Department of Humanities
Johnson Hall, 1171009 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 591-3675
Phi Alpha Theta (ΦΑΘ) is an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. The society has over 350,000 members, with about 9,500 new members joining each year through 860 local chapters.
Phi Alpha Theta was established on March 17, 1921, at the University of Arkansas by Professor Nels Cleven. Cleven had become convinced in his time at the university that a fraternity of scholars (which would accept men or women) was important for the study of history. He invited students to a meeting to form the society (then called the “University Historical Society”) on March 14, and the society was officially recognized on the 17th. In April, the decision was made for the society to be known by the Greek letters Phi Alpha Theta.
We are a professional society 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. We seek to bring students and teachers together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.
For more information on Phi Alpha Theta visit http://phialphatheta.org/.
Each Spring semester, Phi Alpha Theta students have the opportunity to attend the National Phi Alpha Theta Conference to present historical papers. It is a chance to compete with other students from other universities around the United States. The conference is a great opportunity for students looking to go to graduate school; presenting your findings is an ideal accomplishment to include in your application or resume.
Club History is a Registered Student Organization that aims to bring students with an interest in history together for academic and social purposes. This organization is open to all Ferris students who are interested in history.
Phi Alpha Theta and Club History meet every other Thursday at 11 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters.
For more information about Phi Alpha Theta and Club History, contact a History faculty member.