Psi Chi

Psi Chi seal

College of Charleston Chapter, Chartered 1970

The College of Charleston Department of Psychology sponsors a chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society in this discipline. Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who have met the minimum qualifications.

What is Psi Chi?   

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. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS).

Membership in Psi Chi is an earned honor. Members join with faculty in activities of interest to psychology. A quarterly national newsletter is distributed on campus to members. In addition, membership in Psi Chi can be useful for reference purposes such as applications to graduate school and for jobs.

There is a one-time fee of $70 for lifetime membership in the organization. There are no annual dues for Psi Chi. 

Learn more about Psi Chi – the International Honor Society in Psychology

Psi Chi Qualifications and Application

  • Completion of at least three semesters or five quarters of college courses.
  • Completion of nine semester hours or 14 quarter hours of psychology.
  • Registration for major or minor standing in psychology.
  • Students who are elected to Psi Chi must have an overall cumulative GPA that is in the upper 35 percent of their class in general scholarship. Typically, the upper 35th percentile corresponds to an overall GPA with a cutoff between 3.3 and 3.5, depending on the student's class and the overall GPA distribution during a given semester. 
  • Students must also demonstrate superior scholarship in psychology, earning a minimum GPA of 3.0 in psychology courses.
  • Psi Chi accepts the policy of the College of Charleston regarding grades.
  • High standards of personal behavior.
  • Two-thirds affirmative vote of those present at a regular meeting of the chapter.

Students meeting these qualifications and wishing to be considered for Psi Chi membership should take the initiative. Contact the faculty advisor or any officers of our chapter.

The deadline for spring 2024 applications has passed. Please check back for future calls for applications.