Membership

Membership in Pi Lambda Theta is open to qualified candidates, including persons with disability, without regard to age, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation. 

Learn more:
Four Ways to Join
Find A Program Near You
Project Excellence Awards

Qualifications for student candidates

Membership is open to any graduate or undergraduate student who is nominated by his institution or invited by a chapter. Minimum eligibility requirements are: an intent to pursue a career in education, a cumulative
grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale*, and current enrollment in a qualified degree program:

Graduate must have completed at least two courses in a graduate degree program or post-baccalaureate certification or credential program.

If a graduate student has completed fewer than two graduate courses, the undergraduate GPA should be used.

Undergraduate must have achieved at least a sophomore standing in a baccalaureate degree program or pre-baccalaureate degree program in education that meets prerequisites for a baccalaureate degree program.

Institutions and chapters may require additional qualifications. Contact the Pi Lambda Theta international office for additional requirements and limitations.

*Contact the Pi Lambda Theta international office for advice when grades are not computed on a 4.0 scale.

Qualifications for professional candidates

A professional educator who has been named recipient of a Project Excellence award or certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is eligible for membership. In lieu of a recognized award or certification, an educator who satisfies the following five criteria may be eligible:

1. no present enrollment in a degree program, and
2. a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, and
3. completion of a degree, a credential program, or a certification program at a regionally accredited institution in a field leading to a career in education,
4. and a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for the most advanced degree, credential or certification program,
5. and submission of a résumé / vita or portfolio as evidence of outstanding contributions to the profession.

A professional in another field, e.g., psychologist, counselor, nutritionist, and librarian, may be qualified for membership if (s)he practices in or has contributed to the field of education.