Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious honorary society in America, with chapters currently associated with 262 of the foremost institutions of higher education in the United States. The three stars on its key represent Friendship, Morality and Literature (the latter word in its eighteenth-century meaning of "learning"). From its outset, the Phi Beta Kappa Society has fostered and recognized excellence in liberal studies. Its name derives from the Greek phrase Philosophia Biou Kybernetes: "Love of wisdom is the guide of life."

BGSU's chapter was installed in 1983 and since then, the Department of Chemistry has had several of its students inducted into this prestigous honor society.