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“The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.”

 

To be eligible for membership

  • you must be enrolled in a regionally accredited institution offering an associate degree program;
  • you must have completed at least 12 hours of coursework that may be applied to an associate degree (part-time students may be eligible);
  • you must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5;
  • you must receive an invitation to membership from the chapter at the college where presently enrolled;
  • you must adhere to the moral standards of the society.

Typically, both part-time and full-time students who have met all of the academic requirements are invited to become members. Part-time students may be eligible for membership if they have accumulated the total number of hours over two or more academic terms used by your institution to designate full-time status (usually 12 hours on a semester system). The decision to declare part-time students eligible is an option of the local chapter and should be addressed in each chapter’s bylaws. Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters strongly encourages the eligibility of part-time students, and currently 92 percent of all chapters allow part-time students to be inducted. International students are also welcome to become members. They must achieve the required GPA, have accumulated the number of hours required by the college to designate full-time status and possess all rights of citizenship in their native land.

 

Mission and History of Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is two-fold: 1) to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and (2) provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

 

The organization traces its beginnings to a society that originated in 1910 with six charter members under the name of Kappa Phi Omicron at Stephens College in Columbia, MO. The society grew and by spring 1918 it was one of many honorary groups in Missouri. The name Phi Theta Kappa was selected after it was decided to organize a new honorary society, chapters of which would have a common character, stand and similarity of organization. For the first six years, Phi Theta Kappa confined its activity to women’s junior colleges, but in 1924 through constitutional amendment, the field of activity was enlarged to cover all junior colleges. In 1926, Phi Theta Kappa expanded beyond the borders of Missouri and into coeducational institutions. The American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.

 

Membership Benefits

Members may connect to find cutting-edge services, programs and resources selected especially to meet their needs. The benefits, available to members free of charge, include:

  • a press release announcing your membership, sent electronically to a newspaper of your choice.
  • the prestigious Golden Key Membership Pin, Certificate of Membership and a wallet-size Identification Card*.
  • the Society’s Gold Diploma Seal, denoting society membership, affixed to your two-year college diploma.
  • membership in the international honor society noted on your transcript, contingent on their college’s policy.
  • a letter of recommendation sent to a college admissions counselor, scholarship official, or a potential employer.
  • wear the society’s golden monogrammed Honors stole and tassel at college commencement exercises, available through purchase, contingent on college policy.
  • special offers from Phi Theta Kappa Partners.
  • ability to apply for more than $36 million in transfer scholarships provided exclusively to society members by more than 600 senior institutions.
  • FREE enrollment in CollegeFish.org, which is used by hundreds of senior colleges and universities to recruit Phi Theta Kappa transfer students.

Civil Service Jobs Benefit

Members applying for GS5 federal jobs and who completed a baccalaureate degree with superior academic achievement, as defined by the Federal Office of Personnel Management, would be upgraded to a GS7 classification, meaning an increase in starting salary over the GS5 grade. GS5 federal jobs are entry-level jobs requiring completion of a baccalaureate degree or four years of study beyond high school.

 

*The Certificate of Membership and Membership Identification Card are included in your Benefit Packet mailed to you. If you did not receive a certificate or identification card, e-mail member.services@ptk.org. If you have more questions about membership benefits, contact Membership Services at member.services@ptk.org or 601-984-3504 ext. 3554.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

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