Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society
The Department of History at Western Michigan University is home of the Alpha Beta Delta Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, a professional society promoting the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. We seek to bring students, teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.
Phi Alpha Theta encourages student participation in all of its functions, and supports scholarly activity at all levels, from undergraduate to post-doctoral. All members of the society are eligible to submit papers for publication in the Society’s quarterly journal, "The Historian." All new members receive a one-year subscription to "The Historian." Phi Alpha Theta awards six annual cash Paper Prize Awards to graduate and undergraduate students and a $500 prize to the member submitting the best doctoral dissertation. Scholarships ranging from $750 to $1250 are also available to Phi Alpha Theta members.
The society sponsors biennial conferences, which include papers by members, talks by prominent historians, and visits to historical sites. The society provides a stipend to help support one delegate from each chapter to attend the conference. The News Letter publicizes Phi Alpha Theta activities and awards. In addition the society hosts special programs at annual meetings of major national historical associations.
Membership Requirements
The Western Michigan University chapter, Alpha Beta Delta, has inducted over 750 members since 1984.
- Undergraduate students must complete at least 12 hours in History with an average grade above 3.1 and an overall average of 3.0.
- Graduate students should have completed at least one third of residency requirement with an overall average of 3.75.
- Faculty members above the rank of instructor who teach history qualify automatically, pay the same fees, and receive the same privileges as student members.
Membership application: full or associate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Evan Kutzler