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Psychology Student Groups 

Psych Society & Psi Chi Honor Society

The Psychology Society represents  undergraduates here at MCLA. We are run by students for students and are both an academic society and a social club to meet and share common interests with fellow students of the Psychology Department.

We meet weekly to have discussions in all areas of Psychology which allows students to explore their own interests in the field. The format of our weekly meetings is informal and are usually guided with questions and opinions. Every meeting food and drink are provided. Meetings are held once a week throughout the semester. Meetings will try to be set at a time and day to benefit all students.

In addition to weekly meetings, we organize social events for members to meet one another outside the classroom setting to have fun. The society hosts luncheons, field trips, guest speakers, pizza socials, and more.

Advisor: Dr. Tom Byrne

The MCLA chapter of the Psi Chi National Honor Society was installed in December 2002 under the leadership of Dr. Peggy Brooks. Psi Chi is the national honor society in Psychology, founded in 1929. Psi Chi is a member of the Association on College Honor Societies (ACHS) and is affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS). Psi Chi functions as a federation of chapters from more than 975 colleges and universities. A National Council of psychologists elected by the chapters guides the affairs and sets policy with the approval of the chapters.

The purpose of Psi Chi shall be to encourage, stimulate, and encourage excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology.

2011-2012 Officers
President: Bryan Acton
Vice President: Becky-Jo Schwetz
Secretary: Caila Shaw
Treasurer: Devan Monroe
Publicity: Emily Burke
Advisor: Dr. Maria Bartini

Psi Chi Goals
Primarily, the society provides immediate academic recognition to its inductees by the mere fact of membership. Secondly, the Society's local chapters help nurture the spark of this accomplishment by offering a climate congenial to its creative development. Additionally, the national organization provides programs to help achieve these goals, including conventions, research award competitions, certificate recognition programs, national and chapter awards, research grants, and national service projects.

Membership Benefits
To some, the intrinsic value of this achievement is enough. Just realizing that what you do does make a difference is important enough. But there are also tangible benefits.

  • Documents - a membership card and certificate - give evidence of your membership
  • References provided to potential employers
  • The experience gained by working with Psi Chi is excellent for bolstering a resume; every little bit helps when applying for that crucial first job
  • Psi Chi is a springboard for professional growth. Opportunities are readily available to promote research, receive national and international recognition, meeting leaders in the field, and meeting other future leaders in Psi Chi
  • The United States Government recognizes Psi Chi as meeting one of the requirements for entrance at the GS - 7 level of Federal Service

Requirements for Membership:

  • Completion of at least 3 semesters
  • Completion of at least 9 credit hours worth psychology courses
  • Registered in a Psychology program (major or minor)
  • Eligible members must rank in the upper 35% of their class, with an overall GPA of at least 3.00. GPA on psychology courses must also be 3.00.

Please contact Psi Chi President Bryan Acton with any questions!