Beta Gamma Sigma

Membership

Beta Gamma Sigma is the national honor society in business administration. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest national recognition a student can receive in an undergraduate or master's program in business or management accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business. To be eligible for membership, a student must rank in the upper 7 percent of the junior class, upper 10 percent of the senior class, or upper 20 percent of the graduating master's class. Members are elected to membership and publicly recognized during the fall and/or spring term.

History

Beta Gamma Sigma was founded as a national organization in 1913 and there are some 270 chapters around the world. Since its inception, over 335,000 members have been initiated, accepting the pledge to encourage and honor high academic achievement and personal excellence in the study and practice of business. W&L's program is one of the one-quarter of U.S. business programs that has met the high standards for instituting a BGS chapter. To establish and maintain an active Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, an institution must be accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, the accrediting agency for a bachelor's and master's degree programs in business administration and accounting founded in 1916.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of Beta Gamma Sigma is to encourage and honor academic achievement and personal excellence in the study and practice of business.

Objective I:

Encourage and honor high academic achievement by students of business and management through chapters in all American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business accredited schools.

Objective II:

Foster in BGS members an enduring commitment to the principles and values of the Society: honor and integrity, pursuit of wisdom and earnestness.

Objective III:

Support the advancement of business thought, at both the national and chapter levels, so as to encourage life-long learning for the Society's members and other constituents.

Objective IV:

Enhance the visibility and reputation of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Student Scholarship

Each year Beta Gamma Sigma awards 12 student scholarships to outstanding student members from across the country. Chapters may nominate one member for the awards each year. Winners are selected in the nationwide competition on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and community service activities.

The $2,500 scholarships are provided for use in the senior year or master's level study over one academic year in a business administration program at a college or university with AACSB accreditation.

Outstanding Chapter Award

Chapters that have demonstrated excellent chapter performance are considered for the annual Outstanding Chapter Award. Beginning in 1995, the winning chapter will receive a $2,500 scholarship for the following year to present to a member of their chapter.

Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is a signal honor carrying lifetime affiliation with other outstanding graduates of business programs. While almost 300,000 students receive bachelor's or master's degrees in business each year, only about 15,000 students are elected to membership in Beta Gamma Sigma.