Pi Sigma Alpha
History & Mission of Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science society. It was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas for the purpose of bringing together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics.
The success of the honor society at the University of Texas prompted other institutions to apply for chapters, with the Universities of Oklahoma and Kansas establishing chapters in 1922. Growth in Pi Sigma Alpha has blossomed since 1920. Today, there are more than 480 chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha at colleges and universities throughout the country, and Pi Sigma Alpha is the third largest honor society in the Association of College Honor Societies.
The Mission of Pi Sigma Alpha is to recognize academic excellence by, and provide leadership opportunities for, undergraduate and graduate students in political science and related fields; to stimulate scholarship and interest in politics, government, and democracy; to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in the discipline; and to support curricular and extracurricular activities that promote dialogue and civic engagement
Pi Sigma Alpha at Georgetown
Delta Eta is the Pi Sigma Alpha Chapter in the Department of Government at Georgetown University. Our chapter was founded in 1961.
Admission Criteria
Admission into honor societies is based exclusively on academic performance. To qualify for membership into Delta Eta at Georgetown, undergraduates and graduate students must meet the following qualifications at the time of application:
Undergraduates:
- Completion of 8 courses in political science; and
- Maintenance of a 3.7 grade point average in all political science coursework and an overall grade point average of 3.7 (the top third of their class).
Graduate Students:
- Completion of 4 graduate courses in political science;
- No grades in graduate political science courses lower than “B+”
- A student’s undergraduate coursework and record do NOT apply to his or her eligibility for membership as a graduate student.
Invitations to apply for membership into Delta Eta are extended to all Government majors in February or March of each academic year. Induction into membership for those students who meet the academic criteria is held in late April or early May.
If you feel you meet the above criteria and did not receive an invitation, or for more information about Delta Eta at Georgetown, please contact the Chapter Advisor, Professor Eric Langenbacher (langenbe@georgetown.edu) or the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Government.
Want More Information?
For more information about Pi Sigma Alpha in general, please refer to the national website.