Student Organizations
Explore our vibrant community of scholars.
Phi Beta Kappa
Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic
honor society. Its motto, “love of learning is the guide of life,” perfectly expresses
TCU’s commitment to a quality liberal arts education and dedication to a lifetime
of enquiry. In 1971 our chapter— Delta of Texas — became the fourth chapter granted
in the state.
To be considered, students must have excellent grades in studies showing a breadth of knowledge in the liberal arts. Most initiates are juniors and seniors, and graduate students are sometimes invited.
Initiates are recognized each April at Honors Convocation, and each year one Phi Beta Kappa Senior Scholar is announced at the Honors Banquet.
To learn more about eligibility requirements for Phi Beta Kappa, visit TCU's webpage here.
Phi Beta Kappa and English
Phi Beta Kappa emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts education, making English students a good fit for membership. In Spring 2025, TCU's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa invited 55 students to join, and 13 of the inductees were students of the English department. The high number of English students participating in Phi Beta Kappa highlights the role an English or Writing degree plays in fostering academic diversity and achievement.
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta is an honor society for English majors and minors. The group sponsors
an initiation ceremony each year along with other events. Members are eligible to
participate in national conferences and to compete for national scholarships.
Learn more about this international honor society.
Sigma Tau Delta at TCU
TCU's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, Chi Alpha, is the oldest chapter in the state of Texas. The chapter holds meetings throughout the semester that help students build community among their peers in the English Department. Some examples of previous events include a movie night, a bookmark making event, and more!
Sigma Tau Delta Eligibility Requirements
- Students are required to have an overall 3.0 GPA.
- Students must have already completed 36 credit hours towards graduation.
- Students must have at least 6 hours of upper-division (3000 or higher) English or Writing Courses, with no grade below a “B” in any English or Writing class. These hours must have been taken at TCU. You may be currently enrolled in the final 3 hours of the required English or Writing credits.
Why Join Sigma Tau Delta?
- Membership with Sigma Tau Delta allows English-affiliated students access to Sigma Tau Delta-sponsored scholarships.
- Members are eligible to apply for certain Sigma Tau Delta-sponsored publishing internship opportunities. Members are also eligible to apply for scholarships to attend several internships in Washington D.C.
- Members can submit their research for an opportunity to present at Sigma Tau Delta’s annual international convention.
To apply, contact the sponsor of Sigma Tau Delta, Dr. Yingwen Yu.
Pi Epsilon Pi
Pi Epsilon Pi, a national honor society for majors and minors in writing studies, was founded in 2006 by the Loyola University Maryland Writing Department.
The Department of English at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth offers the Major in Writing, a Minor in Writing, a Minor in Creative Writing, and a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition. With strong ties to its campus Writing Center and the Center for Digital Expression, TCU’s Texas Alpha chapter was created in 2016.
Learn more about Pi Epsilon Pi here. To apply, contact Dr. Brad Lucas.
Scribble Frogs
Scribble Frogs, TCU's creative writing club, is open to students of all majors who are interested in creative writing.
Learn more about Scribble Frogs here.