Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest academic honor society in the United States. It was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia and is dedicated to the ideal of excellence in scholarship in the liberal arts and sciences. The Society has approved collegiate chapters at 270 American institutions of higher education. We are the Epsilon Association of California, chartered by national PBK in 1955.

Locally, Nu Chapter was established at San Diego State University in 1974, Sigma Chapter at the University of California, San Diego in 1977, and Phi Chapter at the University of San Diego in 2003. Election and initiation by a chapter is the only avenue to membership.

Phi Beta Kappa alumni associations exist in many major metropolitan areas of the United States. . All Phi Beta Kappa members in the San Diego area are eligible for membership in the Association, and members are welcome to bring guests to Association functions. Members' spouses or partners may attend Association functions as unaccompanied guests.

Epsilon Association in San Diego sponsors the publication of the KEY WORDS newsletter, an annual directory of members, an occasional study circle, a series of Sunday afternoon salons, and an annual meeting, the program of which varies from year to year. As funding permits, Association activities have also included book awards to outstanding juniors in area public high schools, scholarships to outstanding initiates from the local campus chapters, occasional co-sponsorship of public lectures, and several graduate fellowships for Phi Beta Kappa members pursuing advanced study in local universities.

Year 2011 Membership Registration