Phi Alpha Theta is a national honor society in History. Penn State sponsors the Epilon-Upsilon chapter. The society was organized at the University of Arkansas in 1921, and since then it has grown to more than 900 chapters. Each year about 10,000 new members are initiated.
Phi Alpha Theta promotes the study of History through the encouragement of good teaching, research, and the exchange of learning among historians. It seeks to bring students and faculty together both intellectually and socially through their common interest in History.
Penn State Phi Alpha Theta members participate in annual regional conferences across Pennsylvania and the national conference held every two years. They present academic papers based on their course work and personal interests. The conferences are a great opportunity to meet History students from other colleges and universities.
Penn State’s History Department hosts an annual induction ceremony every spring for new members, families, and friends. Each ceremony features a distinguished faculty speaker and readings by student members.
Undergraduates qualify for Phi Alpha Theta by completing 4 History courses and earning at least a 3.1 GPA in History courses and a 3.0 GPA overall. A student does not have to be a History major to become a member. Students who qualify are normally identified during each spring semester and invited to join. However, students who believe that they have the qualifications may contact the Phi Alpha Theta adviser at any time.
Professor Christopher Lawrence is the Penn State Phi Alpha Theta adviser.
Additional link: https://www.phialphatheta.org/