Who We Are

NYU Psi Chi is the New York University chapter of Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. As part of a global network with over 900,000 lifetime members and 1,100+ chapters, we represent a distinguished community dedicated to advancing the science and profession of psychology.

Our chapter brings together undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence in psychology and related fields. Membership signifies not only achievement but also a commitment to the rigorous pursuit of psychological knowledge, ethical research practice, and professional growth.

Since our founding in 1933, the NYU chapter has maintained a tradition of scholarly engagement and academic distinction that aligns with the broader mission of Psi Chi and the standards of New York University.

Our Mission

The NYU Psi Chi chapter exists to recognize and promote excellence in the science and application of psychology. Our mission is built on three core pillars:

Academic Excellence

Recognize and reward outstanding scholarship in psychology and related disciplines through selective membership and chapter programming.

Research and Scholarship

Support the advancement of psychological science through research opportunities, publication pathways, and scholarly collaboration.

Professional Community

Foster a network of scholars, practitioners, and students committed to the ethical advancement of psychology as both science and profession.

NYU Psychology + Psi Chi

NYU psychology students learn in multiple academic homes. Our chapter bridges those pathways with the official Psi Chi honors ecosystem.

Steinhardt

Applied Psychology

Theory + practice + community-centered fieldwork.

  • BS in Applied Psychology
  • BS in Global Public Health / Applied Psychology
  • Child Development and Social Intervention minor
  • Fieldwork-based learning and honors options
  • Graduate pathways in counseling, human development research and policy, and doctoral study
Arts & Science

Psychology

Research-driven, theory-rich, graduate-facing scholarship.

  • Undergraduate Psychology major and honors
  • Laboratory experience and research assistantships
  • MA in Psychology
  • MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • PhD pathways in Cognition & Perception and Social Psychology

How the chapter functions

NYU Psi Chi is the honor society layer that connects Steinhardt and Arts & Science psychology communities. We surface research, fieldwork, leadership, and grant opportunities across NYU while aligning them with the international Psi Chi network.

See the full bridge

How Psi Chi Extends the Classroom

What NYU Academics Provide

  • Coursework, labs, seminars, and honors options
  • Fieldwork and community practice through Applied Psychology
  • Faculty mentorship and research assistantships

What Psi Chi Adds

  • International recognition and lifetime membership
  • Awards, grants, scholarships, and chapter programming
  • Publication awareness through the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research
  • Leadership roles and professional identity building

What Students Build

  • Academic distinction that complements departmental honors
  • Research, practice, and leadership experiences framed for graduate study
  • A cross-school psychology community connected to the Psi Chi network

Our History

1929

Psi Chi Founded

1933

NYU Chapter Established

Psi Chi was founded in 1929 at the Ninth International Congress of Psychology in New Haven, Connecticut. Established to recognize outstanding scholarship in psychology and promote the science of psychology, the organization quickly grew to become the largest honor society for psychology in the world.

The New York University chapter was chartered in 1933, joining a movement that would eventually span more than 1,100 institutions across the globe. Over the decades, the NYU chapter has upheld the founding principles of academic distinction, ethical research, and professional development while adapting to the evolving landscape of psychological science.

Today, the NYU chapter continues this legacy, serving students in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, and related programs through a combination of selective membership standards, professional programming, and research support.

What Membership Supports

Membership in NYU Psi Chi is not merely an honor; it is a gateway to resources, opportunities, and a professional network that extends well beyond graduation. Members gain access to:

Awards and Grants

Apply for competitive research grants, travel awards, and scholarships offered through the national Psi Chi organization. Over $400,000 is distributed annually to support member projects and academic advancement.

Publication Opportunities

Submit research to the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, a peer-reviewed publication that provides undergraduate and graduate students with valuable experience in academic publishing.

Professional Networking

Join a global network of psychology professionals, researchers, and scholars. Access exclusive resources, job boards, and mentorship opportunities through the Psi Chi network.

