invitation via email from the Executive Committee of the Eta of Maryland Chapter. The email will include detailed information about next steps, important dates, and how to accept membership.
Membership and Events
How much does it cost to join Phi Beta Kappa?
There is no cost for selected inductees to join Phi Beta Kappa at UMBC.
The national Phi Beta Kappa Society charges a one-time membership fee of $85, which is fully covered by UMBC for students elected by the Eta of Maryland Chapter. UMBC also provides the official membership certificate for students selected by the Eta of Maryland Chapter.
To activate membership, students must complete the required registration with the national organization, but no payment is required. Inductees will receive registration instructions with their invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa.
Is attendance at the pre-induction celebratory tea mandatory?
No. Attendance at the pre-induction celebratory tea is not mandatory. However, it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history of Phi Beta Kappa, connect with members of the Executive Committee and fellow inductees, and prepare for the induction ceremony.
Is attendance at the Phi Beta Kappa induction ceremony mandatory?
No. Attendance at the induction ceremony is not mandatory. However, students and their families are strongly encouraged to attend in order to celebrate this outstanding academic accomplishment. UMBC senior leadership, including the President and Provost, as well as Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff, also attend this ceremony.
What is the dress code for the Phi Beta Kappa induction ceremony?
Although there is no established dress code, please note that the Phi Beta Kappa induction ceremony is a formal academic occasion. Students should avoid casual clothing such as jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sneakers, flip-flops, or overly informal attire.
Does UMBC cover the cost of Phi Beta Kappa graduation cords?
Yes. Phi Beta Kappa cords are covered by UMBC, in celebration of and recognition of students’ academic achievement.
What should I do after I am inducted and once I am a member of Phi Beta Kappa?
After you are inducted and activate your membership in Phi Beta Kappa, be sure to list the distinction on your resume/CV as well as add it to your LinkedIn profile. You can also join our UMBC Phi Beta Kappa chapter’s LinkedIn group.
Be sure to also connect with one or more of the many Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Associations throughout the country. One of these is the Baltimore Association, which hosts in-person and virtual events, gatherings, tours, and networking events; it also has a LinkedIn group. Annual dues are only $35 per year; for recent graduates, the first year is free and their second year is half price.