Phi Alpha Theta, the international honor society in History, promotes the study of history by encouraging research, teaching, publication, and the exchange of ideas among historians. It welcomes membership from undergraduates, graduates, and professors of History. This 100-year-old society has over 400,000 members and 970 chapters nationwide. Cal State East Bay chartered its own chapter, Alpha Rho Theta, in 2022.
Joining an academic honors society can strengthen your resume and help you develop meaningful relationships with others interested in the study of History. Phi Alpha Theta gives you the opportunity to enjoy your chosen field of study outside of the classroom and establish friendships and connections for a lifetime.
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Members are selected on the basis of academic excellence and dedication to the study of history. Please complete the form provided on this page, and the Phi Alpha Theta advisor, Dr. Anna Alexander, will confirm your eligibility and submit your name to the national organization for consideration. Once confirmed, we will help to coordinate your membership and official induction into the honor society.
To qualify for membership, undergraduate students must have:
- Completed a minimum of 12 semester hours 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 classes.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- A student need not be a History major to apply.
To qualify for membership, graduate students must have:
- Completed a minimum of 12 semester hours towards their Master’s Degree in History
- A minimum GPA of 3.5
- Completed approximately 30% of the course requirements for the Master’s Degree.
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- Lifetime membership in the organization.
- Certificate of membership.
- One year’s subscription to The Historian, a scholarly journal published under the auspices of the national organization.
- Consideration for a scholarship for advanced study in History.
- Honors cords to wear over your gown at graduation. Other clothing and memorabilia can be purchased at the .
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- Present a paper at the annual Phi Alpha Theta Northern California Regional Conference.
- Assist with the publication of the annual History Department’s student journal the East Bay Historia.
- Participate in book discussions, field trips, film screenings, trivia nights, and much more!