Summary
Theta Alpha Kappa (ΘΑΚ) is an American national honor society for religious studies and theology.
| Theta Alpha Kappa | |
|---|---|
| ΘΑΚ | |
 | |
| Founded | September 1976 Manhattan College |
| Type | Honor |
| Affiliation | ACHS |
| Emphasis | Religious Studies and Theology |
| Scope | National |
| Colors | Red and Gold |
| Publication | Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa |
| Chapters | 350 chartered |
| Headquarters | Bronx, New York United States |
| Website | Official website |
History edit
In 1976, Professor Albert Clark founded Theta Alpha Kappa at Manhattan College to recognize the academic achievements of religion and theology of undergraduate students, graduate students, and scholars.[1] In February 1976, ten institutions connected with the College Theology Society adopted a constitution for Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society.[2]
Later that year, the new society chartered fifteen chapters.[2] Like its founding institution, Manhattan College, most of its early chapters were chartered at Roman Catholic colleges and universities. However, Theta Alpha Kappa does not have a religious affiliation.[1]
The society was incorporated in the State of New York in 1983 and received its nonprofit status from the IRS in 1999.[2] It became a member of the Association of College Honor Societies in 1985.[1][2] It became a member society of the American Academy of Religion in 1994 and an affiliate organization of the Society of Biblical Literature in 2020.[1][2] The Manhattan College chapter serves as its national headquarters and also stores its archives.[3]
Symbols edit
The society's Greek letter name, ΘΑΚ, represents Theos (God), Anthropos (Person), and Koinonia (Society).[2] Theta Alpha Kappa's colors are red and gold.
Membership edit
Potential members are nominated by the chapter at their institution.[1] To be eligible for membership, undergraduates must have completed twelve hours of religious studies and/or theology classes with a 3.5-grade point average.[1] In addition, they must rank in the top 35 percent of their class, with an overall 3.0 GPA.[1] To become a member, graduate students must have a 3.5-grade point average after completing at least half of the requirement for their degree.[1]
Activities edit
Theta Alpha Kappa sponsors scholarship awards and fellowship competitions; including an undergraduate achievement award and a graduate fellowship award.[4][5] Its Clark Albert Award recognizes the best undergraduate and graduate papers.[6]
Theta Alpha Kappa publishes the Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa, which publishes student papers and offers an annual prizes.[1]
Chapters edit
As of 2023, Theta Alpha Kappa has chartered 360 chapters.[7]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "About Theta Alpha Kappa". Theta Alpha Kappa. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "Policies and Procedures of the Board of Directors - History". Theta Alpha Kappa. 26 September 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "The Constitution (or Bylaws) of Theta Alpha Kappa, ARTICLE X: Corporate Offices". Theta Alpha Kappa. 1 January 1998. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Undergraduate Achievement Award". Theta Alpha Kappa. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Theta Alpha Kappa Graduate Fellowship Awards". Theta Alpha Kappa. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "The Clark Award". Theta Alpha Kappa. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Chapter Handbook and Directory". Theta Alpha Kappa. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
External links edit
- Official Site