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Phi Beta Kappa

In 2003, the University of San Diego joined a select group of the nation's colleges and universities with a chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society.

The phi beta kappa group

The process of applying for and receiving a chapter involved a rigorous review of the quality of the faculty and educational programs offered at our university, and only five percent of colleges and universities have qualified.

Our USD chapter invites the top eight to 10 percent of the graduating class to be inducted into our chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. An invitation to Phi Beta Kappa at USD is a mark of distinction that places you in the company of numerous United States Presidents and Supreme Court Justices, and is an honor of which you can truly be proud.

Phi Beta Kappa

As America's most prestigious academic honor society:

  • Honors the best and brightest liberal arts and sciences undergraduates from 290 top schools across the nation through a highly selective, merit-based invitation process.
  • Advocates for the importance of liberal arts and sciences education through its National Arts and Sciences Initiative, and equips members with information and tools to thoughtfully engage in American society as leaders, volunteers and citizens.
  • Connects members to a diverse network of high achievers, and provides opportunities to participate in engaging events offered by the national office, our local chapters and alumni associations.
  • Engages members through quarterly publications, monthly newsletters and podcasts, providing perspectives on public affairs, literature, science, history, culture and career development.
  • Recognizes the exceptional achievement of writers and scholars in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics to show how curiosity and creativity cultivated by a liberal arts and sciences education are essential to making the most of life's experiences and should be available to everyone.

Events and Announcements

2020 PBK Visiting Scholar

Dr. Richard Alley

Telling the Good News, Too: Discussing Climate Change

Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society, celebrates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and champions freedom of thought. The Society invites online applications for the second year of its Key into Public Service Scholars program. This initiative will award $5,000 undergraduate scholarships and participation opportunities for networking and job training for up to 20 sophomore and junior liberal arts and sciences students interested in pursuing public service careers. Society membership is not required. Characteristics of ideal recipients include intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary breadth and depth of arts and sciences coursework, leadership propensity, and service to others.

View the requirements to join Phi Beta Kappa

About Phi Beta Kappa

10

percent of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters

290

chapters at American colleges and universities

50

active alumni associations located in all regions of the country

17

U.S. Presidents belong

41

Supreme Court Justices belong

140

Nobel Laureates belong

USD Faculty and Staff

President

Dr. Clara Oberle

History

Vice President

Dr. Kathryn Statler

History

Secretary

Dr. Arrietta Fleming Davies

Biology

Historian

Dr. Kacie Miura

Political Science and International Relations

Treasurer

Dr. Matt Zwolinski

Philosophy

USD Students Inducted

You are here because you've made a habit of excellence. Occasional brilliance will not get you into Phi Beta Kappa. You are not one-subject wonders. You've established your intellectual credentials in a wide range of subjects. The excellence that brings you here is not accidental. You have chosen to pursue it, and you have earned it. You’ve broken the code of how to get it done. And that stays with you for life.
― John D. Zeglis Phi Beta Kappa member and former Chairman and CEO of AT&T Wireless