Phi Alpha Theta

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Phi Alpha Theta is an honor society dedicated to the study of history. Phi Alpha Theta was established at the University of Arkansas in 1921 by Nels Andrew N. Cleven, and has since grown to more than 850 chapters, more than any other accredited four-year college honor society in the U.S. Rider University's chapter, Iota Epsilon, was founded on May 27, 1963 and has received the Best Chapter Award (Division II) six times (1989-90, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999).

Membership Requirements

  • Completion of at least 12 hours (4 courses) of history with a GPA of 3.1 or higher
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Initial membership fee of $60, which confers lifetime membership in the organization

To Apply

If you are eligible and would like to become a member, please download the application (Word document). You may direct questions or return completed applications to Professor Lucien Frary, faculty advisor.

Application deadline: November 1 (Fall) and April 1 (Spring).

Chapter Activities

  • Induction ceremony (Fall/Spring semesters)
  • Touring historical sites/museums
  • Hosting alumni career panel: "What Can You Do With A History Major?"
  • Hosting annual Internship Workshop
  • Inviting guest speakers to campus
  • Volunteering at New Jersey History Day

Scholarships/Awards

  • Phi Alpha Theta grants a number of prizes and awards for its members including best chapter, undergraduate/graduate scholarships and paper prizes.

Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference

This is an opportunity to share your historical research, meet History majors from other schools in the region, and gain experience in public speaking. Plus, it would look great on your resume or grad school application! Ask the advisor for more information about local Phi Alpha Theta conferences.

History Club

The History Club works closely with Phi Alpha Theta and the History Department to sponsor extracurricular activities and other academic events. The History Club is open to any Rider University student with an interest in history regardless of their major or minor. For more information about the History Club contact Professor Lucien Frary, Faculty Advisor.

The purpose of the History Club is:

  • To encourage students' interest in history.
  • To unite students of different disciplines through their interest in history.
  • To sponsor quality extracurricular events at Rider.
  • To foster discourse between faculty and students outside the classroom.

Past Activities include:

  • Fundraising for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. (sold "Build the Dream" wristbands)
  • Field Trips (Ellis Island, Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Constitution Center, King Tut Exhibit at the Franklin Institute)
  • Dinner at Medieval Times
  • Spamalot on Broadway