Workshops and Events

Participate in chapter-organized workshops, guest lectures, career panels, and professional development sessions tailored to psychology students at NYU.

Lifetime Recognition

Psi Chi membership is for life. Your academic achievement is permanently recognized, and you retain access to member benefits and resources throughout your career.

Resume Enhancement

Membership in Psi Chi signals to graduate programs, employers, and professional organizations that you have met rigorous academic standards in the field of psychology.

What Students Gain

Beyond formal benefits, NYU Psi Chi members report meaningful gains in several key areas:

Academic Distinction

Lifetime Psi Chi membership recognizes academic achievement and complements departmental honors and thesis work.

Research Engagement

Visibility into labs, grants, and publication opportunities that align with psychology scholarship at NYU.

Graduate School Readiness

Structured experiences that strengthen CVs, statements, and letters through research, practice, and leadership.

Professional Development

Programming oriented toward psychology careers, ethical practice, and communication—not generic club activities.

Leadership and Initiative

Executive board and committee roles that involve program design, facilitation, and chapter stewardship.

Belonging in the Discipline

A cross-school psychology community with ties to Psi Chi’s international network of scholars and practitioners.

Why This Matters at NYU

NYU’s psychology community spans multiple schools and program cultures. NYU Psi Chi operates as a cross-school anchor so students can translate coursework, labs, and fieldwork into recognizable research, service, and leadership outcomes.

  • Connects Applied Psychology and Arts & Science Psychology students without flattening their differences.
  • Highlights opportunities that may stay siloed within individual departments.
  • Frames academic work for graduate preparation and professional identity in psychology.

Chapter Community and Professional Development

The NYU Psi Chi chapter is more than an honor society; it is an active community of students, faculty, and professionals engaged in the study and practice of psychology.

Throughout the academic year, the chapter hosts a variety of events designed to support professional growth and scholarly engagement. These include:

  • Guest Speaker Series — Hear from leading researchers, clinicians, and professionals in psychology and related fields.
  • Research Workshops — Develop skills in research design, statistical analysis, literature review, and academic writing.
  • Career Panels — Learn about pathways in clinical psychology, research, neuroscience, organizational psychology, and more.
  • Social and Networking Events — Build connections with fellow members in informal settings designed to foster collaboration and community.
  • Graduate School Preparation Sessions — Get guidance on application strategy, personal statements, interviews, and program selection.

Participation in chapter activities is strongly encouraged. Members who remain engaged with the chapter report higher satisfaction with their undergraduate or graduate experience and greater clarity in their professional trajectory.

Research and Leadership Opportunities

NYU Psi Chi members are encouraged to pursue research and leadership roles within the chapter and the broader NYU community. Opportunities include:

Research Collaboration

Connect with faculty mentors, join research labs, and collaborate with peers on independent or group research projects. The chapter facilitates introductions to research opportunities across NYU.

Executive Board Roles

Apply to serve on the chapter's executive board. Leadership roles include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and committee chairs responsible for event coordination, outreach, and programming.

Chapter Initiatives

Propose and lead new initiatives. Past members have organized mentorship programs, research symposia, community outreach projects, and professional development series.

How to Get Involved

Joining NYU Psi Chi begins with meeting the academic eligibility criteria and submitting an application. The chapter accepts new members each semester during designated application periods.

Application Process:

  • Review the membership requirements to confirm your eligibility.
  • Submit your application through the official application form when applications are open (typically at the start of Fall and Spring semesters).
  • Attend a required interview with current chapter members or executive board officers.
  • If accepted, pay the one-time national Psi Chi membership fee ($60) and local chapter fee ($30).
  • Attend the induction ceremony and begin participating in chapter activities.

Stay Informed:

Follow NYU Psi Chi on Instagram (@nyupsichi) and join our mailing list to receive updates on application deadlines, events, and chapter news.

Contact and Next Steps

If you have questions about membership, the application process, or chapter programming, please reach out to us at psichiatnyu@gmail.com. We are here to support prospective members and answer any questions about NYU Psi Chi.