Phi Beta Kappa is kind of a big deal. Here’s how to get in.

One of the most prestigious honor societies in the United States, Phi Beta Kappa offers its members lifetime benefits that grow your career, your professional network and, most importantly, yourself.  

You can’t apply to join this organization, though. Membership is invite-only, offered during your junior or senior year. If you’re interested in becoming a member of Phi Kappa Beta’s Chi Chapter at Pacific, here’s how you can boost your chances.

What is Phi Beta Kappa?

Phi Kappa Beta isn’t just the most prestigious honor society in the U.S.; founded in 1776, it’s also the oldest. The organization champions education in the arts and sciences, fosters freedom of thought and recognizes academic excellence.  

It’s a rare honor for a university to have a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, one that only around 10% of U.S. universities and colleges can claim.  The organization chose Pacific to host its Chi Chapter of California in 2006 after an extensive vetting process.  

“It helps Americans see that higher education isn’t merely a commodity,” wrote then-director of Pacific’s honor’s program, Gregg Camfield. “It’s a transforming act, giving students the skills and knowledge they need to act wisely and actively as citizens in a democratic republic.” 

How to boost your chances of getting in

If you want to become a Phi Beta Kappa member, there are two sets of expectations you should keep in mind: stipulations set by the national organization and requirements for the Chi Chapter at Pacific.  

Keep in mind that, even if you meet all these standards, membership is not guaranteed. At Pacific, students invited to join are typically in the top 5% of their graduating class.  

Phi Beta Kappa requirements 

National Stipulations

• Breadth of study: You must be working toward a bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts and sciences and have completed three-quarters of your coursework for it.  
• Language study: You should demonstrate knowledge of a second language at the college level.  
• Depth of study: You’ll be considered based on the depth of your study beyond what’s required in your major, including advanced electives.  
• Quantitative thinking: You should take at least one course in mathematics, logic or statistics with liberal arts content.  
• Character: Your behavior should be consistent with both high standards and the code of conduct at your university.  

Pacific’s Chi Chapter

Standing: Should be of junior or senior standing. 

• GPA: Juniors should have a GPA greater than or equal to a 3.9, and seniors should have a GPA greater than or equal to a 3.7. 
• Mathematics: You should pass a pre-calculus course or an equivalent with a letter grade. 
• Language: You must complete the fourth semester of a college-level foreign language or an equivalent. 
• Literature: You must pass an eligible literature course.  

You can find a full list of eligible or equivalent courses on Pacific’s Phi Beta Kappa page.

Phi Beta Kappa has a lot of requirements, but member Katherine Lopez ’27 knows it’s manageable if you have a plan.  

“I would talk to your advisor and make a plan that works with your four-year plan,” she says. “Double-check if you already have any requirements fulfilled and figure out how you can fulfill the rest of the courses before you graduate. Being part of PBK is doable if you’re truly interested in taking diverse courses, which may have nothing to do with your major.”  

“Map out your four-year plan,” she says. “Anybody can really set their mind to it at the beginning and work toward that goal by their junior or senior year. It’s a great opportunity, a really amazing society with a lot of benefits.”    

What are the advantages of joining Phi Beta Kappa

Your membership in Phi Beta Kappa lasts a lifetime and offers benefits that make a difference in your career.  

• Graduate scholarship: If you continue your studies into graduate school as a Phi Beta Kappa member, you’re eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to $10,000 for your education.  

• Recognition: When you’re inducted to Phi Beta Kappa, you celebrate your achievement at a special ceremony and earn the right to wear special regalia at your graduation. 

• Professional Development: You’re invited to networking events across the country, are able to join its alumni association, can get key career resources and can apply for its Love of Learning Grant.  

• Community: On top of Phi Beta Kappa’s alumni networks, you can also attend the organizations Visiting Scholar lectures, join its members-only LinkedIn group and get updates through its monthly e-newsletters.  

When you join Phi Beta Kappa, you’re joining ranks with a history of people who have made a difference. Since its founding, the organization has counted 17 American presidents, 40 Supreme Court justices and over 140 Nobel laureates among its ranks.  

You will recognize some of its high-achievers, including seventeen presidents, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, poet Amanda Gorman, journalist Mina Kimes, actor Kerry Washington, academic W.E.B. Du Bois and activist Helen Keller.  

“I believe that being a member of PKF will open up many doors for me in the future,” Katherine says. “Not only academically, but socially, as it will allow me to connect and relate to other members. It provides me with exclusive access to events, alumni associations and lifelong perks.” 

If you’re interested in learning more about Phi Beta Kappa, you can contact Chi Chapter of California President Anthony Dutoi at adutoi@pacific.edu.