Join the CJS Honor Society

Application

CJS Honor Society Student Membership Application (PDF)

Requirements

• Students who are obtaining a CJS degree
• Have at least a 3.2 GPA
• Have completed a minimum of 45 credits
• Are motivated to organize and execute service work

About Alpha Phi Sigma

Alpha Phi Sigma (APS) encompasses all the fields related to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Justice Studies, and ultimately Crime and Justice Studies. It was founded in 1942 at Washington State University by Dr. V.A. Lenoard, and in 1976, the Executive Board of The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and the National Criminal Justice Professional Association voted unanimously to designate Alpha Phi Sigma THE National Criminal Justice Honor Society. In 1981, Alpha Phi Sigma was admitted to the Association of College Honor Societies.

In addition to the tradition of academic excellence, professionalism, and service as a way to promote, support, and recognize student scholarship and performance, APS serves as a meeting space for students, faculty members, and professionals in the related fields of crime and justice to come together on the basis of common interest, academic understanding, and a commitment to upholding justice within their communities. 

Since 1942, Alpha Phi Sigma chapters at colleges and universities across the United States have grown substantially while maintaining consistent academic high standards in the related fields of crime and justice studies. Currently, there are over 330 chapters and more than 90,000 members, and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Pi Epsilon Sigma Chapter became its newest member this spring 2022.

It is important to note that Alpha Phi Sigma membership is not only a recognition of past excellence in the field of crime and justice studies, but it is also the continued commitment to creating and upholding knowledge and academic exchange that strives to dismantle inequities and create conditions for more just futures in all areas of your life. 

Alpha Phi Sigma membership is not only a recognition of past academic achievement and service at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, but it is also the continued commitment to community engaged praxis and community resilience in whatever career path you choose; it is a lifelong reminder that the labor we do for ourselves is always in relationship to larger communities and our accountabilities to one another.

Additionally, Alpha Phi Sigma membership is not only a recognition of past accomplishments, but it remains a source of inspiration to support you in doing the difficult tasks of challenging injustice and building frameworks that transform yours and your communities’ lives.