Why Join Rho Theta?
Membership in Sigma Tau Delta offers an academic and creative community with professional opportunities.
A community of readers, writers, and scholars — right here at SMU.
Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society, one of the largest academic honor societies in the United States. Founded in 1924, it exists to recognize and celebrate excellence in the study of language and literature at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
Rho Theta Chapter
Rho Theta is theSigma Tau Delta Chapter at Southern Methodist University. As a student-run, faculty-advised organization, Rho Theta brings together English majors across concentrations — literature and creative writing— in a shared space for intellectual community, meaningful conversation, and professional growth.
"A word after a word after a word is power." – Margaret Atwood
Sigma Tau Delta's international mission is threefold: to honor academic achievement in English studies, to foster a vibrant literary culture on campus and in the wider community, and to encourage both creative and critical writing. Rho Theta carries that mission forward at SMU with events, publications, and connections that extend well beyond the classroom.
Membership Eligibility
Rho Theta follows the eligibility standards set by Sigma Tau Delta's international organization. Eligible students are typically invited for induction during the spring semester of their sophomore year, though invitations may also extend to qualifying seniors and graduate students.
REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE Declared Major: English Completed Courses: At least three English courses at the college level Overall GPA: 3.0 or higher English GPA: 3.5 or higher in English coursework Class Standing: Sophomore or above Induction: Formal ceremony held each spring *Requirements are subject to final confirmation by the chapter advisor. Please contact us with any questions about your eligibility.