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Requirements for Eligibility

Membership acknowledges achievement and an outstanding academic record in the liberal arts and sciences. Members are elected on the basis of scholarly accomplishments, broad intellectual and cultural interests, and good character.

In order to become a candidate for election in the senior year, the following are required:

1. At least 135 quarter units in liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics (applied courses, such as certain classes in Communication, Theatre and Dance, Music, and Fine Arts are not accepted)
2. At least two courses in university mathematics (from courses Math 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 30, 31, and 41)
3. At least one year in university of modern or classical language other than English (three quarters of a single elementary language or one intermediate or advanced course in a language), unless the student demonstrates that English is a second language
4. Grade point average of at least 3.7
5. Completion of the last five quarters at Santa Clara and registration for a sixth (excluding classes taken in the summer session)
6. Completion of 90 quarter units at Santa Clara
7. Recommendation by his or her department chair or by a Phi Beta Kappa member of the department

Transfer credit and Advanced Placement credit are acceptable as long as 90 quarter units are completed at Santa Clara.

A candidate does not apply for admission. If all the requirements are fulfilled, a student is invited to become a candidate for the chapter and continue the process of selection with an interview and written essay in the winter or spring quarter of the student's senior year (or junior year if the student has a GPA of at least 3.85 and meets all other requirements). An invitation does not insure membership, which depends entirely on election by the current chapter members.

If you wish to be considered for membership and do not have the breadth of courses or if you have not fulfilled the mathematics and languages requirements, you may wish to arrange your courses to assure consideration.

If you have specific questions about Phi Beta Kappa, please contact Professor Greg Corning, Secretary, Pi of California, Dean’s Office, College of Arts & Sciences, A & S Building, First Floor, telephone 554-4455, e-mail gcorning@scu.edu .