About Phi Alpha Theta
Washington University's chapter of Phi Alpha Theta is committed to furthering undergraduate scholarship in the field of history, while also creating a center for intellectual exchange for members as well as faculty and graduate students. The organization is centered around professional development, historical excursions and outings, and opportunities to engage with history more deeply in a non-classroom environment.
In addition to semesterly meetings, programming, and academic opportunities, Phi Alpha Theta also publishes the Gateway History Journal, a volume of premier undergraduate scholarship from Washington University and the greater midwestern region.
Phi Alpha Theta is open to anyone at WashU interested in history. Being a member of the club and participating in the programming and events only requires a short interview process. To graduate with Phi Alpha Theta honors, and to be considered a full member of the honorary, with access to the extensive alumni network, you must complete 12 credit hours of history, maintain a minimum 3.1 GPA in history and a 3.0 GPA overall. If you are interested in joining Phi Alpha Theta, please email for further information.
Phi Alpha Theta executive board for the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Point of contact: Taryn Dixon
- Editor in Chief, Gateway History Journal: Madeleine Pira
- Faculty Advisor: Professor Iver Bernstein
Benefits of Phi Alpha Theta Membership
Membership in Phi Alpha Theta carries many benefits to members, some of which are:
- Closer relationships with professors who will be able to speak more to your work as a true scholar of history.
- Professional and intellectual development opportunities, such as thesis advisor meet-and-greets, resume and coverletter workshops, and grad school application workshops.
- Access to an extensive alumni network.
- Free or subsidized history-related programming, such as trips to the haunted Lemp Mansion, movies and dinners, and shows.
- Opportunities for further scholarship, including scholarships, fellowships, and research positions.
- Honors at graduation.
Joining Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta accepts applicants each semester. If you have any questions or are interested in joining Phi Alpha Theta, please contact Brigid Hosmer or Professor Iver Bernstein for more information.
