About PBK

Summary

Phi Beta Kappa (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest and most respected undergraduate honor society for the liberal arts and sciences in the United States. Founded at The College of William and Mary in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has since grown to include over 280 chapters at American colleges and universities. The society seeks not only to honor the most qualified undergraduate students but also to advocate for the liberal arts and sciences and provide relevant content to its members. For more information about the mission and activities of Phi Beta Kappa, you can visit the website of the national headquarters.
 
Membership in Phi Beta Kappa is highly selective. Approximately 10% of American colleges and universities have a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and within those schools, only a fraction of students are invited to join the society. The University of South Florida is one of the newest additions to this prestigious community, having been granted the Eta of Florida chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. In April of 2019, USF inducted its inaugural class of Phi Beta Kappa members. Election to the USF chapter is based primarily on scholastic achievement and breadth of education. You can learn more about these requirements here.
 
"The awarding of this chapter is an affirmation of USF's commitment to the arts and sciences and exemplifies our dedication to academic excellence, advocacy for freedom of inquiry and expression, and the support for unfettered and civil discourse. These are values that reach to the very heart of American higher education, and our democracy." 
-Ralph Wilcox (Former USF Provost)