Phi Alpha Theta is an international honor society in history. It was organized at the University of Arkansas in 1921, and now includes more than 750 local chapters. Rockford College's local chapter, Alpha Delta Alpha, was started in 1987 and includes dozens of members. Once inducted, membership is good for life.

The membership of Phi Alpha Theta is composed of students and faculty who have been elected on the basis of excellence in the study and writing of history. Any student of history--not just those majoring in history--may become a member simply by maintaining a high standard of work in his/her studies. In addition, all members participate in the work and direction of the Society. Ceremonies are held most years to induct new members who meet the basic requirements (completed at least 12 semester hours in History with a GPA of at least 3.1 in History, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and be in the top 35% of the class) and whose work is considered exceptional.

Phi Alpha Theta promotes the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning among historians in a variety of ways as described on their website at www.phialphatheta.org. It seeks to bring students and faculty together both intellectually and socially for mutual understanding and encouragement in their common interest in the study of history. Membership in Phi Alpha Theta is an asset to any resume, and satisfies one requirement for some GS-7 level occupations in the Federal government.