Psi Chi

Psi Chi [sī kī ] in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University is the national honor society in psychology. Founded in 1929, Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and an affiliate of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society.

Purpose of Psi Chi

The purpose of Psi Chi is to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship as well as advance the science of psychology. Psi Chi provides academic recognition for its members and offers local chapters that host programs related to the science of psychology and provide fellowship and networking for Psi Chi members. At the national level, Psi Chi hosts national and regional conventions, sponsors research award competitions and publishes journals and newsletters.

Benefits of joining Psi Chi

• Gain membership and recognition by a well-respected national organization.
• Receive Psi Chi honor society regalia (e.g., honor cords) which can be worn at commencement ceremonies. Members are also eligible to purchase additional Psi Chi materials (e.g., rings, mugs, medallions).
• Access electronic copies of the journal, Eye on Psi Chi.
• Network with psychology faculty, psychology graduate students, practitioners and other Psi Chi members.
• Receive recognition and in some cases financial support for your research in psychology.
• Submit research for possible publication in the Psi Chi Journal of Psychology.
• Participate in service projects sponsored by Psi Chi.
• Attend educational and networking activities sponsored by the local Psi Chi chapter.
• List Psi Chi membership on a resume or curriculum vitae.

Membership requirements

• The society is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are studying psychology as indicated by a declared psychology major or minor.
• Have completed three or more semesters of college courses.
• Have completed nine credit hours of psychology courses.
• Be ranked in top 35 percent of your class. At WMU this requires a 3.0 minimum.
• High overall GPA and a 3.2 minimum psychology GPA.

How to apply

1. Complete online Psi Chi membership application.
2. The faculty advisor will contact applicants regarding the application status. 
3. Once membership eligibility is confirmed, applicants will receive an automated email from Psi Chi International with instructions regarding payment of the membership fee.

Deadlines

Submit all application materials:

• By Oct. 1 (or the first weekday after Oct. 1) for consideration for fall semester induction.
• By March 1 (or the first weekday after March 1) for consideration for spring semester induction.

Notification and induction

Applicants will be notified regarding membership eligibility within 14 days of the above deadlines. Those who are accepted for Psi Chi membership and who have paid their membership fee to Psi Chi International will be invited to participate in the next scheduled induction ceremony.

Contact

Questions can be sent to Dr. Lisa Baker, faculty advisor for the WMU Psi Chi chapter.