Phi Alpha

Phi Alpha is a highly selective honor society for social work undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (MSW) students with over 450 chapters in the United States.

The University of Southern Indiana's Mu Delta chapter welcomes social work students who meet membership requirements. An invitation by email and/or letter will be sent by the end of January.

Purpose and History

The purposes of Phi Alpha Honor Society are to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.

The Mu Delta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Workers was established at the University of Southern Indiana March 1, 2004, by Dr. Kathy Elpers and Dr. Thomas Bordelon. The national honor society was formalized with the adoption of a constitution in 1962.

Membership Information

To become a member of Phi Alpha, undergraduate students must:

• Must be a junior or senior already admitted into the BSW program and completed a minimum of 9 hours in Social Work at USI.
• Must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 (excluding transfer hours)
• Must have a GPA of 3.75 in completed 300 and 400 level social work courses.
• Membership application and fee of $60 (must be check or money order made out to Phi Alpha and is non-refundable.)
• Attendance at the initiation ceremony is required for membership.

Graduate students must:

• Must be a student enrolled in the MSW program.
• Must have earned a minimum overall GPA of 3.875
• Must have completed at least 12 hours of social work classes.
• Membership application and fee of $60 (must be check or money order made out to Phi Alpha and is non-refundable.)
• Attendance at the initiation ceremony is required for membership.

Application Instructions

"Through knowledge - the challenge to serve"

Applications

• Undergraduate (BSW) Membership Application
  (Word) 
  
  
• Graduate (MSW) Membership Application
  (Word)

New member applications are accepted each spring.

Membership dues for Phi Alpha Honor Society are $60, to be submitted by check with the membership application. The fee includes lifetime membership, certificate, and medallion. If the fee prohibits you from applying for membership, contact the faculty sponsor to discuss your situation. 

Applications should be submitted in person to the Social Work Department in ED 0129 or by mail to:

University of Southern Indiana
Social Work Department - Phi Alpha
8600 University Boulevard
Evansville, IN 47712

Applicants will receive an e-mail and / or letter notification in early March. If accepted, you will receive information about the spring initiation ceremony.

Due date for submission of application is 2/11/2022

Virtual or In Person Induction ceremony March 28, 2022

Find Phi Alpha Online

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Kathy Elpers

Professor Emerita of Social Work
Adjunct - Social Work
Contact: 812-464-1993
Education Center 0117
Email
Website