8 Things to Know About AIU’s Criminal Justice Honor Society
Students pursuing a criminal justice degree may be looking for more than a flexible way to take classes. They may also want opportunities to stay engaged, be recognized for their academic work and feel connected to the field they are studying. For eligible students at AIU, Alpha Phi Sigma may offer one more way to do that.
Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society. At AIU, eligible students may have the opportunity to join and take part in an academic organization that recognizes achievement and encourages involvement in the criminal justice field.
To qualify for membership, students must complete at least 37.5% of their bachelor’s degree program and maintain a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA.
For students who meet those qualifications, here are eight things to know.
1. It offers academic recognition
Membership in Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes students who have demonstrated strong academic performance in their program and in criminal justice coursework specifically. For students who work hard to maintain that level of achievement, that recognition can be meaningful.
2. It supports online student involvement
Because AIU serves many students balancing school with work and personal responsibilities, online engagement matters. The chapter offers students a way to participate in activities and remain connected in a learning environment that supports flexibility. Students interested in this path can also explore AIU’s online degree programs.
3. It creates opportunities for leadership
Honor society involvement may go beyond membership alone. Students may also have opportunities to take on leadership roles, help support chapter activities and build experience outside the classroom.
4. It connects students to a broader organization
Alpha Phi Sigma is affiliated with respected organizations in the criminal justice academic community. That broader connection may help students feel linked to a larger network of peers and scholars in the field.
5. It may provide networking opportunities
Engagement through the chapter may help students connect with others who share similar academic and professional interests. For students thinking ahead about future opportunities, those connections can be valuable.
6. It may include access to conferences and events
Participation in an honor society can open the door to additional academic experiences, including events and conferences that can help students stay engaged with current topics in the field.
7. It may offer scholarship and award opportunities
In addition to recognition, Alpha Phi Sigma may offer students opportunities related to scholarships, grants and awards. Students may also want to review AIU scholarships and grants to better understand additional funding options that may be available to those who qualify.
8. It can support engagement beyond graduation
For some students, involvement does not have to stop at graduation. Continued alumni engagement may help graduates stay connected to the organization and to others in the field.
For students interested in criminal justice, opportunities like Alpha Phi Sigma can add another dimension to the college experience. Along with flexible online learning, students may also want to explore career services resources and see whether AIU Accelerate® and prior learning credits could help them make the most of previous experience. If you are considering a criminal justice program, explore AIU’s online degree programs to learn more about taking the next step.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
REQ2218236 04/2026