Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929. More than 3.8 million students have been inducted since 1918, with approximately 250,000 active members in the nation’s community colleges, making Phi Theta Kappa a true catalyst among members and colleges.

To join, you must receive an invitation* from the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at your college. The local chapter determines eligibility, and requirements can vary by chapter. Contact your college’s PTK advisor to determine if you are eligible.

Be enrolled in an institution that has a Phi Theta Kappa chapter

Have completed at least 12 hours of coursework toward an associate or bachelor’s degree or at least 6 hours of coursework toward a 1-year certificate

Generally, have a cumulative 3.5 grade point average*

*A chapter may raise eligibility standards, as long as they are in accordance with the Society’s Constitution.

Once you’re eligible, you’ll receive an invitation (usually by mail or email) to join the chapter at the college where you’re presently enrolled. If you think you may be eligible for membership but haven’t received an invitation, talk with the advisor of your college’s chapter. Find your local advisor.

Phi Theta Kappa membership is what you make of it. The more you put in, the more you get out of it. Your best experience will come from engaging in the benefits PTK offers; however, we don’t require participation. Active members must only maintain the standards established by their local chapter.

Chapters cannot require participation in activities or withhold membership benefits (i.e. wearing graduation regalia, receiving letters of recommendations, etc.) based on lack of participation.

Check your local chapter, on average membership costs between $60-$100.

If you need financial assistance, each out to the local PTK chapter advisor to find out if the chapter/college offers membership assistance.

Scholarships

Scholarships to help you complete your associate, bachelor’s, and even master’s degrees

Access to $246 million in transfer scholarships offered by over 800 four-year colleges and universities across the country

Leadership and service experiences that will boost your resume, making you more competitive for both PTK and non-PTK scholarships

Career Training

Professional skills employers seek through our exclusive online Competitive Edge program

Navigate the job market with our one-of-a-kind Employment Edge training course

Request personalized letters of recommendation for job applications

Transfer Success

Use PTK Connect to search for four-year colleges and universities that are transfer friendly and see the scholarships they offer to community college students — including those exclusively for PTK members

Take the trickiness out of transferring and get advice from admissions pros through our exclusive Transfer Edge online course

Recognition

Phi Theta Kappa Golden Key Membership Pin

Phi Theta Kappa Membership Certificate

Recognition during chapter induction ceremony

Opportunity to wear Phi Theta Kappa graduation regalia*

Official Phi Theta Kappa seal placed on your college diploma*

Notation of membership on your college transcript*

Press release announcing your academic achievement

*Contingent on college policy

Special Discounts and Offers

Dell

Enterprise and National

GlobalFit

Hurst Review Services

Lenovo

BetterHelp

StudyBuddy.Live

Each chapter has the responsibility of setting standards for continued active membership. In the event that a member does not meet these standards, the name of the member shall be removed from the Society’s official membership roster. These standards will clearly be defined in the chapter’s bylaws.

Beta Zeta Rho requires a student to keep at least a 3.0 GPA