Honors Societies

Overview 

Honor societies have a long tradition in higher education. They exist to recognize and promote excellence in academic accomplishment. Participating in honor societies can help you develop your leadership and professional skills, and network with other 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. 

National Society of Collegiate Scholars: NSCS offers students access to scholarships, community service, career resources and leadership opportunities. First- and second-year college students with outstanding academic achievement are invited to join. 

National Society of Leadership and Service (NSLS)The NSLS is an organization that provides a life-changing leadership program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success and empowers them to have a positive impact in their communities.

Omicron Delta Kappa: The members of this National Leadership Honor Society include students, staff and faculty who not only excel in their academic and professional work but also have contributed in special ways to the University at Albany.  

Phi Beta Kappa: Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest academic honor society. Every UAlbany student is automatically considered for membership. Members are selected based on their GPA and the breadth of their course selection. 

Presidential Honors Society: The Presidential Honors Society is unique to the University at Albany. The PHS has a strong focus on leadership, scholarship and service. Service-minded students with high GPAs are invited to join. 
 

Multi-Discipline Honor Societies 

Minority Association of Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Students: MAPS offers students-of-color information and support as they pursue a career in medicine or health. Membership is open to anyone interested in improving the health of underserved communities. 

Sigma Xi: This 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.
 

Field-Specific Honor Societies 

Accounting: Beta Alpha Psi 

Biology: Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta)

Business Administration: Beta Gamma Sigma      

Communication: Lambda Pi Eta

Education: Kappa Delta Pi 

English: Sigma Tau Delta 

French: Pi Delta Phi        

History: Phi Alpha Theta

Political Science: Pi Sigma Alpha 

Public Policy: Pi Alpha Alpha 

Psychology: Psi Chi 

Social Work: Phi Alpha        

Sociology: Alpha Kappa Delta

Spanish: Sigma Delta Pi

For more information about field-specific Honor Societies, please contact the individual department.