Psi Chi Honor Society & Psychology Club
Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) and is an affi liate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS). Psi Chi functions as a federation of chapters located at more than 1,100 senior colleges and universities in the United States. A National council, composed of psychologists who are Psi Chi members and who are elected by the chapters, guides affairs of the organization and sets policy with the approval of the chapters.
Our Core Goals: Academic & Community
At UC Davis, Psi Chi Honor Society and Psychology Club share two central goals:
- Academic Growth - promoting excellence in psychology through scholarship, research, and professional development.
- Community Building - fostering an inclusive and supportive space for students to connect, collaborate, and grow together.
Psi Chi provides academic recognition for its members and cultivates an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and professional advancement. Our chapter actively supports student growth through events that enhance the curriculum, develop research and leadership skills, and connect students with peers and mentors who share a passion for psychology.
In addition, the national organization provides programs to help achieve these goals, including national and regional conventions held annually in conjunction with the psychological associations, research award competitions and certificate recognition programs. Also, the Society publishes a Psi Chi newsletter, which helps to unite and inform the members and to recognize their contributions and accomplishments.
The Benefits of Psi Chi
Membership in Psi Chi offers both personal and professional rewards. Members gain recognition for academic excellence, access to exclusive opportunities, and a lifelong network of peers and mentors in psychology.
Key benefits include:
- Academic Recognition: Lifetime membership certificate and card symbolizing achievement in psychology.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to present research, apply for awards and grants, and network at regional and national conventions.
- Leadership Experience: Involvement in chapter operations and event planning that builds strong organizational and communication skills.
- Career Support: Lifetime references, résumé-building experience, and eligibility for the GS-7 level in Federal Service.
- Community Connection: Meet and collaborate with motivated peers, faculty, and future leaders in the fi eld of psychology.
Psi Chi serves as a springboard for professional growth. Many members continue to graduate programs and careers across all areas of psychology, exemplifying the Society’s mission to advance both scholarship and service.
How Can I Join Psi Chi?
Students must have earned a cumulative GPA that is in the top 35% of their class (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) in the College of Letters and Science and have completed at least four upper-division psychology courses.
For 2025, the minimum GPA cutoffs were as follows:
- Sophomores: 3.501
- Juniors: 3.407
- Seniors: 3.399
These GPA cutoffs vary slightly each year based on top 35% performance. GPA eligibility is verified by Psychology Undergraduate Advisors. Psi Chi is student-operated—offi cers manage membership, plan events, and uphold the Society’s goals.
Interested students should apply online through the International Psi Chi website (use your UC Davis email address): https://www.psichi.org/page/become_member
Applications are accepted year-round but reviewed by a Psychology Advisor in November and May for the Fall and Spring induction cycles. Once approved, applicants will receive an email from the International Psi Chi Offi ce with a link to pay the lifetime membership fee ($55.00 plus $5.00 processing), as well as chapter dues ($25 annually).
Members can also order offi cial graduation regalia (e.g., honor cords or stoles) directly from the Psi Chi store: https://store.psichi.org/graduation-regalia
Psychology Club at UC Davis
The Psychology Club is integrated with Psi Chi and welcomes all UC Davis students interested in psychology - no membership requirements or fees. The club provides opportunities to learn about psychology, connect with others, and participate in workshops and social events that build both academic and personal growth. While Psi Chi membership offers additional benefi ts and recognition, the Psychology Club ensures that any student with an interest in psychology can take part in our academic and community-oriented activities.
2025-26 Officers
Coming soon