Honor Societies

Functions of an Honor Society

To confer distinction for high achievement in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies, in student leadership and in research.
To foster the spirit of liberal culture.
To stimulate and encourage mental development.
To stand for freedom of mind and spirit and for democracy of learning.
To provide spiritual and intellectual leadership.
To preserve valuable traditions and customs.
To associate outstanding leaders in mutual understanding for the advancement of society in the art of democratic living.
To stimulate worthy attitudes for the improvement of the general welfare of the institution.
To impose upon members high citizenship responsibilities and to emphasize deeper study and discussion of the American tradition – its characteristics, ideals and possibilities

Honor Societies at Baruch

Alpha Iota Delta

Alpha Iota Delta is a national honor society in decision sciences. Founded in 1971 to confer academic distinction for excellence in the Decision Sciences, it presents a unique opportunity for academically talented students in the decision sciences to enrich their professional and educational programs and to expand their personal horizons. Eligibility is based on at least four courses in methodology (computer science, decision theory, econometrics, forecasting, inventory theory, mathematics, mathematics programming, network theory, simulation and statistics) and an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2. Graduate students must have coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.4. Lifetime membership cost $20. For information on the RHO Chapter at Baruch, contact Prof. Lie-Fern Hsu, of Management, 646-312-3656.

Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi is a national honor society and business fraternity that recognizes scholastic and professional excellence among undergraduate and graduate students majoring in accounting, finance and computer Information systems. BAP seeks to promote the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems as well as provide opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals. BAP complements members’ formal education by providing them with a unique opportunity to network with professionals from the industry. This allows members to gauge the current trends and position themselves appropriately to cater to the needs of the marketplace. A minimum overall GPA of 3.5 and 12 credits earned at Baruch are required. The lifetime membership fee is $95. Please visit our Web site, www.bapbaruch.org, or email us at BAP@bapbaruch.org for additional information.

Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma is the International Business Honor Society. Since 1913 we have recognized and honored top performing students from around the world in business schools accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The Mission of the International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma is to encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business, to cultivate and celebrate leadership and professional excellence, to advance the values of the Society, and to serve its lifelong members. Election to Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest academic honor that a business student can achieve. Our members are the top 10% of undergraduate students (upper-sophomore and up), top 20% of graduate students and all doctoral candidates that have successfully defended their dissertation at an AACSB accredited business school. Notifications of election into membership into the Epsilon Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma is made in March, with an induction ceremony held in May. For further information, contact BGSBaruch@baruch.cuny.edu.

Golden Key

Golden Key is the largest international undergraduate academic honor society committed to recognizing and encouraging scholastic achievement. The Baruch College chapter was chartered in 1989 to recognize students in all disciplines of undergraduate study. The chapter is very active in community service programs and projects in addition to sponsoring a large array of career oriented workshops. Membership is granted once annually to students who have completed 60 credits, at least 29 at Baruch and have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher. A lifetime membership fee of $70 must accompany the application. For information, contact Dr. Ron Aaron in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Room 2-255 in the Newman Vertical Campus, (646) 312-4577. Additional information can be found on our website at baruchgoldenkey201.wix.com/baruch.

Pi Alpha Alpa

The national honor society for public affairs and public administration was established in 1974 to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration, to promote the advancement of education and practice in the art and science of public affairs and administration, and to foster integrity, professionalism, and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service activities. Graduate MPA students in public affairs and administration with a GPA of 3.7 or higher and 21 completed credits are invited to join. Induction ceremonies are held every spring semester. For further information, contact Professor Daniel Williams, Chapter Advisor: Daniel.Williams@baruch.cuny.edu, 646-660-6836.

Phi Eta Sigma

Phi Eta Sigma is a national academic honor society for college freshman founded in 1923 to encourage and reward high scholastic achievement among freshmen. The Baruch College chapter was chartered in 1993. The society provides opportunities to meet other freshman and sophomore achievers, faculty, and participate in an array of programs planned by its’ student officers. Being a Phi Eta Sigma member identifies students to employers, professional and graduate schools, as possessing superior academic ability. Lifetime membership is offered once annually to freshman who have completed between 12 and 29 credits of course work (at least three quarters of the courses having been taken at Baruch) with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. The membership fee is $40. For further information contact Dr. Ron Aaron at (646) 312-4577.

Psi Chi

Psi Chi is the national honor society in psychology founded in 1929 to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology. Acceptance into Psi Chi is a recognition of excellence. Lifetime membership costs $25 and is open to graduate and undergraduate psychology majors. Undergraduates must complete 9 advanced credits with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and overall of 3.0 or higher. Graduate students must have at least a B+ in psychology and at least a B overall average. For further information, contact the Dept. of Psychology, 646-312-3780.

Sigma Alpha Delta

Sigma Alpha Delta is the oldest and most accomplished honor society at Baruch College, having meaningfully served the college and the community for over 70 years. Our society is exclusive to Baruch and is not part of a national organization. Sigma Alpha Delta’s history began originally in 1932 with Sigma Alpha, the first junior honor society in Baruch College. The Delta Chapter for evening students was created in 1959. Both Sigma Alpha and its Delta chapter have been come to be collectively known as Sigma Alpha Delta Honor Society. The society is very active in service activities that benefit the college and the community at large. Membership is conferred once annually to undergraduate students who have obtained a 3.4 GPA over 30 credits. Transfer students must have obtained at least 18 of their total credits at Baruch. Additional information can be found at facebook.com/sigmabaruch/.

Sigma Iota Epsilon

Sigma Iota Epsilon is both an honorary and professional honor society (fraternity) established in 1928 to encourage and recognize scholastic excellence and to promote cooperation between the academic and professional aspects of management. Academic requirements include, but are not limited to, a minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate membership and a minimum GPA of 3.3 for graduate student membership. Inquiries about Baruch’s ÓÔ (Sigma Tau) chapter should be directed to chapter advisor, Professor Richard Kopelman, or Linda Moore, at Linda.Moore@baruch.cuny.edu.