Sigma Xi and Phi Beta Kappa

In the mid-19th century, Sigma Xi was established as an honorary for scientists, and Phi Beta Kappa for humanists. Although after WW II Phi Beta Kappa broaden its scope to include sciences, Sigma Xi still is an important honorary for those intending to pursue graduate work in archaeological sciences; while Phi Beta Kappa is more important for those intending to pursue humanistic archaeology. Each year a select few undergraduates are inducted into each honorary. Membership for Phi Beta Kappa is mainly based on GPA, for Sigma Xi membership is based on research as well as GPA.

Lambda Alpha

Anthropological archaeologists are eligible for membership in Lambda Alpha, the Anthropology honorary with an active chapter on campus. Most students are inducted their sophomore or junior years. The group is more active in some years than others but minimally meets twice a semester. Lambda Alpha often takes field trips to archaeological sites including Cahokia Mounds, Mastodon State Park, Graham Cave Archaeological Site, and other locales near St. Louis.