About Us

What is Tau Beta Pi?

Tau Beta Pi is the only engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession. It is the nation’s second-oldest honor society, founded at Lehigh University in 1885 to mark in a fitting manner those who have conferred honor upon their Alma Mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary character as students in engineering, or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering, and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges.

There are now collegiate chapters at 248 US colleges and universities, 45 active alumni chapters in 16 districts across the country, and a total initiated membership of approximately 600,000.

We consider that true integrity is the sine quo non for membership in Tau Beta Pi, that it transcends in importance scholarship, activity, and every other qualification. Without private and public integrity, we believe that no organization is worthy of existence. Under integrity, we include honor and high standards of truth and justice. The rating of people on the degree of unselfish activity manifested, is intended to indicate that Tau Beta Pi believes that none can become worthy engineers without the welfare of associates, organizations, and the community at heart.

(Excerpts from the Eligibility Code of the Tau Beta Pi Association)

What does Tau Beta Pi do?

Tau Beta Pi chapters sponsor numerous projects which emphasize the Society’s objectives – recognizing outstanding engineering students and professionals and encouraging the interest of engineers in non-technical fields, the college, and the community.

Typical projects include sponsoring seminars and speakers, tutoring fellow students, donating publications to libraries, stimulating faculty-student communications, and evaluating faculty and courses. Tau Bates also assist their communities in general volunteer activities, such as blood drives, educational exhibits, and special projects for the elderly, the young, and the handicapped.

Through its national programs, Tau Beta Pi grants fellowship, scholarship, and laureate awards, makes educational loans to its members, encourages student involvement in non-technical activities, and provides excellent leadership training opportunities.

MORE INFO: Please visit the Tau Beta Pi national website for more information regarding our initiatives, vision, and history.