Psi Betaopens in new window is a national honor society for students attending 2-year colleges who are interested in psychology and those who plan to minor or major in the discipline. There are many benefits to joining Psi Beta, including opportunities to network, gain leadership and research experience, and apply for scholarships and awards. Starting a new Psi Beta chapter takes a little time and work; however, it is a rewarding experience.
How can interested students start a new chapter?
First, every chapter must have at least one advisor. Chapter advisors must possess a master’s degree or higher in psychology or a closely related field (e.g., counseling or educational psychology). It is this person, the “primary advisor,” who goes about the task of completing the necessary application forms and sending them to the Psi Beta National Office. However, psychology students at community colleges who are interested in Psi Beta can share information about the honor society with other students in their classes and find out if others would potentially join Psi Beta if a chapter were to be formed. Students can also talk to their instructors to see if they can identify a potential chapter advisor.
What are the academic requirements?
At a minimum, Psi Beta inductees must have completed at least 12 credits and have a GPA that falls within the top 35% GPA for all full-time students (or a 3.25, whichever is higher). Inductees also need to have completed at least one college-level psychology course with a grade of B or higher. Note that these figures represent minimum qualifications. Each chapter has the choice to raise the minimum GPA higher than the top 35% of full-time students or above the 3.0 overall GPA for students at their college.
An overview of the process
Detailed instructions about the process for applying to create a new Psi Beta chapter are available on the Psi Beta websiteopens in new window. In addition to completing an application form with information about the potential advisor, the faculty, psychology courses available at the college, and other required information, the chapter advisor will submit a letter detailing the academic requirements of inductees at your college.
Upon approval by the National Council, the new advisor will input the names and contact information for the charter members—the first set of students ever to be inducted into the new Psi Beta chapter. Once members are placed in the system and the fees are paid, the Psi Beta National Office will prepare membership certificates, ID cards, and pins for the new members. All of these materials are sent to the chapter advisor and the new chapter can host its very first induction ceremony.
Questions can be directed to the author and staff at the Psi Beta National Office.
About the author
Margaret Maghan, PhD, is the vice president of the northeast region of Psi Beta. Dr. Maghan is a psychology faculty member in the state of New Jersey and has been working as a psychology professor for over two decades. Dr. Maghan has been an advisor for Psi Beta at several community colleges. Besides being a dedicated advisor and faculty member, Dr. Maghan is also a licensed clinician. When not working, Dr. Maghan loves to spend time with her two children and husband. Dr. Maghan is an avid baker, hiker, and traveler. If you have any questions about her article or anything Psi Beta-related, feel free to contact her.
