Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, also ΦΘΚ or sometimes PTK, is the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs, particularly state olleges and community colleges. It also includes Associate's degree-granting programs offered by four-year colleges. It is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi and has more than 2 million members in more than 1,250 chapters, in each state of the United States, U.S. Territories, British Virgin Islands, Marshall Islands, Canada, Germany, Federated States of Micronesia, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Palau, and Peru.

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

Membership Eligibility

Why Join PTK?

When you join Phi Theta Kappa, you’re joining a network of more than 3.5 million members around the world.

You can be confident in your choice to become a member — the American Association of Community Colleges has named Phi Theta Kappa the official honor society for two-year colleges. We are the only such honor society with this distinction.

We have no recurring fees or annual dues; simply pay the one-time membership fee, and you can access your PTK benefits for life.

Ready to Join?
Here's what you need to know.

To be eligible for membership, you must:

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 certificate of 1 year
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.)

Local, Regional, and National News

PTK Contacts

Regional Coordinator	Dr. Ryan Ruckel	[email protected]
Regional Coordinator	Dr. Terri Smith Ruckel	[email protected]
PTK Training/Membership	Christopher Bingham	[email protected]
PTK Training/Headquarters	Melissa Price	[email protected]
PTK All-State	Sarah Reynolds	[email protected]

PTK Transfer Scholarships

Student Governance and Engagement

GET INVOLVED TODAy

Why Join PTK?

When you join Phi Theta Kappa, you’re joining a network of more than 3.5 million members around the world.

You can be confident in your choice to become a member — the American Association of Community Colleges has named Phi Theta Kappa the official honor society for two-year colleges. We are the only such honor society with this distinction.

We have no recurring fees or annual dues; simply pay the one-time membership fee, and you can access your PTK benefits for life.

Ready to Join? Here's what you need to know.

To be eligible for membership, you must:

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 certificate of 1 year

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.)

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

Letters of recommendation citing your membership

* Contingent on college policy

Up to $90 million in scholarships to help you complete your associate, bachelor’s, even master’s degrees

Access to $46 million in transfer scholarships offered by nearly 800 four-year colleges and universities across the country

Awards specifically for career-bound students, including some field-specific opportunities that cover the cost of certification exam fees

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

Professional skills employers seek through our exclusive online Competitive Edge program

Navigate the job market with our one-of-a-kind PTK EDGE for Employment training course

Request personalized letters of recommendation for job applications

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

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

Free access to our custom, nationally recognized Leadership Development Studies curriculum

Develop your own personal leadership philosophy inspired by classic leaders from the Humanities and today’s top thinkers

No textbook required — we use open source materials, so our curriculum is accessible to all

Practice your skills through leadership roles within your chapter, in service projects, and on campus

Dr. Ryan Ruckel

[email protected]

Dr. Terri Smith Ruckel

[email protected]

Christopher Bingham

[email protected]

Melissa Price

[email protected]

Sarah Reynolds

[email protected]

Ready to Join?
Here's what you need to know.