Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology.
The aims of Psi Chi are summarized in two Greek words:
- Psyche (Psy-key), suggesting "mind" or scholarship, symbolizes enrichment of the mind
- Cheires: (Ky-race), meaning "hands", symbolizes fellowship and research.
Membership is open to graduates and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who meet the minimum qualifications. Psi Chi is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. Also, Psi Chi works closely with its sister honor society Psi Beta, the national honor society in psychology for community and junior colleges.
Goals
Psi Chi serves two major goals:
- The first goal is to recognize academic excellence through induction as a member of Psi Chi.
- The second goal is to nurture the spark of the accomplishment by providing opportunities for professional growth and creative development through chapter, regional and national activities.
Programs
The national organization provides programs to help achieve the goals of Psi Chi. Among these are:
- national and regional conventions held annually in conjunction with the psychological associations
- research award competitions
- certificate recognition programs
- a quarterly Psi Chi Newsletter which helps to unite the members as well as to inform and recognize their contribution and accomplishments, and
- a national office where the membership records of all members are preserved and available for references
Membership
Graduate students can apply for membership if they have:
- at least a 3.5 average in psychology courses,
- have completed at least 18 graduate credits in psychology courses, and
- demonstrate a commitment and interest in the field of psychology.
The Marywood chapter of Psi Chi holds an annual initiation ceremony during the Spring semester. Application materials for membership are available from the department secretary
