Phi Beta Kappa
Lambda of Ohio University
Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most respected academic honor society in the United States. Invitation to membership is a reflection of outstanding academic achievement and shows a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and to freedom of inquiry and expression.
Phi Beta Kappa has pursued its mission of fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences since 1776. The Lambda of Ohio Chapter received its charter from the national organization in 1928. Less than 10 percent of graduates from the College of Arts & Sciences and Honors Tutorial College are selected for membership.
The chapter participates in the intellectual life of Ohio University by electing individuals to undergraduate, alumni, and honorary membership, hosting annual lectures by recognized scholars, and the annual awarding of the Thomas M. Wolfe Awards for highest scholastic achievement of a third-year and graduating senior student.
Requirements
Invitation to Phi Beta Kappa membership reflects outstanding academic achievement and shows a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and to freedom of inquiry and expression. OHIO’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter is open to any student who meets the requirements, but due to the liberal arts focus, students from the College of Arts and Sciences and Honors Tutorial College comprise the majority of the society.
Phi Betta Kappa membership encompasses the following:
- A minimum GPA of 3.65 for fourth-year students and 3.8 for third-year students
- A minimum of 90 credit hours for fourth-year students and 80 credit hours for third-year students (credit hours must be taken for a letter grade)
- Two semesters of foreign language at an intermediate level for Bachelor of Arts Students and one semester of foreign language at an intermediate level for Bachelor of Science Students
- 24 courses in humanities and social sciences with nine being at the 3000 level or above
- Six hours of courses in natural sciences or math
- Four semesters completed on the Athens campus
- 75% of coursework must be in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Only up to 10% of graduates may be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa
New LinkedIn Group
Phi Beta Kappa members affiliated with Ohio University (Lambda of Ohio) Chapter are invited to join our private LinkedIn Group for creative collisions and connections.
Phi Beta Kappa President's Message
Special thanks to Ohio University's President, Dr. Lori Gonzalez and her support of PBK. Because of her support the 2023-2024 Class did not pay any initiation fees to join! Thank you!
Election to the Society is one of the highest honors you can attain as an undergraduate. It is universally acknowledged as a mark of scholastic distinction, viewed with great favor by graduate schools, professional schools, and employers. Only 95 seniors, 1 junior, and 19 prior graduates met the rigorous requirements for the 2023-2024 academic year.
We invite our members of our chapter to share any ideas and to provide feedback about how we can do better to address issues related to PBK and how PBK is contributing to belonging on campus.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. John McCarthy
Lambda of Ohio Chapter President Dean, College of Health Sciences and Professions