Student Organizations
- Alpha Phi Sigma (APS) National Criminal Justice Honor Society
- Chi Pi Sigma Fraternity
- Forensic Science Students (FSS) Club
Alpha Phi Sigma (APS) National Criminal Justice Honor Society
Alpha Phi Sigma is the only National Criminal Justice Honor Society for Justice Studies majors. The society recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate, graduate students of criminal justice, as well as juris doctorate.
In September, 1941, Dr. Vivian Anderson Leonard was asked by the president of Washington State University if he would accept the directorship of a Police Science Academic Program at Washington State. Dr. Leonard accepted the offer and became responsible for developing a four-year curriculum which would lead to a Bachelor's Degree in Police Administration.
Upon his arrival at Washington State, Dr. Leonard began to realize how important it was that a Police Science Honorary be established. The purpose of this honorary would be to promote excellence in scholarship and performance. In January, 1942, Dr. Leonard met with seventeen Police Science majors at Washington State and Alpha Phi Sigma was established. Glenn Hill was elected as the first president and appointed a committee to draft the first Constitution and By-laws.
During its initial years Alpha Phi Sigma experienced only limited growth, but on March 24, 1976 in Dallas, Texas, the Executive Board of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences voted unanimously to designate Alpha Phi Sigma as the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. At this time, Alpha Phi Sigma had only fourteen chapters; however, since then, Alpha Phi Sigma has continued to grow and prosper at a very rapid rate and there are now over five hundred and fifty chapters.
We are the Iota chapter of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society at San José State University. Our mission as a group is to foster the betterment of ourselves through academic integrity and helpful activity. We are dedicated to making a difference on our campus, as well as in our community, and in the Justice Studies society. The goal of Alpha Phi Sigma shall be to honor and promote our four pillars: academic excellence, leadership, unity, and community service.
Visit the Alpha Phi Sigma Iota Chapter website
Chi Pi Sigma Fraternity
Chi Pi Sigma is a coeducational, professional, criminal justice fraternity exclusively at San Josè State University. Student members are individuals, of varying majors, with career goals in the criminal justice system such as: law, law enforcement, probation, corrections, and so on. For over 75 years, our student members have gone into these respective fields on a local, state, and federal level, as well as the private sector. The primary objective of the Fraternity is to assist members with occupational preparedness, career selection, career acquisition and to provide a fertile environment for academic study and social networking. Chi Pi Sigma also supports and promotes the Justice Studies Department, strives to improve the campus environment and makes positive contributions to the local community through numerous volunteer opportunities and committee involvement. Email us at ChiPiSigmaSJSU@gmail.com to learn more and to find out how to become a member.
Visit the Chi Pi Sigma website
Forensic Science Club (FS Club)
Forensic Science Club (FS Club) provides an open environment for students interested in forensic science. We promote exchanging of information on coursework, scholarships, and encourage peer-to-peer mentoring. We provide social outings to establish networking outside of school and to bond with colleagues. We also facilitate contacts within the forensic science community in order to provide internships, guest speakers and future job opportunities.
