Counseling and therapy honor societies: recognizing academic excellence

By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Dr. Simone Lambert and Dr. Roxanne Bamond  

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An honor society is an organization that recognizes students for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to their field of study. Within counseling and marriage and family therapy programs, honor societies acknowledge students who demonstrate both academic achievement and a dedication to serving others, values that align closely with Capella University’s mission.

What is the value of joining an honor society?

Joining an honor society can provide both personal and professional benefits that extend beyond your time as a student. Membership demonstrates your commitment to academic excellence and professional growth while connecting you with peers, mentors and leaders in the counseling and therapy fields.

Honor societies often sponsor networking events, service projects and conferences, and may offer scholarships and leadership opportunities that support personal and professional development. Students who join honor societies can gain a strong sense of community and shared purpose, connecting with others who are dedicated to helping others and advancing the profession.

Counseling and therapy honor societies at Capella University

Capella University is home to two nationally recognized counseling and therapy honor society chapters that celebrate academic excellence and foster professional growth:

• Chi Upsilon Chi, Capella’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) – the international counseling honor society for professional counselors and students
• Delta Kappa Pi, Capella’s chapter of Delta Kappa, the international honor society for marriage and family therapy students and alumni

Both organizations provide students with opportunities to connect, lead and grow within supportive academic and professional communities.

Chi Sigma Iota: Chi Upsilon Chi chapter

Capella’s Chi Upsilon Chi chapter of Chi Sigma Iota provides students with many ways to get involved.

“We are one of the largest chapters of Chi Sigma Iota and have many leadership opportunities available to counseling students,” explains Dr. Simone Lambert, society’s co-advisor.

“Currently, we have executive, advocacy, professional development and communications committees. Our biannual induction ceremonies, general membership meetings and socials offer students additional forums to network and connect.”

Delta Kappa Pi chapter

The Delta Kappa Pi chapter at Capella – the largest within the Delta Kappa organization, with more than 1,200 members – recognizes outstanding scholarship and promotes continued professional excellence in marriage and family therapy.

“Honor societies at Capella are largely student-led, which helps members develop strong leadership skills,” says Dr. Roxanne Bamond, co-advisor for Delta Kappa Pi.

Dr. Bamond highlights several ways members can get involved:

• Leadership development through event planning, committee work and service projects
• Networking and mentorship with peers, faculty and professionals
• Professional growth opportunities such as workshops, webinars and chapter conferences.

Delta Kappa Pi will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in January, marking a decade of building community and promoting excellence in marriage and family therapy.

What does it take to join an honor society?

Each honor society sets its own eligibility requirements, but all emphasize academic excellence, professional integrity and commitment to the counseling and marriage and family therapy fields. Membership is by invitation, and students who meet specific academic and program criteria may be considered for induction.

Chi Sigma Iota requires that students complete at least one semester of full-time graduate coursework in a CACREP-accredited counselor education program, earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The student must then be recommended by their local chapter.

To join Delta Kappa Pi, students must complete at least 12 graduate credit hours in a COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy program and have a GPA of 3.75 or higher.

Some organizations invite students who are actively enrolled, while others may also welcome alumni who have demonstrated continued professional growth and leadership in the field.

Each society holds a formal induction ceremony to recognize new members’ accomplishments and commitment to the profession. Beyond that celebration, membership may include ongoing opportunities for service, scholarship and professional development, helping members stay connected long after graduation.

Advancing together in the counseling and therapy professions

Honor societies at Capella University are designed to showcase achievement while encouraging continued growth and service. Through these student-led communities, members may gain experiences that support both their academic journey and future professional success.

Capella’s online counseling and therapy programs provide flexible pathways for students to pursue their goals and, for those who qualify, opportunities to join an honor society that aligns with their interests and aspirations.