The Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society at Boise State University is the local chapter of a nationally 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, 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.
Contact Us
| Name | Title | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Shaun Nichols (On Sabbatical Academic Year 2024-2025) | Faculty Advisor | shaunnichols@boisestate.edu |
Application
Phi Alpha Theta Membership Application
Please deliver applications and membership fees to the History Department office.
Activities
The Boise State local chapter of Phi Alpha Theta puts on a number of events throughout the school year, giving its members the opportunity for both scholastic advancement and socialization.
- Real to Reel – Watch a movie with historical relevance/connection while a history professor leads a discussion or activity.
- Fundraising – Funds are raised to send members to conferences through organized events.
- Conference – Members can submit papers to present at the Regional Conference, normally held in April.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from Phi Alpha Theta. Forms can be found on the bulletin board in the History Department across from L-181. Scholarships range from $250 to $1,000 for graduate and undergraduate students. Contact the history office at bsuhistory@boisestate.edu or visit the national website for more information.
Membership
All members of the honor society are inducted through the local PAT chapter. Individual memberships sent directly to the National Office are not acceptable and will be returned. Applications & payments should be submitted directly to the History Department and not a Phi Alpha Theta officer.
There is an annual due of $10.00 to the Phi Alpha Theta Omega-Omicron Chapter History Honors Society at Boise State University. This is used to promote our local activities.
An additional one-time initiation fee of $50.00 per student is required to become a member at the national level, payable at the time of initiation. This fee includes a membership certificate and four issues of our journal, The Historian. Membership in Phi Alpha Theta is a lifetime membership and thereafter, there are no annual dues or fees (nationally). Members who wish to continue supporting the honor society may do so by subscribing to The Historian and/or to our newsletter.
Undergraduate Student Membership Requirements
Undergraduate students must complete at least 12 semester hours in History (4 courses) with a GPA of at least 3.1 in History, have a GPA of 3.0 or better overall, and be in the top 35% of the class. Membership is not limited to History majors.
Graduate Student Membership Requirements
Graduate students should have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours towards their Master’s Degree, have a GPA of better than 3.5, and shall have completed approximately 30% of the residence requirements for the Master’s Degree.
Faculty Members
Faculty members above the rank of Instructor who teach History automatically qualify, pay the same induction fee, and receive the same membership privileges.
Benefits
- Membership in Phi Alpha Theta is a prestigious honor that will enhance your resume.
- Phi Alpha Theta offers a number of scholarship and publication opportunities.
- Phi Alpha Theta provides the valuable experience of presenting history papers before a panel of qualified judges at the annual Phi Alpha Theta Northwest Regional Conference.
- Phi Alpha Theta members have the opportunity to meet history professors and motivated history scholars outside of the classroom.
- Members receive certain Phi Alpha Theta publications, which include a scholarly journal and a newsletter.
- Special graduation regalia for National members can be acquired by contacting Phi Alpha Theta officers at phialphatheta@boisestate.edu. Please make your requests at least 6 weeks before your scheduled commencement ceremony.