The Tau Beta Pi Association, the engineering honor society, is the world's largest engineering society. Founding in 1885 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Tau Beta Pi has initiated more than 492,000 members in 122 years. Active collegiate chapters exist on 232 campuses across the nation. The dual purpose of the Tau Beta Pi is to recognize engineering students of superior scholarship and exemplary character and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Association's largest national philanthropy is its fellowship program, which has provided $4,565,000 in advanced-study grants to 870 students, and the scholarship program that has provided $958,000 in awards to 479 engineering seniors.

Applicants must have a 3.75 grade point average, rank in the 90th percentile in both math and critical reading for SAT I scores or for composite ACT scores, and pursue an engineering program accredited by the engineering accreditation commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.