Phi Alpha Theta at UW-Madison

Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society whose purpose is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. It seeks to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together both intellectually and socially; and it encourages and assists historical research and publication by its members in a variety of ways.  

The Phi Alpha Theta, Lamda Xi chapter at University of Wisconsin-Madison serves as the primary history student organization for UW undergraduates. We encourage participation by students interested in history with all levels of experience. 

There are two levels of membership: general membership and full Phi Alpha Theta membership. Everyone is welcome to participate as a general member but to become a full member, one must meet the standards of credits and GPA listed below. 

Phi Alpha Theta is composed of chapters in properly accredited colleges and universities. All students in these institutions who have completed the required number of history courses and are maintaining high standards in their college or university are eligible for membership.

 Along with the Undergraduate History Council, PAT works side by side with ARCHIVE, the Undergraduate Journal of History,which publishes various historical essays from history majors across campus. PAT Lambda Xi focuses on promoting the study of history on UW-Madison’s campus. We host study nights, the Annual Induction banquet, seasonal parties, guest lectures, historical tours, career panel discussions with UW-Madison alumni, and various types of social outings to bring together history majors across campus with the goal of further expanding the role history majors play in the community of UW-Madison.

Full Membership Requirements: 

Students must have at least a 3.000 cumulative GPA, with a 3.100 GPA in at least 12 credits of history at an accredited university. Members must pay a $40 lifetime national chapter membership fee and an annual local chapter fee of $20. In recent years, this fee has been paid for by the Department of History, but we reserve the right to reinstate them if the department cannot compensate.

Membership Benefits

a) Several scholarships are available for members.

b) Greater opportunities to meet with faculty and graduate students outside of the classroom.

c) Leadership opportunities.

d) Fun and engaging social, academic, and professional development events put forward by Phi Alpha Theta.

e) Exclusive graduation cords and recognition of your place in a nationwide honor society.