Phi Alpha Honor Society

What is Phi Alpha Honor Society?

Phi Alpha is a national honor society dedicated specifically to social workers across the U.S. Phi Alpha is founded on the values of humanitarianism, professional development and research. One of the missions of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to foster connections and bonds amongst social workers who uphold the values of the organization.

What are the perks to becoming a member?

There are numerous perks to becoming an active member of Phi Alpha Honor Society. Some of those perks include:

• Scholarship opportunities
• Networking amongst like-minded people and other social workers
• Opportunity to present research at our annual research symposium event
• Being active on campus
• Philanthropically serving the community
• A membership pin and honor cords to wear upon graduating
• Invitation to an end of the year banquet to celebrate your academic successes

When can I join Phi Alpha Honor Society?

Application periods occur at the beginning of each semester. Please feel free to email us directly at uscphialphahonorsociety@gmail.com for exact dates.

What are the requirements to join Phi Alpha Honor Society?

• A minimum of 12 credit hours of completed graduate level Social Work course work
• 3.75 cumulative GPA (verified via STARS report uploaded)
• One-page letter of recommendation from faculty member or field instructor

How can I maintain active membership status?

Three continuous requirements until graduation:

• STARS report with proof of minimum 3.75 GPA;
• Four hours of documented philanthropy/community services;
• Pay membership dues
• After graduation, lifetime membership remains but no additional benefits.

More details:

• Submit STARS report, on time, every Fall & Spring semester. STARS report serves as a member’s documentation of Phi Alpha’s minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 3.75. STARS report is accessible to students via myUSC portal under OASIS.
• Complete and submit documentation on time, every Fall & Spring semester, of 4 hours of philanthropy/community services.
• Pay continuing membership dues, every Fall and Spring semester until graduation. Link will be provided. Please note that we will not issue refunds.
• All hours and requirement must be met in order for the MSW graduates’ name to be identified in the university graduation book.

If I was inactive a few semesters ago, how do I become active again?
In order to become re-active in Phi Alpha Honor Society, you would need to complete the requirements from the semester(s) you were inactive and the current semester we are in. Our requirements for Fall and Spring semesters include: membership dues, an accumulative GPA of 3.75, and 4 hours of philanthropy. Please note that you do not need to restart the application process.

How do I complete the philanthropy hours?

Members of Phi Alpha Omicron Epsilon Chapter are required to complete at least four philanthropy hours per semester. Community services may be completed by participating in Phi Alpha sponsored philanthropy events or with an organization of your choice.

• Internship or employment activities will not count as approved philanthropy hours.
• Hours completed through Phi Alpha sponsored events require checking in with a Phi Alpha board member during the event. Members who attend a Phi Alpha sponsored philanthropy event are NOT required to submit a Philanthropy Hours Approval Form.
• Hours completed at an organization of your choice must be documented using the philanthropy form. 
• Please email us directly at uscphialphahonorsociety@gmail.com for more information on philanthropy form due date.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

• Go to Volunteer Match , La Works , and All For Good
• Go to the websites of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Heal the Bay, Midnight Mission, and Foothill Unity Center for other listed volunteer events.

How do I submit my philanthropy hours and STARS report?

Members submit their hours and STARS report via the Chapter’s website. 

How to apply for Phi Alpha Scholarships?

General requirements are below, please consult the Chapter website for specific requirements and deadlines.

• All applicants must be active members of the Omicron Epsilon Chapter of Phi Alpha at USC.
• One scholarship application and one personal statement (please attach together). *See personal statement prompt for specific criteria.
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a professor and the other from a professional relationship, outside of current field placement).
• Each letter should show a genuine support of your efforts and commitments listed in your personal statement.
• Applications must be fully filled out and completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered for reward.

What research events does Phi Alpha organize?

Phi Alpha organizes multiple research events each academic year, including the annual student research symposium in the Spring.

Is there funding support available for student researchers?

Please contact the Chapter to inquire about current funding opportunities for student researchers.

Who should I contact if an issue arises?

Please feel free to email us directly at uscphialphahonorsociety@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook under USC Phi Alpha Honor Society and Instagram @uscphialphahonorsociety. For efficient response, please identify the E-board member that your question is directed to, and include a brief description of your questions in the email title, i.e. “PHILANTHROPY: Sign up for volunteer event," “MEMBERSHIP: Submit STAR report," “RESEARCH: Research funding application."