The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization in the United States. 

Since 1776, election to Phi Beta Kappa has been a recognition of academic achievement. The Greek initials for the society's motto of Philosophiae Biou Kubernetes ("Love of learning is the guide of life") were used to create the name Phi Beta Kappa. The Alpha of Iowa chapter was chartered at the University of Iowa’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1895.

Outstanding students who are eligible are invited to join the Society each semester. Every student inducted into the Society receives a lifetime membership in Phi Beta Kappa. If you received an invitation to membership, you may join online and pay the one-time initiation fee. Members receive a personalized membership certificate and graduation cord at the induction ceremony each spring.

Many CLAS departments sponsor chapters of national honor societies related to specific academic disciplines, including geoscience, journalism, music, political science, psychology, and sociology. Visit those departmental sites for specific information.