Alpha Phi Sigma

Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, recognizes scholastic achievement and excellence by undergraduate and graduate students in the criminal justice sciences and related fields. The mission of Alpha Phi Sigma is to promote critical thinking, rigorous scholarship and life-long learning; to keep abreast of the advances in scientific research; to elevate the ethical standards of the criminal justice professions; and to sustain in the public mind the benefit and necessity of education and professional training.

Membership

Membership Requirements

At the time of application to the Omega Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, students must:

  • be actively enrolled at the University of Alaska Anchorage at the time of application to Alpha Phi Sigma;
  • be a declared Justice or Legal Studies major or minor;
  • have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale);
  • have a minimum subject grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) in Justice and/or Legal Studies courses;
  • have earned a minimum of 45 university credits; and 
  • have earned a minimum of 12 credits in Justice and/or Legal Studies courses.

Benefits of Membership

  • Awards, grants, and scholarships.
  • Distinctive honor for letters of recommendation, resumes, and employment applications.
  • Graduate school, career, and professional networking opportunities.
  • Qualifies for GS-7 level occupations in the United States government.
  • Research opportunities and paper competitions.
  • Participation in the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences annual meetings.
  • Membership is for life.

 

How to Apply

Eligible students will be identified each fall and spring semester and invited to join Alpha Phi Sigma. Students are encouraged to discuss their qualifications for membership with the local chapter advisor at any time by emailing the Justice Center's Alpha Phi Sigma faculty advisor, Dr. Brad Myrstol at bamyrstol@alaska.edu.

Membership applications can only be submitted through the Omega Xi Chapter, which are accepted during two separate application periods each academic year. Students cannot apply directly to the Alpha Phi Sigma national office. 

Once your application has been reviewed by the Omega Xi Chapter faculty advisor, and all application requirements have been verified:

  • The Justice Center will complete your official Alpha Phi Sigma application form.
  • The student must submit a cashier's check or money order (cash or personal checks will not be accepted) in the amount of $70.00 payable to ALPHA PHI SIGMA.
  • The Justice Center will then submit your completed application form and cashier’s check/money order to Alpha Phi Sigma Headquarters.

 

About Your Local Chapter

The Omega Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma at the University of Alaska Anchorage was chartered on January 21,1980. The Omega Xi Chapter invites eligible Justice and Legal Studies baccalaureate students to apply for membership in the society. 

Omega Xi Faculty Advisor:

Brad Myrstol, Ph.D.
Professor of Justice
UAA Justice Center