What is Beta Gamma Sigma?

Beta Gamma Sigma is the honour society for students enrolled in business and management programs accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Election to lifetime membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest honour a business student anywhere in the world can receive in an undergraduate or master's program at a school accredited by AACSB International. Students, based on high academic achievement, and tenured business school faculty members are the only ones eligible for membership in the Society. With more than 830,000 members worldwide, the Society's membership comprises the brightest and best of the world's business leaders.

Beta Gamma Sigma was founded as a national organisation on February 19, 1913. The first national honour society in business was a merger of three separate societies established to honour academic achievement in business at the University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois and the University of California. With collegiate chapters on five continents, Beta Gamma Sigma today is truly an international society that remains dedicated to recognising the most outstanding students of business and management.

Beta Gamma Sigma membership provides recognition for a lifetime. With 45 alumni groups in major metropolitan areas, the BGS CareerCentral job board, and the on-line membership community, those recognised for their academic achievements at The University of Sydney can continue an active relationship with Beta Gamma Sigma long after graduation. This lifelong commitment to its members academic and professional success is defined in the Society's mission: to encourage and honour academic achievement in the study of business, to foster personal and professional excellence, to advance the values of the Society, and to serve its lifelong members.

What does Beta Gamma Sigma Mean?

The principles of Beta Gamma Sigma are represented by three concepts reflected in the name of our Society.

Beta is the initial letter of the Greek word, BEBAEOS, which signifies honour. Honour is personal integrity and excellence of character. It is a prerequisite for those who lead others. It also encourages altruism and enlightened social responsibility and service.

Gamma is the initial letter of the Greek word, GNOSIS, which signifies wisdom.  Wisdom is knowledge tested by experience and tempered by discerning judgment. It avoids prejudice and insists on freedom of thought and expression. Those who are wise seek a better comprehension and a more fruitful application of what is known. They engage in a continuous quest for understanding.

Sigma is the initial letter of the Greek word, SPOUDE, which signifies earnestness. Earnestness is enthusiasm measured by achievement, reason and sincerity. It is that dynamic quality which is essential for all great achievements. Persons who reflect earnestness inspire confidence, invite action, and generate progress.