History & Global Cultures
Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society

Phi Alpha Theta

Connect with fellow historians. Celebrate academic achievement. Build your future. Phi Alpha Theta is the international honor society in History, dedicated to promoting historical scholarship, research, teaching, and the exchange of ideas. Founded in 1921, the society has more than 400,000 members and nearly 1,000 chapters across the United States.

Cal State East Bay established its own chapter, Alpha Rho Theta, in 2022. Our chapter brings together undergraduate and graduate students who share a passion for history and a commitment to academic excellence.

Membership provides opportunities to connect with fellow students and faculty, participate in scholarly and social activities, and develop valuable academic and professional relationships beyond the classroom. 

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How To Join

Students interested in joining Cal State East Bay's Alpha Rho Theta chapter should contact our faculty advisor, Dr. Anna Rose Alexander, at anna.rose@csueastbay.edu.

To apply, please provide the following information:

  • Full name as you would like it to appear on your membership certificate.

  • NetID and Horizon email address.

  • Personal email address and permanent mailing address.

  • Major and academic level (undergraduate or graduate).

  • Number of History units completed, including eligible transfer or AP credits.

  • GPA in History coursework and cumulative GPA.

  • Unofficial Cal State East Bay transcript.

Students may use an online GPA calculator to determine their History GPA.

The faculty advisor will review your eligibility and coordinate your membership application and official induction into Phi Alpha Theta.

  • Phi Alpha Theta recognizes academic achievement while offering opportunities for professional development, scholarship, and community engagement. Students from any major are welcome to apply, provided they meet the academic requirements.

    Membership benefits include:

    • Lifetime Membership: Join an international community of historians and scholars.

    • Academic Recognition: Receive an official membership certificate and the opportunity to wear honor cords at graduation.

    • Scholarly Opportunities: Become eligible for national scholarships and awards supporting advanced historical study.

    • Professional Development: Present research at academic conferences and gain experience in scholarly publishing.

    • Academic Community: Connect with faculty and students who share an interest in history.

    • Publications: Receive a one-year subscription to The Historian, the society's scholarly journal.

    Members may also purchase additional graduation and membership items through the Phi Alpha Theta Store.

    Undergraduate Students

    To qualify, undergraduate students must:

    • Complete at least 12 semester units in History, including eligible transfer or AP coursework.

    • Earn a minimum 3.1 GPA in History courses.

    • Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

    Graduate Students

    To qualify, graduate students must:

    • Complete at least 12 semester units toward an MA in History.

    • Earn a minimum 3.5 graduate GPA.

    • Complete approximately 30% of their graduate degree requirements.

  • Our Alpha Rho Theta chapter encourages students to engage with history beyond the classroom through academic, professional, and social activities.

    Opportunities include:

    • Academic Conferences: Present original research at the Phi Alpha Theta Northern California Regional Conference and other scholarly gatherings.

    • Student Publishing: Participate in the production of East Bay Historia, the department's award-winning student scholarly journal.

    • Professional Development: Build research, writing, presentation, and leadership skills through collaborative activities.

    • Community and Social Events: Connect with fellow students through book discussions, field trips, film screenings, trivia nights, and other chapter activities.