Delta Omega Honor Society.
Delta Omega award is a scholarship award based on the top 10% of the academic average of the graduating class. The minimum GPA required for eligibility changes with each graduating class. Inductees are awarded lifetime membership into the society, and the membership fee is covered by SPH.
Founded at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health in 1924, Delta Omega is the honorary society for graduate studies in public health. It celebrates excellent academic achievement, devotion to public health principles, and outstanding service in public health. There are currently 127 chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
The chapters elect new members each year from four groups:
1. Students who are candidates for a graduate degree in public health
2. Faculty members at a school of public health
3. Alumni actively engaged in public health work
4. Honorary members possessing exceptional qualifications
Election from all four groups is based on outstanding performance and scholarship in students, teaching, and research in faculty members, and community service in alumni. Election to membership in Delta Omega is intended not only to recognize merit, but also to encourage further excellence in, and devotion to, public health work. Membership in Delta Omega reflects the dedication of an individual to quality in the field of public health and to protection and advancement of the health of all people. Graduating students with exceptional grade point averages are inducted into Delta Omega Alpha Beta Chapter and are recognized at the Commencement ceremony in May. More information on membership benefits can be found here.
Co-presidents of the Alpha Beta Chapter at BUSPH are Nancy Scott and Trish Elliot.
Recipient(s) receives a certificate and Delta Omega Stole that can be worn with regalia at the SPH Commencement ceremony.
FAQs
What is Delta Omega?
Delta Omega is an International honorary society for graduate studies in Public Health. It was founded to promote the graduate study of public health and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. Members are inducted through a highly selective process that assesses their outstanding academic performance.
How is eligibility in Delta Omega determined?
The honor of Delta Omega is awarded to the top 10% academic average of each graduating class (January, May, and August). The minimum GPA required for eligibility varies each year and is calculated by the SPH Registrar’s Office.
Are there other academic honors given at SPH?
Delta Omega is the only academic honors awarded at BUSPH.
Are online MPH graduates eligible for Delta Omega?
Yes. Online MPH students are eligible if they are among the top 10% of the academic average of the graduating classes across all BUSPH degree programs.
When will I find out if I’ve been inducted into Delta Omega?
Delta Omega inductees are invited to the SPH Awards Ceremony and recognized at SPH Convocation. Notifications are sent closer to the May SPH Convocation and Awards & Honors ceremonies.
Dates for future Boston University schools and colleges commencements can be found
here.
What do award recipients receive for the Delta Omega distinction?
Inductees are awarded lifetime membership into society, and SPH covers the membership fee. Award recipients also receive a certificate, and a Delta Omega stole, which can be worn with regalia at the SPH Convocation ceremony.
How long is the SPH Award ceremony?
The SPH Award Ceremony is approximately 2 hours long, held on the Friday before SPH Convocation each year.
Livestream (with CART transcription) will be available and provided to guests via invitation, along with RSVP details.
Are the names of Delta Omega inductees read at the SPH Awards Ceremony?
No. Delta Omega inductees’ names are not read individually during the SPH Awards Ceremony. Inductees are acknowledged collectively with a statement such as, “Congratulations to this year’s Delta Omega inductees.” Award names are displayed on a slide, and the Dean will invite students to stand or raise their hand to acknowledge all inductees together.
Students receiving the Delta Omega distinction are recognized at Convocation by wearing their stole with their regalia. While names are read by degree programs as students cross the stage, the Delta Omega distinction is included at that time (e.g., “Mahogany Price-Oreyomi, Delta Omega”).
Can I still receive my Delta Omega items if I don’t attend ceremonies in person?
Yes. If a student does not pick up their stole and certificate at the Awards Ceremony, these items will be available at the check-in table at SPH Convocation. Inductees who are unable to attend in person may also complete a form to request that their certificate and academic stole be mailed. An email will be sent to each recipient post commencement to advise them with a link to complete the form.