The primary objective is the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. After membership is granted, the student should take at least two 300 level courses in foreign languages. Students minoring in psychology are required to have completed 12 hours of psychology courses. Students majoring in psychology should have completed 15 hours of psychology courses. The Sigma Pi Sigma honorary society operates within the Society of Physics Students.
Membership is based on general scholarship.
An overall GPA of 2.75 and a GPA of 3.2 in at least 5 courses in physics are required for membership. Graduate students in nursing who have completed one-fourth of the required graduate curriculum may be eligible for membership with a grade point average of 3.3. Sigma Xi's goals are to encourage cooperation and communication in scientific research among all scientists, to advance scientific research, and to assist the wider understanding of science. Election to membership is open to all undergraduates, graduate students and faculty in scientific and engineering disciplines who have evidence of notable achievement in research. Membership is by invitation to those whose class standing is in the top eighth of the junior class or the top fifth of the senior class and has demonstrated exemplary character.