What is Phi Alpha Theta?

Phi Alpha Theta is a professional academic honor society for students interested in the study of history. The organization dates to 1921, and founded at the University of Arkansas. Today there are 820 active chapters across the United States.

Mission

To promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. We seek to bring students, teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.

What are the qualifications for membership?

Students are invited to join Phi Alpha Theta at the beginning of the spring semester. To become a member, a student must meet the following requirements:

• National Requirements:
  • Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours (4 courses) in History achieve a minimum GPA of 3.1 in History and a GPA of 3.0 or better overall. Eligible candidates must also be in the top 35% of their class. Students enrolled in an online program are not eligible. Membership is not limited to History majors.
  • Graduate students should have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours towards their Master's Degree in History, have a GPA of better than 3.5, and shall have completed approximately 30% of the residence requirements for the Master's Degree.
  • Faculty members above the rank of Instructor who teach History automatically qualify. Faculty members pay the same $40 induction fee and receive the same membership privileges.
• Additional CSU Requirements:
  • 3.3 GPA in 15 or more hours of history courses
  • At least a 3.2 minimum overall GPA
  • If a transfer student, a minimum of 9 hours of the 15 hours in history must be completed at CSU

Students who meet these requirements will be contacted by the Chapter and invited to join the organization. Those who choose to join will be honored at the Annual Phi Alpha Theta Induction Ceremony.