Psi Beta Rating, Reviews and Requirements. Is it worth it?

What are the requirements to be in Psi Beta?

There are certain academically related qualifications required for membership:

• You have completed a college psychology course with a grade of B or higher.
• You have completed 12 units of college coursework with a cumulative college GPA of 3.25 or higher, or your GPA is within the top 35% of GPAs at your college.
• You have an interest in psychology.
• You have good standing in the community.
• You pay a $50 one time, lifetime fee

What is the history of Psi Beta?

Founded in 1982, Psi Beta is a national honor society for students attending two-year colleges, inviting students who plan to major or minor in psychology, as well as students who simply have an interest in psychology.

What are the key benefits of being a member of Psi Beta? 

• Members gain recognition for achieving the honor of membership. Among the entities that recognize Psi Beta membership: Psi Chi, APA, APS, psychology departments at colleges and universities, and employers.
• Verification of membership for references throughout the member’s lifetime.
• Eligibility for national awards (e.g., the student research paper awards provide cash prizes of $500, $300, and $200 to three winning students).
• Eligibility for these different annual awards: Building Bonds, Chapter Excellence, Chapter Community Service, Individual Community Service, College Life Award, and Faculty Advisor.
• Publication of membership and activities in the nationally distributed Psi Beta Newsletter.
• Psi Beta offers the opportunity to participate in national, regional, and local psychological association programs, including paper and poster presentations at professional conferences.
• Psi Beta student members are eligible for student affiliate membership in the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Psychological Science (APS).

Based on the information, here is our review:

Our first observation is: that Psi Beta provides a clear path from membership as a student, to membership with the APA and APS as a professional in the workforce. 

Our second observation was: that an aspect of this society involves writing research papers, meaning that members have the opportunity for their work to be published in front of their peers and mentors alike. 

Our third observation was: this society was established for two-year colleges, making it newer and more inclusive than others.