HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society

I’m Thinking about Joining

What is Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society?

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.

How do I become a member?

To join, you must receive an invitation* from the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at HACC. HACC's local chapter determines eligibility. Contact your college’s PTK advisor to determine if you are eligible by emailing us at ptk@hacc.edu
If you have been invited already and received your passcode, you can accept membership here.

What if my invitation has expired?

Once the invitation has expired, you must contact the PTK advisor to see if you are still eligible. If you are, your advisor can give you a new passcode to join.

What are the eligibility requirements?

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 3.0 grade point average (GPA)
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 HACC's PTK chapter. If you think you may be eligible for membership but haven’t received an invitation, email PTK's Office at ptk@hacc.edu.

What types of students are eligible?

Students who are associate degree-seeking; one-year certificate/diploma-seeking; bachelor’s degree-seeking; part-time; workforce; transfer only (not earning an associate degree or certificate); previously earned another degree; international; dual enrolled with high school and college, etc. are eligible for membership if they meet the membership criteria stated in the local chapter’s bylaws.
Generally, associate and bachelor’s degree students must have taken 12 hours of college-level coursework. Certificate students must have taken 6 hours of coursework.

My first attempt at college did not go well. Are those grades used to determine eligibility?

- It depends on your current college’s policy. Each institution determines its policy on whether prior work from the institution or other institutions is included in determining eligibility for membership. In cases where previous work is to be included, rules for membership eligibility must be clearly outlined in the chapter’s bylaws.

How much time is required to be a member?

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 recommendation, etc.) based on lack of participation.

How much does the membership cost?

Phi Theta Kappa’s international membership fee is $60 and is paid only once. Members are also required to pay a one-time regional fee, which helps cover programming and events in your immediate geographic region. In addition, many chapters charge a local fee to help with the expenses of local chapter operations. To find out your chapter’s specific fees, contact your PTK advisor.

I can’t afford the membership fee before the deadline. What are my options?

If you need financial assistance, reach out to HACC's PTK chapter advisor to find out if the chapter/college offers membership fee assistance.

When does a student officially become a member?

Students become members when their membership fees have been paid online with a credit/debit card or when the advisor submits their information to Headquarters if the student paid the college/chapter. A student must be recorded as a member at PTK's Headquarters in order to receive all the rights, privileges, and benefits of membership.

I do not have a credit card. What are my options?

We only accept credit/debit card payments online. To use another form of payment, please contact HACC's PTK advisor for options.

What are the benefits of joining?

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

Special Discounts and Offers

For additional information, please visit our Society Resource Library.

Explore your benefits. Log in using the credentials you created during the acceptance process. You’ll find job skills development, challenging academic programs, scholarships, transfer support, and more.
Get involved locally. Attend your induction ceremony. This event honors you and is the perfect way to meet other members, many of whom are new just like you! Connect with your local PTK advisor for more details using the Advisor Search.
Check out our blog, The Reach.
Follow us on social media. We’re on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube. Start by sharing news of your membership with #IAMPTK!

Next Page >

Page updated

Report abuse