Phi Beta Kappa, << FY BAY tuh KAP uh, >> is a college and university honor society that encourages scholarship in the liberal arts and sciences. It is the oldest American fraternity with a Greek-letter name. Both men and women can belong to it.
Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. It was first organized as a secret society devoted to literary and philosophical discussion. During the 1800’s, the organization abandoned secrecy and became an honor society. Today, members are elected primarily by Phi Beta Kappa college faculty. They select new members from seniors and juniors with high academic records. Membership is sometimes conferred for scholarship after graduation.
Phi Beta Kappa has active chapters at hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States. Its regular program includes scholarships and book awards, sponsored by individual chapters, graduate associations, and the national organization. It publishes two magazines: The Key Reporter, for members, and The American Scholar, for all interested persons. The national organization, called the Phi Beta Kappa Society, has headquarters in Washington, D.C.
