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's Greek letter name, ΘΑΚ, represents Theos (God), Anthropos (Person), and Koinonia (Society).[2] Theta Alpha Kappa's colors are red and gold.
Membership
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
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
As of 2023, Theta Alpha Kappa has chartered 360 chapters.[7]
