Honor Society: Phi Alpha Theta

History Honor Society - Phi Alpha Theta

Phi Alpha Theta is an academic honor society for colleges and universities whose mission is to promote the study of History through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. 

Penn undergraduates interested in applying for membership can inquire with the History Department's Undergraduate Advisor, Dr. Fabella.  The application process occurs once a year, usually in the spring.

Applicants must have completed at least four History courses at Penn. Study abroad and transfer credits will not be counted toward those four.  Admission to Phi Alpha Theta requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 in History courses and a minimum overall GPA at Penn of 3.2.  Phi Alpha Theta charges a membership fee of $50 per student, payable at the time of application.  Students for whom the $50 membership fee poses a hardship should contact Dr. Fabella to request departmental assistance.

 

2024 Application Instructions - deadline March 13 at noon

  1. Download, complete and print the application form:  Phi Alpha Theta Application (Microsoft Word Document)
  2. Print your unofficial transcript from Path@Penn.  
  3. Fill out a check or money order in the amount of $50. List "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania" as the payee.  Indicate your name in the "memo" line. 
    Note: Students without checking accounts may purchase money orders at CVS or the US Post Office.
  4. Bring all application materials to COLL 208C. 

Accepted students will be notified by the end of March.  Details on this year's induction ceremony will be announced at that time. 

Phi Alpha Theta applicants and members are also invited to join the History Student Society (HSS)!