About Psi Chi
About Psi Chi
The purpose of Psi Chi is to provide national recognition of academic excellence in psychology; to promote a sense of community with others interested in psychology; to learn about the necessary steps in order to achieve career goals; and to reach out to others through acts of service. To achieve these goals, Psi Chi offers a wide range of local, regional, and national programs.
Psi Chi began in September 1929 when Edwin Newman and Fredrick H. Lewis, students at the University of Kansas, aspired to create a national student organization for psychology. The charter that formally created the organization was signed in 1929 at Yale University. In 1965, Psi Chi became officially recognized as an "honor" society and became an affiliate of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). In 1996, the Eye on Psi Chi magazine, the successor to the Psi Chi Newsletter, started publication to keep members and alumni informed of the latest updates about Psi Chi’s programs, awards, and chapter activities. In the same year, the Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research was introduced as an international, fully reviewed, quarterly journal dedicated to the publication of undergraduate student research. Today, it is known as the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research and includes research from graduate students and Psi Chi faculty members as well as undergraduate members. Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology has grown to be one of the largest honor societies in the United States with over 875 chapters. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor chapter was founded in 1982.
More information regarding the history of Psi Chi can be found on the Psi Chi National Chapter Website
Psi Chi was founded September 4, 1929, during the 9th International Congress of Psychology after a charter was signed by representatives from 11 colleges and universities (three others signed by proxy)
Psi Chi is the largest student psychological organization with more than three-quarters of a million members
Psi Chi has international chapters from Canada to New Zealand
Psi Chi publishes the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research
Psi Chi offers over $400,000 in grants and awards annually
Psi Chi participates in six regional and two national conventions each year
Notable members include B.F. Skinner, Florence L. Denmark, and Albert Bandura
Psi Chi is the first student organization to be formally affiliated with APA