The programs offered focus upon the Society s Hallmark of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship. It is estimated that 150,000 students participate in Phi Theta Kappa programs each year. Annually, more than 75,000 students are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. To be eligible for membership a student must complete a minimum of twelve hours of associate degree course work and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. The average age of a new member is 29, ranging from 18 to 80.
Students pay a one-time membership fee.
Following induction, a new member receives gold embossed membership certificate, membership identification card, membership key pin, diploma seal, transcript notation of membership, issue of 3.5 PLUS annual journal, and Scholarship Directory. Each member is automatically nominated for inclusion in the prestigious National Dean s List biographical publication and is enrolled in the Society s Transfer Database, linking senior institutions offering scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa members. Members are accorded the privilege of wearing the Society s Gold Stole and Tassel at graduation. The honor society began with six charter members under the name of Kappa Phi Omicron at Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri, in 1910. Beta Chapter of Kappa Phi Omicron was established at Lindenwood College, St. Charles, Missouri, in 1911.