Department of Government

Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science society. It was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas for the purpose of bringing together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics. The success of the honor society at the University of Texas prompted other institutions to apply for chapters, with the Universities of Oklahoma and Kansas establishing chapters in 1922. Growth in Pi Sigma Alpha has blossomed since 1920. Today, there are more than 480 chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha at colleges and universities throughout the country, and Pi Sigma Alpha is the third largest honor society in the Association of College Honor Societies.

Pi Sigma Alpha at Georgetown

Delta Eta is the Pi Sigma Alpha Chapter in the Department of Government at Georgetown University. Our chapter was founded in 1961.

Admission Criteria

Admission into honor societies is based exclusively on academic performance. To qualify for membership into Delta Eta at Georgetown, undergraduates and graduate students must meet the following qualifications at the time of application:

Undergraduates:
a. Completion of 8 courses in political science; and
b. Maintenance of a 3.5 grade point in all political science coursework and of an overall grade point average that places students within the top third of their class.

Graduate Students:
a. completion of 4 graduate courses in political science;
b. no grades in graduate political science courses lower than "B+"
c. A student's undergraduate coursework and record do NOT apply to his or her eligibility for membership as a graduate student.

Invitations to apply for membership into Delta Eta are extended to all Government majors in February or March of each academic year. Induction into membership for those students who meet the academic criteria is held in late April or early May.

If you feel you meet the above criteria and did not recieve an invitation, or for more information about Delta Eta at Georgetown, please contact the Chapter Advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Government.

For more information about Pi Sigma Alpha in general, please refer to the national website: www.pisigmaalpha.org