Joining SPS Unlocks a Universe of Great Benefits!
SPS membership is the best thing for your career since choosing to study physics or astronomy! Benefits include free subscriptions to The SPS Observer and Physics Today, access to scholarship and internship opportunities, and the chance to attend our Physics and Astronomy Congress and other great events. Individual membership dues are just $24* per year. Or, save by choosing a group or chapter membership.
Ready to become part of the larger physics & astronomy community?
Start your individual membership today.
Group Memberships — Save Up To 25% by Joining with Friends
The more people you get to join SPS, the larger the discount off your annual membership dues.
- 5-9 members: save 5%
- 10-24 members: save 15%
- 25-39 members: save 20%
- 40+ members: save 25%
Members in this program receive all benefits of the individual membership, including a print copy of The SPS Observer. Advisors will also receive a special SPS Care Package once payment has been received. This discount is open to undergrads, grad students, faculty and staff.
Chapter Memberships — Pay Once, Welcome Everyone. Rates Start at $200
Want to include everyone in SPS? Interested in improving student retention? An unlimited number of people from your chapter can join for one flat rate!
Rates vary by institution type and location:
- 4-year Colleges and Universities**: $350 per year
- 2-year Colleges: $200 per year
- Non-US/Canada/Mexico International Chapters**: $200 per year
Members receive the same benefits as individual membership (including Physics Today and membership in two AIP Member Societies) with the exception of an electronic subscription to The SPS Observer rather than print. This discount is open to undergrads, grad students, faculty and staff affiliated with a single college or university.
To start your individual membership, head to our membership site to create a profile and pay your first year of dues.
To join as a group or chapter, fill out the Chapter Membership form below and return it to sps@aip.org in xlxs format.
Chapter Membership Form (.xlsx, 1 mb)You can pay your dues online or by sending a check or money order to:
SPS National Office - Membership
1 Physics Ellipse
College Park MD 20740
Please note that processing can take up to 10 business days.
* Individual membership dues are $30.00 per year for addresses outside of the US and Canada. The additional dues cover international shipping for The SPS Observer; members outside of the US and Canada will receive Physics Today in online format.
** Membership lists larger than 200 names will be assessed an additional $150 processing fee.
*** Chapters can petition for a reduced rate, based on local situations. Some items may not be physically mailed.
- Physics Today - A monthly award-winning publication*
- The SPS Observer - A quarterly magazine for undergraduate physics and astronomy students
- SPS News eNewsletter - A bi-weekly briefing of everything you need know
- Jobs: Access to the SPS Jobs site
- Careers: Learn about physicist profiles, Resources and the Careers Toolbox
- Scholarships: SPS scholarships include the SPS Leadership, SPS Future Teacher, Community College, and more!
- Leadership: Run for the SPS Council
- SPS Internships - 10-week-paid internship program for SPS members
- Travel funds: SPS Travel awards if you are presenting
- Science writing: SPS Reporter awards if you report on a conference
- Support your mentor: SPS Outstanding Chapter Advisor award
- Research awards: SPS Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research
- Host a regional meeting: SPS Zone Meeting Awards
- Regional (Zone) Meetings
- Attend professional society meetings
- Apply for free outreach materials and kits (SOCKs)
- Free membership with two AIP Member Societies for undergraduates only, for up to three years.
- Free joint membership in the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) or the National Society of Hispanic Physicists (NSHP)
- Free membership in two of the physical science societies below