What is the purpose of Psi Chi?

The purposes of Psi Chi are to encourage, stimulate, and maintain scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. To achieve these goals, Psi Chi offers a wide range of programs locally, regionally, and nationally.

Our chapter programs are designed to augment and enhance the regular curriculum, to afford opportunities for our members to use their talents in roles that are meaningful, and to promote interaction among fellow members, faculty, and other psychologists. You will find the experience, fellowship, and recognition well worth your time and effort.

At the regional level, Psi Chi sponsors conventions in conjunction with the Regional Psychological Associations. Psi Chi members are given the opportunity to present their research papers at these conventions and to receive the Psi Chi Certificate of Recognition for their research.

The national organization holds a convention in conjunction with the American Psychological Association, sponsors undergraduate and graduate research award programs, and publishes a newsletter quarterly to keep us informed of Psi Chi's opportunities at all levels. The newsletter is free to members when picked up at the local chapter, but there is a subscription charge for individual delivery.

Psychology Club vs. Psi Chi:

If you were wondering, no, Psychology Club and Psi Chi are not the same thing. The Psychology Club is a campus organization open to any UNI student with an interest in psychology, while Psi Chi is a national honor society that has its own qualifications and fees for membership (see above). At UNI, Psychology Club and Psi Chi share many commonalities and one must be a member of Psychology Club before becoming a member of Psi Chi, but membership in Psychology Club does not mean that one is automatically a member of Psi Chi.

Induction and Membership:

When you are inducted as a member, you will receive a membership certificate and card, and will also be a able to wear Psi Chi emblems in the form of key chains, pins, label pins, tie tacs, cloth emblems to wear on blazers or sweaters, iron-ons for t-shirts, etc. Also available are Psi Chi decals for the car or other windows and seals which may be fixed to diplomas.

The national organization's requirements for undergraduate membership include:

  • Completion of 3 semesters or 5 quarters of the college course
  • Completion of 9 semester hours or 14 quarter hours of psychology courses
  • Ranking in the top 35% of their class in general scholarship
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in both psychology classes and in cumulative grades

Membership in Psi Chi offers unique advantages that cannot be found elsewhere, and particularly for the price. Almost all applications ask for honors, which are difficult to obtain after one leaves school. Membership in Psi Chi is open to you as a student; but after you graduate it is too late to join. The only charge by the national organization is a once-in-a lifetime registration fee of $35; and no dues are charged. The membership records are preserved at the Psi Chi National Office and may be used for reference purposes without charge. This alone is worth the cost, but so are the honor of membership, the fellowship, and educational and professional opportunities. Graduation cords are available for $10 as well, which may be paid at the same time as your membership fee.


If you are interested in applying for Psi Chi, you must:

1.) Print off and fill out the following (all linked below):

2.) Return your completed copies of the UNI Application, National Application, and both copies of the Membership Card to our Psi Chi officer. When completed, all of these applications may be turned in to the club's Psi Chi Liaison at any of the year's public meetings (prior to the due date). The due date for 2007-2008 is March 3rd.

3.) Make your check(s) out to UNI Psychology Club, and give them to the club's Treasurer when you turn in your applications. You should include payment for the following:

  • Psi Chi: $50 (includes cords, Psi Chi one-time membership fee, ceremony costs, and shipping and handling costs)
  • Psych Club Dues: $5
  • Total: $55

These fees may be paid separately, but must all be collected before the application's due date. Additional Psi Chi accessories and apparel is available on the national website, but will not be provided by the club.

Further questions about Psi Chi? E-mail our Psi Chi Liaison.

Visit the National Psi Chi website:

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