OCC Social and Behavioral Sciences Division Honor Society
The History of Phi Alpha Mu
PHI ALPHA MU was created in 1957 by the Orange Coast College Social and Behavioral Sciences faculty. It grew from a desire to recognize, honor, and encourage outstanding student achievement in OCC social and behavioral sciences courses. The name was derived from Thucydides who, in reporting the Funeral Oration of Pericles, described the Athenians as searching for “wisdom without loss of strength.” The name, accordingly, is intended to signify an organic fusion of Philosophy, Anthropology, and other matters pertaining to the Muses. Thus, through these studies individuals can achieve “wisdom without loss of strength.”
Each year faculty members donate money to the scholarship fund to award students of excellence. For the past 54 years, a faculty member has dedicated themselves to building Phi Alpha Mu into a strong academic organization, chairing the scholarship committee and advising the students. Phi Alpha Mu remains true to its mission as it helps students excel in its Pillars of Excellence: Leadership, Service, and Research.
Membership Benefits
Phi Alpha Mu offers Lifetime Membership Benefits, which include the following:
- Permanent notation of honors on student’s OCC transcript
- Special commencement regalia for and recognition during graduation ceremonies
- Leadership, Service and Scholarship portfolio development
- Opportunity for active society members to compete for scholarship awards
Membership Requirements
- Orange Coast College overall grade point average of at least 3.00
- Completed at least 12 units of OCC coursework
- Current enrollment at OCC
- Completion of 6 units in OCC Social/Behavioral Sciences courses with a 3.00 grade point average or higher among these courses
Qualifying Social and Behavioral Sciences Courses:
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American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Humanities, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
Membership Dues:
- Lifetime membership dues in the amount of $40 must be attached to completed applications in the form of a check or money order: made out to Orange Coast College
- Membership dues are used to provide resources for honors regalia, induction ceremony supplies, and to support student activities and fieldtrips.
Note: Current enrollment in courses does not count towards qualification. Only OCC courses with grades that are listed and highlighted on the transcripts will be considered.
PAM Application (PDF) General Information Form (PDF)
Deliver application, highlighted transcripts, and check for $40.00 payable to Orange Coast College: Garrison Honors Center
Leadership, Service, and Research
Regular participation and development in each of these areas form the foundation of a lifetime of personal and professional success.
Leadership ~ involves developing the skills needed to manage, direct, change, and lead others toward positive educational, civic, community, and career endeavors.
Service ~ involves adopting a philosophy of ongoing commitment to giving volunteer service in our communities.
Research ~ involves developing the critical thinking skills needed to participate and excel in scholarly research, writing, presentations at academic conferences.
- Scholarships and Awards are for Active Members only. Active members must have documented PAM service, leadership, or research hours using the PAM time cards
- Additional book scholarships (up to $200) are also available during selected semesters.
- Department faculty will select top students in the following departments to receive Certificates of Honor (i.e. Political Science Certificate of Honor): American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Humanities, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
To apply, contact the OCC Scholarship Office.