Tau Alpha Pi Honor Society | What Students Should Know

Tau Alpha Pi is an honor society traditionally associated with engineering technology disciplines. It commonly operates through campus chapters at participating colleges and universities and recognizes students who meet academic criteria established by their institution and local chapter.

If you received an invitation, a helpful first step is understanding what it represents at your specific school—how eligibility was determined, whether there is an active engineering technology chapter, and what participation typically involves.

— Tau Alpha Pi Honor Society FAQ

Who Tau Alpha Pi Is For

Tau Alpha Pi generally serves undergraduate and graduate students studying engineering technology or closely related applied engineering fields who meet academic eligibility criteria. Requirements and chapter activity can vary by campus.

How Invitations Typically Work

Invitations are commonly issued through a participating institution or local engineering technology department. Students may receive invitations via a faculty advisor, department office, or official chapter outreach. Students can ask which chapter issued the invitation and what criteria were used.

Certification, Affiliation, and What That Means

Some honor societies, including Tau Alpha Pi, participate in private membership associations such as the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). These affiliations indicate organizational membership and alignment with internal standards.

They are not government accreditation, not college or university accreditation, and do not define legitimacy or outcomes on their own.

— What Does “Certified Honor Society” Mean?
— ACHS “Certified” Member Societies

How Students Should Evaluate Fit

Students evaluating Tau Alpha Pi or any engineering technology honor society often consider:

— How eligibility for the invitation was determined
— Whether there is an active chapter at their institution
— What academic, leadership, or professional development opportunities are available locally
— How participation aligns with academic and career goals

— Honor Society Guides
— What Is an Honor Society?

Can Students Join More Than One Honor Society?

Yes. Many students participate in multiple honor societies or academic organizations, especially when those organizations recognize different disciplines or applied fields.

Disclaimer

This page is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not evaluate academic merit, technical competence, institutional endorsement, or the quality or value of any organization.

Honor Society® is an independent, private organization and is not affiliated with Tau Alpha Pi or any third-party organization referenced on this page. Nothing on this page is intended to interfere with any organization’s operations or relationships; students should verify details directly and make decisions based on complete disclosures and personal goals.