Qualifications

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. Contact the Pi Lambda Theta International Office for advice if grades at your institution are not computed  on a 4.0 scale.

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.

Professional Candidates

Professional educators are eligible for membership in Pi Lambda Theta. In addition, psychologists, counselors, nutritionists, librarians, and professionals in other fields may be qualified for membership if they practice in or have contributed to the field of education. To qualify for professional membership; a candidate must meet the following  criteria.

• No present enrollment in a degree program, and

• A minimum of a baccalaureate degree, and

• 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, and

• A grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for the most advanced degree, credential or certification program, and

• Submission of a résumé / vita or portfolio as evidence of outstanding contributions to the profession,

As an alternative to meeting these five criteria, a candidate may qualify for professional membership by submitting evidence of certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.