Alpha Phi Sigma was established in January 1942 at Washington State University by Vivian Anderson Leonard, director of the police science academic program, and seventeen students.

[3] Alpha Phi Sigma's motto is "To Honor and Promote Academic Excellence; Community Service; Educational Leadership and Unity".

Undergraduate students shall be enrolled at the time of application in the institution represented by the chapter, have declared a major, minor or equivalent in the criminal justice or related field, have completed three full-time semesters or its equivalent, have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, with a minimum GPA of 3.2 in courses in criminal justice related fields and rank in the top 35% of their class.

In addition, all Masters level coursework must equate to a 3.4 GPA or higher at the institution in which the student is enrolled.

Doctoral Students shall be enrolled at the time of application in a Ph.D. program in the Criminal Justice/ related field in the institution represented by the chapter; have completed four courses, have a minimum GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale.

Law School Students must have completed their first academic semester, with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, on a 4.0 scale.