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.
Interested in learning more about PBK? Check out this Honor Roll Podcast episode in which students and faculty discuss its purpose and utility.
"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)