Honor Society

“Alpha Kappa Delta had its specific beginning in the fall of 1920 in the department of sociology, University of Southern California, when the departmental chairman, Dr. Emory S. Bogardus, proposed to the graduate students 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. The name, Alpha Kappa Delta, was devised by Dr. Bogardus and adopted by the chapter members of the University of Southern California chapter.  It represents the first letters of three Greek words: namely, anthropon (mankind), katamanthaneion (to investigate thoroughly or to conduct research), and diakonesein (for the purpose of service). The name, therefore, implies social research for the purpose of service.” *

Today, AKD is the international sociological honor society. We have thousands of members in over 490 chapters throughout the world, including two chapters in the Republic of China. We are also a member of ACHS, the national council of honor societies.

Many local chapters of AKD are quite active, holding money-raising events, symposia, and brown bag luncheon seminars, among other things. More chapters do little other than accept members.

Membership in AKD is lifetime, although subscriptions to the journal are annual. AKD holds an annual meeting at the ASA meetings, with the time and place announced in the ASA Program. Many regional sociological associations also hold AKD sessions for exchange of ideas and information.

AKD also holds an annual Undergraduate Student Paper Competition. The winner receives a cash prize, help with expenses for attending the AKD/ASA meetings, and possible publication of his/her paper in our journal, SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY.

* [From: “Brief History of Alpha Kappa Delta” T. Earl Sullenger, AKD Handbook]

Delta of Ohio Chapter

Ohio Wesleyan's chapter of AKD is Delta of Ohio (est. 1932), Region V.  The chapter's adviser of Professor Theodore F. Cohen.

AKD Eligibility

Selection for Alpha Kappa Delta will be made in the spring semester. Minimum national requirements are:

1. Declared junior/senior SOAN major
2. SOAN GPA of 3.0 in courses taken at OWU
3. Overall GPA of 3.3
4. Completed at least 4 SOAN courses at OWU (exclusive of extension or courses graded pass/fail)

There is no application process.  The Chapter Adviser reviews the list compiled by the Registrar's Office and extends an invitation to those who qualify.

Click here to view list of initiates by year.