Psi Chi (ΨΧ) is the International Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in the scholarship of individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and advancing the science of psychology. 

The name Psi Chi (pronounced "Psy," as in psychology, "Ky," as in kite) stems from our Greek motto: Psyche Cheires (pronounced Psy-key Ky-race). “Psyche” means “mind," particularly scholarship and enrichment of the mind. “Cheires," meaning “hands," stands for fellowship and cooperation. Therefore, Psyche Cheires may be expressed in these words: cooperation in the investigation and cultivation of the mind.​

With over 1,050 chapters, Psi Chi is one of the largest honor societies in the United States. Psi Chi has inducted over 500,000 lifetime members from chapters in the United States and Canada. Famous members include B.F. Skinner, Philip Zimbardo, Dr. Phil, and Hugh Hefner. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Psychological Science (APS). ​

Students can become lifetime members of Psi Chi International by becoming members of their local campus chapter. In adherence with Psi Chi International's policy, Psi Chi at UC San Diego has minimum requirements to join.

Psi Chi at UC San Diego inducted its first members in 1994. In 2019, we celebrated our 25th anniversary. We inducted 96 new members in Spring 2022. 

By becoming a member of Psi Chi International, you can:

• apply for scholarships and fellowships

• access a psychology career database

• apply to present at the annual WPA and APA conferences

• submit research to peer-reviewed journals

• and more

The chapter at UCSD offers many opportunities for becoming a stronger graduate program applicant through leadership, community service, workshops, training, volunteer work, internships, guest speakers, field trips, planning psychology events, conferences, and more! Come to office hours for additional details. 

The Psychology Club at UC San Diego was founded to create an inclusive space for all members of the UCSD community interested in learning more about psychology. Students can join the Psychology Club even if they do not meet the requirements to join Psi Chi.

Psi Chi and non-Psi Chi members of the Psychology Club alike can become stronger graduate program applicants through:

• Leadership as Non-Executive Officers and/or as Committee Chairs

• Trainings (Mental Health First Aid; Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention)

• UCSD Undergraduate Research Journal

• Connecting Students with Open Research Positions and Jobs

• Networking with Other Members