Department of History

Student Organizations

Phi Alpha Theta

The Phi Alpha Theta Omega-Omicron Chapter History Honors Society at Boise State University is the local chapter of a nationally professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. We seek to bring students, teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.

View the PAT membership requirements and application form.

Activities The Boise State local chapter of Phi Alpha Theta puts on a number of events throughout the school year, giving its members the opportunity for both scholastic advancement and socialization.

Fall Semester

  • September 25 – Museum Comes to Life (Volunteer)
  • October 8 – Start of the Semester Welcome Lunch at Julia Davis Park 11 am to 2 pm (Tentative Date)
  • October 31 – Haunted Penitentiary (Volunteer)
  • November 11 – Veterans’ Day Nightfire Event (Volunteer)

Spring Semester

  • Costume Party at the History Museum
  • Book Sales Fundraiser in the Quad
  • History Day (Volunteer)

Activities Overview

  • Reel vs. Real – Watch a movie with historical relevance/connection while a history professor leads a discussion or activity.
  • Service Projects – Help with various activities around the area including Idaho History Day, Museum Comes to Life, and Veteran’s Day Night Fire Event.
  • Fundraising – Funds are raised to send members to conferences through organized events.
  • Banquet – Each April, PAT sponsors a banquet for members and guests. Costumes are encouraged!
  • Conference – Members can submit papers to present at the Regional Conference, normally held in April.
Membership Membership in Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society, is available at both the local and national levels. Membership for our local chapter is $10 per year; national membership is $40 per year. (Yes, you can just be a local member if you wish.)Furthermore, membership looks good on a resumé. The BSU chapter regularly sends students to regional conferences to present papers and attend sessions. A Call for Papers from students is posted in early spring for the regional conference that happens each April. Talk to your advisors about submitting an entry!
Scholarships Scholarships are available from Phi Alpha Theta. Forms can be found on the bulletin board in the History Department across from Dr. Klein’s office (L181). Scholarships range from $250 to $1,000 for graduate and undergraduate students. Contact the history office at bsuhistory@boisestate.edu or visit the national website for more information at www.phialphatheta.org/.