Introduction

Phi Alpha Theta is composed of chapters in properly accredited colleges and universities. All students in these institutions who have completed the required number of history courses while maintaining high standards in their college or university studies are eligible for membership (see below).

Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society whose purpose is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. It seeks to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together both intellectually and socially, and it encourages and assists historical research and publication by its members in a variety of ways.

Membership

The Gamma Psi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta at Washington State University, established December 7, 1950, is open to undergraduate and graduate students on the Pullman campus who meet the following criteria.

The requirements for undergraduates include:

• Completion of at least two semesters at WSU.
• Completion of 12 semester credits of history (6 of which must be from WSU).
• WSU overall grade point average of at least 3.0.
• History grade point average of at least 3.1.
• Payment of a lifetime membership fee (currently $65; $55 for Phi Alpha Theta National and $10 for the WSU Gamma Psi Chapter).

The requirements for graduate students include:

• Completion of 12 semester hours towards a graduate degree in history.
• GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Completion of approximately 30% of the residence requirements for their degree.
• Payment of a lifetime membership fee (currently $65; $55 for Phi Alpha Theta National and $10 for the WSU Gamma Psi Chapter).

Membership entitles you to:

• Wear Phi Alpha Theta honor cords at commencement (purchased separately)
• Participate in chapter activities
• Apply to participate in Phi Alpha Theta regional and national conferences

Based on the eligibility requirements of the national organization, those students enrolled on campuses other than Pullman are not eligible for membership in the Gamma Psi (Pullman) chapter. Membership is not limited to history majors, and Global Campus students are eligible to join.

Those who are already members of Phi Alpha Theta are warmly welcomed to participate in Gamma Psi chapter activities. Membership in Phi Alpha Theta is for life, so you need not join (or pay) a second time.

Applications for membership are solicited near the beginning of fall and spring semesters, and announcements will be made in various history classes by instructors.

More Information

If you want to know more about Phi Alpha Theta, contact faculty advisor Nikolaus Overtoom at nikolaus.overtoom@wsu.edu