Welcome
Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is the oldest and most prestigious academic honors society in the United States and is a member of the American Council of Honors Societies. It encourages and rewards successful study in the liberal arts and sciences.
Each year, the Council of the UCLA Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa examines the transcripts of students who are graduating, or have graduated, during the current academic year and who meet the minimum election requirements.
Please remember these are minimimum requirements that are used as a basis for the initial screening process. Simply meeting these guidelines is NOT a guarantee of election and invitation.
Students are invited to join Phi Beta Kappa. Thus, applying is not necessary. Elections are conducted Spring Quarter and invitees are notified via MyUCLA.
| TOTAL UC UNITS (including P/NP) |
MINIMUM GPA |
| 90 - 110 | 3.85 |
| 111 - 125 | 3.80 |
| 126 - 139 | 3.75 |
| 140 & above | 3.67 |
In addition to the GPA requirement, the Council examines each transcript for adequate breadth and depth of courses apart from the major. Any performance or professional school courses are deducted from a student’s total UC units and GPA which are then adjusted. Performance and professional school courses include those found in theater arts, art, music, dance, design, management and accounting.
One "P" grade is allowed for every 41 graded units. Additional P/NP courses with a passing grade are calculated as "B" grades, which lowers the GPA. Mandatory P/NP courses are excluded.
To meet the breadth criteria, students should satisfy the minimum Letters & Science General Education Requirements, i.e. have a minimum of 3 courses in the Foundation of Arts and Humanities, 3 courses in the Foundation of Society and Culture, and 4 courses in the Foundation of Scientific Inquiry. Some mathematics and some language are also expected.
Transfer students who may be exempt from some GE requirements for graduation are NOT automatically exempt for the purpose of Phi Beta Kappa membership.