About the Organization
Dating to 1921, Phi Alpha Theta was established to honor students and professors in the history discipline. The Beta Chi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society in History, was organized at Drury University on December 11, 1948. Since that time, Phi Alpha Theta has grown to more than 860 chapters in fifty states. Phi Alpha Theta recognizes the excellence of history students by inducting them into lifetime membership. Phi Alpha Theta serves both as an academic honorary and offers possibilities for leadership and intellectual and social activities as well. Phi Alpha Theta seeks to bring students and teachers together for intellectual and social exchanges in addition to promoting research, good teaching, and the exchange of learning among historians. Phi Alpha Theta publishes the journal The Historian, included in the first year’s membership. In 2004, Drury University hosted the Phi Alpha Theta regional undergraduate conference. Scholarships and awards are also available for graduate study.
Membership
Students must have completed at least 12 credit hours of History with a 3.4 grade point average and an overall 3.3 in all other course work. Students may join from all majors as long as the requirements are met. Students are invited to join during the September selection process if they meet the criteria.
How to Join
A key requirement is a vital interest in History; however, you do not have to be either a History major or minor to join. Undergraduate students must have completed at least 12 credit hours of History with a 3.4 grade point average in those courses and an overall 3.0 in all other course work. Graduate students must have completed of their degree requirements with a 3.5 or above grade point average. The initial cost is $45.00. Of this, $40.00 goes to the National Office to cover a one year subscription to The Historian, FAQ’s journal, and individual membership credentials. The remaining $5.00 goes to the Chapter. Renewal of The Historian subscriptions are handled by the National Office. However, whether you renew or not, you will always be a member of Phi Alpha Theta.
National Website: www.phialphatheta.org
Group President
Jack Corp
jcorp@drury.edu
Campus Advisor & Contact
Dr. Shelley Wolbrink
Pearsons, 102
(417) 873-7387
swolbrin@drury.edu
At a Glance