It was founded and is administered by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

[1] It was created as an honor society o encourage excellence and recognize students who have gone above and beyond in the study of public affairs and administration.

[3] It joined the Association of College Honor Societies in 1982 but has since left that organization.

Undergraduate students are required to have half of the NASPAA degree program coursework completed and at least a 3.7 GPA.

[8] PI Alpha Alpha's national council conveys an honorary membership at its biennial meeting to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the profession.