Phi Beta Kappa celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. It is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious national honors society. Only the most outstanding undergraduates at America’s leading colleges and universities who meet the Society’s rigorous and comprehensive standards are elected to membership each year. It is arguably the highest academic honor that undergraduate students can achieve.
The ideal PBK member has demonstrated intellectual integrity, tolerance for other views, and a broad range of academic interests. Members are committed to the liberal arts and sciences, to freedom of inquiry and expression, and to the love of wisdom and knowledge for its own sake. Membership also provides a competitive edge in the marketplace and looks great on your résumé. Joining Phi Beta Kappa adds your name to an extended list of notable members.
At UC Irvine, only 5% of the graduating seniors and 1% of third year juniors are invited to join Phi Beta Kappa each year, making it more selective than Latin Honors. Only those students who meet the rigorous academic standards set by the Chapter are invited to join. Consideration is given to the breadth and variety of courses taken in the liberal arts and sciences, especially those taken outside the student’s major and beyond the normal general education requirements of the campus. Additional information on membership can be found on this website.
Each year approximately 5% of the graduating seniors and 1% of the juniors are invited to join. Please note that meeting the minimum qualifications does not necessarily guarantee membership. Each year many more students meet the minimum qualifications than can be elected to PBK. Final decisions regarding membership are made by faculty members of Phi Beta Kappa.