Phi Beta Kappa celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. It is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious national honors society. Only the most outstanding undergraduates at America’s leading colleges and universities who meet the Society’s rigorous and comprehensive standards are elected to membership each year. It is arguably the highest academic honor that undergraduate students can achieve. At UC Irvine, only 5% of the graduating seniors and 1% of third year juniors are invited to join Phi Beta Kappa each year, making it more selective than Latin Honors.
PBK members demonstrate intellectual integrity, tolerance for other views and a broad range of academic interests. Members are committed to the liberal arts and sciences, to freedom of inquiry and expression and to the love of wisdom and knowledge for its own sake.
On June 13, 2024, UC Irvine will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Phi Beta Kappa chapter by hosting several events for our campus and alumni communities. Please consider making a gift to the Scholarship Opportunities Program this Giving Day to help support PBK and this momentous occasion!
