College of Arts & SciencesAcademic DepartmentsPsychology, Sociology & Criminal JusticeStudent Organizations
Student Organizations
Alpha Kappa Delta
Sociology Honor Society
Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) is a democratic, non-secret organization dedicated to the scientific study of social phenomena for the promotion of human welfare. Membership in Alpha Kappa Delta is limited to those students with superior scholarship and serious interest in sociology who meet the criteria for membership. Election to AKD has always been and will continue to be without regard to race, sex, creed, or national origin. Therefore, no oaths, vows, or pledges are required.
A Brief History
Dr. Emory S. Bogardus founded AKD in 1920, in the department of sociology, at the University of Southern California. He proposed the formation of a society in which the students might become acquainted with each other's research projects and where they might meet informally with the whole staff of the department for suggestions and criticisms. Dr. Bogardus proposed the name, Alpha Kappa Delta as an international society of scholars dedicated to the ideal of Anthropon (human kind) Katamanthanein (to investigate throughly) Diakonesian (for the purpose of service) "to investigate humanity for the purpose of service."
The Purpose
The purpose of AKD is to "promote an interest in the study of sociology, research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition." Alpha Kappa Delta derives its name from the first letters of three Greek words, which, when translated freely, express both the goal and the method of Alpha Kappa Delta: “To study humankind for the purpose of service.”
Alpha Phi Sigma
Criminal Justice Honor Society
The goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honor and promote academic excellence; community service; educational leadership and unity. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only criminal justice honor society which is a certified member of The Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Membership in the recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of criminal justice, as well as Juris Doctorate students.
Psi Chi
Psychology Honor Society
Psi Chi was founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Membership in the society is selective and based on high academic performance.
Psi Sigma
Psi Sigma is a student organization open to all students with an interest in either psychology or sociology. The club sponsors speakers and fundraisers for community organizations.
