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Benefits of Membership

Membership in an honor society is a worthy distinction in itself, and as a measure of academic achievement can provide a tangible advantage in a competitive world. All Pi Sigma Alpha members receive a membership certificate and permanent enrollment in the society’s membership rolls maintained at the National Office in Washington, D.C. Upon request, the National Office will provide letters verifying membership to prospective employers and graduate schools. Because Pi Sigma Alpha is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, the United States Office of Personnel Management guarantees a higher entry-level grade to members entering government service. Members are also entitled to wear the Pi Sigma Alpha key at any time or the medallion with cap and gown at graduation and on other official occasions.

Pi Sigma Alpha gives students the opportunity valuable administrative experience as chapter officers or organizers of chapter activities. For example, the University of Montana’s chapter regularly sponsors political debates and is involved with student government (ASUM) budgeting. Chapters can compete for National Chapter Activities Grants awarded each year by the National Office. Members are also eligible to compete for Graduate Scholarships, Best Graduate and Best Undergraduate Paper Awards, participate in national and regional political science association conferences, and a one-year membership in the American Political Science Association (APSA), funded by the National Office for one student selected by each chapter each year.

Qualifications for Membership

The purpose of Pi Sigma Alpha Epsilon Mu is to stimulate scholarship and interest in the subject of government by providing tangible recognition to students who have excelled in the field. The minimum standards for admission are:

• Completion of at least ten semester hours of work in government, political science, international relations, or public administration including at least one course that is not open to students during the first two years of collegiate work.
• Maintenance of an average grade of B or higher in all political science courses. A student's overall cumulative GPA must place him or her in the top one-third of their whole class. The overall cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher.
• For more information contact the academic advisor for Pi Sigma Alpha Epsilon Mu.