Honors Societies

Honor societies have a long tradition in higher education. They exist to recognize and promote excellence in academic accomplishment. Participating in honor societies can develop your leadership and professional skills, and honor societies can be a valuable way to network with students, faculty, and professionals in your field of interest.

University-Wide Honor Societies

Chi Alpha Epsilon

Chi Alpha Epsilon is the official honor society of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), C-STEP, and Project Excel.

Golden Key International Honor Society

Campus contact: Dan Smith, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies

National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Membership is offered to first and second year college students with outstanding academic achievement. NSCS offers students access to scholarships, community service, career resources and leadership opportunities. NSCS also provides students with a network of other members and alumni on their campus and across the country. NSCS invites students who have achieved a cumulative 3.4 GPA and are ranked in the top 20% of their first or second year class on their campus to join as lifetime members.
Campus contact: Sue Faerman, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Omicron Delta Kappa

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, organizes students, staff, and faculty who, while excelling in their academic and professional work, have contributed in special ways to the University at Albany. The society recognizes leaders in the areas of scholarship, athletics, college and community service, social and religious activities, campus government, journalism, speech and the mass media, and the creative and performing arts.

Phi Beta Kappa

Eligibility for Phi Beta Kappa requires students to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.85 by junior year and 3.75 by senior year, with a balanced distribution of courses including math, science, foreign language and a representation in each of the Humanities and Arts, Social Science, and Math and Science. Every student is automatically considered. Individual nomination is not necessary.
Campus contact: PBK@csc.albany.edu

Presidential Honors Society

The Presidential Honors Society is unique to the University at Albany. The PHS has a strong service focus and seeks to "create a true honor society through service to the campus and community that brings prestige to the University, the individual, the organization and its members."

Multi-Discipline Honor Societies

Charles Drew Minority Association of Pre-health Students (MAPS)

Charles Drew Science Club fosters students of color interested in medicine and the allied health sciences, and provides a mechanism for minority students and faculty to exchange ideas and interests. See Myinvolvement on the UAlbany website.

Sigma Xi

Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, is a national and international honor society for those with research achievement. Undergraduates who have completed a scientific research project or publication of note are eligible.