Pi Gamma Mu is the leading honor society which encourages excellence in the social sciences. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students become eligible to join when they meet the following criteria for membership:
- upper 35 percent of the class,
- a grade average of "B" or better,
- 20 semester hours in social science courses.
Faculty and administrators may also accept the privileges and responsibilities of membership in a college chapter. The international initiation fee is $30. The society not only provides recognition for scholastic achievements, but also offers enrichment opportunities through service projects, publications, scholarships, and lectureship grants.