Psi Beta Honor Society

Psi Beta is the national honor society in psychology for community and junior colleges. It was founded for the purpose of stimulating, encouraging, and recognizing students' scholarship and interest in psychology. The society functions as a federation of chapters located at close to 90 accredited two-year colleges. Psychology students and faculty become members by joining chapters at their colleges. The chapters are operated by the Psi Beta student members and faculty sponsors. The national office coordinates and records activities and files memberships, which can be verified for reference purposes. A National Council composed of Psi Beta members guides the affairs of the organization and determines policy. Psi Beta participates with Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology for senior colleges and universities, at American Psychological Association (APA), American Psychological Society (APS), and regional conventions.

What are the Membership Requirements?

Membership is open to faculty members of the department(s) sponsoring the Psi Beta chapter and to students who:

1. are enrolled at a two-year college with a Psi Beta chapter.
2. have an overall grade average of "B" or the equivalent of ranking in the top 35% of enrollment (in degree or transfer program), whichever standard is higher.
3. have at least a 3.5 GPA for psychology courses.
4. have completed at least two quarters or one semester of a psychology or psychology based course.
5. have completed at least 12 semester hours or the equivalent quarter hours total college credit.
6. have demonstrated a genuine interest in psychology.
7. have demonstrated high standards of personal behavior and integrity.
8. have been approved by the chapter.
9. have filed a completed membership application and instructor recommendation form.
10. have accepted Psi Beta's bylaws and policies and signed a statement.
11. have paid the once in-a-lifetime national registration fee of $50 (All of $50 go to the national organization for an official certificate and a Psi Beta pin).

What Are the Benefits?

1. Psi Beta provides a means of national recognition by
   1. awareness of the honor by psychology departments at colleges and universities
   2. verification of membership for applications throughout member's lifetime.
   3. winning national monetary awards.
   4. winning national community service, chapter, or faculty awards.
   5. membership and activities being published in a nationally distributed newsletter that is preserved in the National Archives of Psychology.
2. Psi Beta offers the experience of operating a chapter and provides opportunities to
   1. acquire leadership skills.
   2. interact with faculty outside the classroom.
   3. learn more about the professional and educational choices available.
   4. meet outstanding professionals in psychology.
   5. participate in community service.
   6. meet peers with similar interests.
   7. be "introduced," upon transfer, to a Psi Chi chapter at a four-year college or university.
3. Psi Beta membership contributes to the member's confidence and feeling of self-worth.
4. Psi Beta offers the opportunity to participate in national, regional, and local psychology programs, including paper and poster presentations.
5. Psi Beta student members are eligible for student affiliate membership in APA and APS.
6. Psi Beta membership is an honor that will stay with you all your life. On your vita/resume, it signifies a high standard of quality and scholarship.

How do you apply?

The application for Psi Beta membership can be downloaded from the link below.

• Download Psi Beta application

You may also apply by contacting one of the faculty sponsors. At Houston Community College, the faculty sponsors for Psi-Beta are Linda Whitney and Dr. Joanne Hsu. You may contact them for the application form and further information. 

How do you access the National PSI BETA webpage?

If you are interested in learning more about the National PSI BETA Organization, you can access its web page by clicking the following URL address: http://www.psibeta.org/.