Phi Alpha Theta Rating, Reviews and Requirements. Is it worth it?

What are the requirements to be in Phi Alpha Theta?

• Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours (4 courses) in History, earned in the classroom, online or through AP or transfer credits (or a combination thereof).  A minimum GPA of 3.1 in History and 3.0 GPA overall are required. A student does not need to be a history major to apply.
• 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 must have completed approximately 30% of the residence requirements for the Master’s Degree.

What is the history of the Phi Alpha Theta?

Phi Alpha Theta is an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. The society has over 400,000 members, with some 9,000 new members joining each year through 970 chapters nationwide.

Phi Alpha Theta was established on March 17, 1921 at the University of Arkansas by Professor Nels Cleven. Cleven had become convinced in his time at the university that a fraternity of scholars (which would accept men or women) was important for the study of history. He invited students to a meeting to form the society (then called the “University Historical Society”) on March 14, and the society was officially recognized on the 17th.

What are the key benefits of being a member of Phi Alpha Theta? 

As a member of Phi Alpha Theta, you are eligible to apply for the honor society’s awards and scholarships offered each year. Phi Alpha Theta awards scholarships and other prizes on the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level. All student members are eligible to present a paper at our Biennial Convention and at the Phi Alpha Theta Regional Meeting in their area. 

Based on the information, here is our review:

Our first observation is: that Phi Theta Alpha identifies as and honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history, but it also states that you don’t need to be a history major to join.

Our second observation was: that this is clearly a niche society, with more of the benefits being geared towards networking and prizes within the field of history. 

Our third observation was: that we are coming up on 100 years since Phi Alpha Theta was established, making it a long standing honor society with a rich history.