"The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence."

Today Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territories, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United Arab Emirates and Palau. The innovative programs and services and array of membership benefits offered by Phi Theta Kappa are unequaled among honor societies. 

Phi Theta Kappa's mission is two-fold: 1) recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and (2) provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. Co-curricular programs focus upon the Society's Hallmark of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship. It is estimated that 200,000 students participate in Phi Theta Kappa programs each year. Annually, approximately 100,000 students are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa.

•  Members of Phi Theta Kappa may apply for more than $36 million in transfer scholarships, provided exclusively to Society members by more than 600 senior institutions.
• Enrollment in The Transfer Database, used by hundreds of senior colleges and universities to recruit Phi Theta Kappa transfer students.
• Letter of recommendation sent to a college admissions counselor, scholarship official or potential employer.
• Golden Key Membership Pin, Certificate of Membership, and a wallet-size Identification Card. 
• Members of Phi Theta Kappa may affix the Society’s Gold Diploma Seal, denoting Society membership, to their two-year college diploma.
• Members of Phi Theta Kappa may have their membership in the international honor society noted on their transcript, contingent on their college’s policy.
• Members of Phi Theta Kappa may wear the Society’s golden monogrammed Honors Stole and Tassel, at college commencement exercises, available through purchase, contingent on college policy.