What is Phi Alpha Theta?
Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society whose mission is 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 that promote and assist historical research and publication by our members.
Phi Alpha Theta was established in 1921, is a charter member of the Association of College Honor Societies, and currently has chapters on 839 college and university campuses. Represented at Indiana University of Pennsylvania by its Xi Beta chapter, established in the spring of 1985, Phi Alpha Theta encourages the study of history by sponsoring research and professional development colloquia, hosting social events for its members and guests, and occasionally arranging field trips to history-related sites, exhibits, and events in the region. For more information about the society, please visit Phi Alpha Theta's national website.
What are Membership Qualifications?
For undergraduates, membership in Phi Alpha Theta requires that the applicant have:
- a 3.0 GPA or better overall
- a 3.1 GPA or better in twelve or more hours of completed history courses
Membership in Phi Alpha Theta is not limited to History majors.
For graduate students, they should have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours toward their master's degree in History, have a GPA of better than 3.5, and shall have completed approximately 30 percent of the residence requirements for the master's degree.
How do I join?
Pick up an application in the History Department office, fill it out, and return the completed application with $70 ($50 national dues + $20 chapter dues) to the History Department. This fee includes a membership certificate, four issues of our journal, the Historian, and Phi Alpha Theta cords for graduation. Membership in Phi Alpha Theta is a lifetime membership. Our initiation ceremony is held each fall and spring.
Advisors and Officers
Advisor: Joseph Mannard