Phi Theta Kappa
Beta Kappa Theta

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Phi Theta Kappa?

  • "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."

  • Phi Theta Kappa's mission is two-fold: 1) 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.

  • Phi Theta Kappa is not a fraternity or sorority.

• How do I become a member of Phi Theta Kappa?

  • An invitation to membership is extended to those students who achieve the GPA -- usually 3.5 -- required by the chapter on the campus where they are enrolled, who have accumulated the number of hours required by the college to designate full-time status, and who enjoy full rights of citizenship.

• How much time will being a member take?

  • The time a member devotes to Phi Theta Kappa is a matter of individual choice. Some Phi Theta Kappa members choose to devote many hours to chapter activities; others may elect to not participate at all. Phi Theta Kappa's Constitution requires only that a prospective inductee make and maintain certain GPAs. No service activities may be required of new or old members; nor can the chapter withhold any benefits (i.e., wearing honors stole; receiving scholarship recommendations).

• What about fees?

  • Membership for Beta Kappa Theta is $65. This is a one-time fee that includes international and regional fees.

• Can part-time students be invited to become members?

  • Yes, if they have accumulated the number of hours required by the college to designate full-time status.

• What about students who attend college in the United States but who are not citizens of this country?

  • International students are 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.

• Why should I become a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for Two-year Colleges?

  • Members of Phi Theta Kappa may take advantage of a variety of transfer scholarship opportunities open only to members.

  • Our Scholarships are now up to $34 million and 550 senior institutions in 49 states and Canada.

  • Members of Phi Theta Kappa are eligible for nomination by their college for the All-USA Academic Team competition. In addition, 32 states sponsor All-State Academic Team programs, providing further recognition for outstanding students.

  • All members of Phi Theta Kappa are automatically nominated for the National Dean's List, a publication of America's most outstanding college students.

  • Members of Phi Theta Kappa may submit manuscripts to Nota Bene, the Society's honors anthology.
    For more information, visit the Phi Theta Kappa Website http://www.ptk.org

• Is Phi Theta Kappa membership transferable?

  • Members in good standing may transfer membership to a chapter at the institution they are presently attending. The member, however, must meet the requirements for transferring membership established by the new chapter. The transferring member does not pay induction fees again but pays $10.00 (U.S. Dollars) if a membership certificate is to be printed, noting transfer of membership.

• What happens if my GPA drops?

  • The 3.5 GPA is the requirement to become eligible for Phi Theta Kappa. If you joined and your GPA drops below 3.5, you will still remain a member.

• Why is the organization called Phi Theta Kappa?

  • Phi Theta Kappa uses the Greek symbols Φ (Ph), Θ (Th) and Κ (K) which are the initials of three mystic Greek words meaning phronimon (Phi), thumos (Theta), katharotes (Kappa) and meaning "wisdom," "aspiration," and "purity."

• I'd like to stay involved as an Alumni after I graduate. How do I find out more about Alumni resources?

  • Visit the online Alumni resources at www.ptk.org, which includes an Alumni Association Directory, a listing of Alumni groups.

Some of the above information was taken from the Phi Theta Kappa website. If  you would like more information on Phi Theta Kappa, visit their website at http://www.ptk.org .