Benefits
The primary reason one would want to join Pi Sigma Alpha is to set yourself apart from other students. This can be particularly helpful if you intend to go to graduate or law school, or for some types of jobs. If you intend to earn an advanced degree, involvement in Pi Sigma Alpha conveys a stronger commitment to and understanding of the discipline than just taking course work. In addition, your membership is nationally recognized as a mark of excellence in political science, which can be helpful in applying for high level jobs.
There are some other, more tangible benefits. As a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, you earn the right to wear an honor cord and/or medallion during commencement. These symbols allow you to be recognized for your outstanding academic record. Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha entitles you to a higher civil service grade (i.e. a higher salary), should you decide to enter government service.
In addition to individual benefits, the national office of Pi Sigma Alpha offers chapter activity grants each fall of up to $2000 per chapter. Examples of this can include bringing in notable speakers for panels, holding voter registration drives, or hosting essay writing competitions. The national association also holds an annual undergraduate research conference for members to present research (with no registration fees), offers a number of scholarships and best paper prizes, and publishes a national undergraduate journal.
Membership Criteria
Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in programs of political science in institutions where chapters are located.
Undergraduates must have completed at least one-half the credits required to earn a bachelor’s degree (90 credits). They must have completed at least 15 quarter-credits of work in political science including at least one upper-division course, with an average grade of B or higher in those courses; they must have achieved an overall GPA placing them in the top one-third of their whole class (e.g., junior or senior class).
Graduate students must have completed 9 graduate credits in political science with no grade lower than a B. Undergraduate coursework does not count towards graduate student eligibility, and graduate students must be pursuing a degree in political science to qualify for membership.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a letter of application to the PSU Nu Pi Advisor Professor Richard Clucas, along with an unofficial copy of your transcripts. The application letter needs to include your email address and student ID number.
If the Nu Pi Advisor determines that you are eligible, you will be notified of your eligibility. The Advisor will then submit your name and email address to the national office of Pi Sigma Alpha. The national office will then provide a link to you (via the advisor) for paying your initiation fee/lifetime dues ($35). When you pay the fee/dues online, you will also be able to order regalia for wearing at graduation. The national office will mail your certificate of membership to the Nu Pi advisor. It will mail the regalia directly to you.
Students may not join Pi Sigma Alpha directly through the national office. Students can only become members through their campus advisor.