About Pi Alpha Alpha
Pi Alpha Alpha is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. There are more than 160 chapters located around the world at NASPAA member schools. Pi Alpha Alpha is run by NASPAA: The Global Standard in Public Service Education and is directed by the NASPAA Pi Alpha Alpha Special Ad Hoc Committee (Committee). Committee members are appointed by the NASPAA President for terms up to three years.
The purpose of Pi Alpha Alpha is to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration. Its objectives, such as fostering integrity, professionalism, and effective performance, promote the advancement of quality in the education and practice of the art and science of public affairs and administration. PAA membership identifies those with the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers.
PI ALPHA ALPHA OATH
I pledge my support for the intellectual and professional advancement of the art and science of public administration and public affairs. I shall honor and respect the virtues and values of public service and those who serve.
I shall uphold the eternal need for education that imbues public administrators with traditions of democratic governance.
Moreover, as a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, I shall uphold the highest ethical standards applying to public service and will endeavor to encourage and engage in meaningful interaction with other members.
The National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Public Administration
Membership in Pi Alpha Alpha is limited to persons who demonstrate academic achievement in public administration programs in NASPAA member schools and/or outstanding public service, and who fall within the following classes: student, alumni, faculty and honorary. All memberships are national memberships with a local chapter affiliation. All categories of membership enjoy the same rights and privileges.
Each year, the Kean Chapter of PAA solicits nominations form amongst the leading graduate and undergraduate public administration majors on campus. The Chapter holds an annual induction dinner and a variety of networking and development activities over the course of the year.
Undergraduate Student Memberships
Candidates for undergraduate degrees in public administration may be inducted provided at the time of application:
1. They have completed 15 semester hours (5 classes) of course work required for the public administration major or its equivalent;
2. They have maintained an average grade of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0 in all courses in public administration, and at least a 3.0 GPA overall in all course work;
3. They have met the requirements of (a) and (b) above and are in at least the last semester of their junior year.
MPA Degree Student Memberships
Students may be inducted from among the master’s degree students in the department, wherever the Pi Alpha Alpha chapter membership is based provided at the time of application:
1. They have maintained an overall GPA of at least 3.7.
2. Master degree students must also have completed at least fifty percent (50%) of the required course work (a minimum of 18 semester hours/6 classes).
