Founded in Abilene, Kansas, in 1931 by Walter W. Ross "for the social, cultural, and civic enrichment of its members", the organization is now present throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Walter W. Ross, the founder of Beta Sigma Phi,[1] visited Vinita, Oklahoma, where librarian Leona Schroers agreed to help establish a chapter in the town.

[3] In April 1932, Beta Sigma Phi was incorporated under a charter granted by the state of Missouri.

[2] Today, Beta Sigma Phi is a nonprofit corporation which maintains a contract with Walter W. Ross & Company for business management of its affairs.

[5] The organization initiated its millionth member, Denise Emerson, in 1995, to the Gamma Alpha Iota chapter in Ontario, California.

The sorority has four books for the Ritual of Jewels chapters, covering Beauty, Happiness, Pathes to Loveliness, and Conduct, Expression, Purpose.

[2] The sorority also awards honorary memberships to women who have achieved worldwide recognition in their field.

Chapters are classified as Ritual of Jewels, Exemplar, Preceptar, or Nu Phi Mu.