Professional Associations Directory
Think about connecting with professional associations now. Reading their materials, attending conferences, and submitting papers for publication can expand your network, and will help you gain skills and experience in your area of interest.
Most of the associations listed below offer benefits to recent graduates and professional members, including subscriptions or discounts on association publications, group rates for health and life insurance, and professional conferences to facilitate networking and information sharing. The directory below lists brief descriptions for associations that are related to the engineering and science fields. Student membership offers many benefits, including access to online employment resources, and is generally inexpensive (annual dues generally range between $10 and $50). Once you've joined, you may list the association on your resume.
Confused about which associations to join? See Thayer School's individual faculty homepages for information on areas of professional research interests—including association memberships!
For suggestions on inclusions and/or updates in this directory, email Thayer Career Services or call Amy Keeler, Associate Director at 603-646-2375.
Air and Waste Management Association
The Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional organization that provides training, information, and networking opportunities to thousands of environmental professionals in 65 countries.
American Association for Artificial Intelligence
Founded in 1979, the American Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) is a nonprofit scientific society devoted to advancing the scientific understanding of the mechanisms underlying thought and intelligent behavior and their embodiment in machines. AAAI also aims to increase public understanding of artificial intelligence, improve the teaching and training of AI practitioners, and provide guidance for research planners and funders concerning the importance and potential of current AI developments and future directions.
American Association for the Advancement of Science
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest general scientific society, and publisher of the journal, Science (www.sciencemag.org).
American Astronautical Society
Formed in 1954, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) is the premier independent scientific and technical group in the United States exclusively dedicated to the advancement of space science and exploration. We are also committed to strengthening the global space program through cooperation with international space organizations.
American Ceramic Society
The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) is a 108-year-old non-profit organization that serves the informational, educational, and professional needs of the international ceramics community. The Society's more than 7,500 members comprise a wide variety of individuals and interest groups that include engineers, scientists, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, students, marketing and sales professionals, and others in related materials disciplines. ACerS provides members and subscribers in 80 countries with access to periodicals and books, meetings and expositions, and online technical information.
American Chemical Society
The American Chemical Society is a self-governed individual membership organization that consists of more than 163,000 members at all degree levels and in all fields of chemistry. The organization provides a broad range of opportunities for peer interaction and career development, regardless of professional or scientific interests. The programs and activities conducted by ACS today are the products of a tradition of excellence in meeting member needs that dates from the Society's founding in 1876.
American Geophysical Union
For over three quarters of a century, the American Geophysical Union has supplied an organizational framework within which geophysicists have created the programs and products needed to advance their science. From its beginnings as the representative of American geophysicists in the international scientific community, AGU has evolved beyond parochial boundaries of nation and discipline into an active community of over 41,000 scientists from 130 countries. AGU now stands as a leader in the increasingly interdisciplinary global endeavor that encompasses the geophysical sciences.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
For more than 65 years, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and its predecessors, has been the principal society of the aerospace engineer and scientist. Officially formed in 1963 through a merger of the American Rocket Society (ARS) and the Institute of Aerospace Sciences (IAS), the purpose was, and still is, "to advance the arts, sciences, and technology of aeronautics and astronautics, and to promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits." Both ARS and IAS brought to the relationship a long and eventful history—stretching back to 1930 and 1932, respectively—and each left its mark on the Institute. The merger combined the imaginative, opportunistic, and risk-taking desire of those rocket, missile, and space professionals with the more established, well-recognized achievers from the aviation community.
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, AIChE, was founded in 1908. AIChE is a professional association of more than 50,000 members that provides leadership in advancing the chemical engineering profession. Its members are creative problem-solvers who use their scientific and technical knowledge to develop processes and design and operate plants to make useful products at a reasonable cost. AIChE fosters and disseminates chemical engineering knowledge, supports the professional and personal growth of its members, and applies the expertise of its members to address societal needs throughout the world.
American Nuclear Society
The American Nuclear Society is a not-for-profit, international, scientific and educational organization. It was established by a group of individuals who recognized the need to unify the professional activities within the diverse fields of nuclear science and technology. December 11, 1954, marks the Society's historic beginning at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. ANS has since developed a multifarious membership composed of approximately 11,000 engineers, scientists, administrators, and educators representing 1,600 plus corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies.
American Physical Society
The American Physical Society was founded on May 20, 1899, when 36 physicists gathered at Columbia University for that purpose. They proclaimed the mission of the new Society to be "to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics", and in one way or another the APS has been at that task ever since. The APS has fourteen divisions and nine topical groups covering all areas of physics research. There are six forums that reflect the interest of its 43,000 members in broader issues, and eight sections organized by geographical region.
American Society for Engineering Education
The American Society for Engineering Education is a nonprofit member association, founded in 1893, dedicated to promoting and improving engineering and technology education. ASEE is more than 12,000 deans, professors, instructors, students and industry representatives.
American Society for Precision Engineering
The American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE) is a multidisciplinary technical society whose mission is to advance the art and science of precision design, manufacturing and measurement for the betterment of society. In short, ASPE is dedicated to the continuous pursuit of the next decimal place.
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers is an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in St Joseph, Michigan, ASABE comprises 9,000 members in more than 100 countries.
American Society of Civil Engineers
The American Society of Civil Engineers's mission is to provide essential value to our members, their careers, our partners and the public by developing leadership, advancing technology, advocating lifelong learning and promoting the profession.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, today ASME International is a nonprofit educational and technical organization serving a worldwide membership of 125,000.
American Society of Naval Engineers
Purposes of the American Society of Naval Engineers:
- to advance the knowledge and practice of naval engineering in public and private applications and operations,
- to enhance the professionalism and well-being of members, and
- to promote naval engineering as a career field.
Arctic Institute of North America
Created by an Act of Parliament in 1945, the Arctic Institute of North America is a non-profit membership organization and a multi-disciplinary research Institute of the University of Calgary. The Institute's mandate is to advance the study of the North American and circumpolar Arctic through the natural and social sciences, the arts and humanities and to acquire, preserve and disseminate information on physical, environmental and social conditions in the North.
Association for Computing Machinery
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to advancing the arts, sciences, and applications of information technology. With a world-wide membership ACM is a leading resource for computing professionals and students working in the various fields of Information Technology, and for interpreting the impact of information technology on society.
Association for Facilities Engineering
The Association for Facilities Engineering provides education, certification, technical information and other relevant resources for plant and facility engineering, operations and maintenance professionals worldwide.
Association for Manufacturing Excellence
The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), founded in 1985, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to cultivating understanding, analysis and exchange of productivity methods and their successful application in the pursuit of excellence. We are practitioner-based, and our events and workshops focus on hands-on learning. AME publishes the award-winning Target magazine and puts on several regional and national events each year.
Association of Energy Engineers
The Association of Energy Engineers is your source for information on the dynamic field of energy efficiency, utility deregulation, facility management, plant engineering, and environmental compliance. With a full array of information outreach programs from technical seminars, conferences, books to critical buyer-seller networking tradeshows, job listings, and certification programs, AEE offers a variety of information resource tools. As a growing membership organization, the overall strength of AEE is highlighted by a strong membership base of over 8,000 professionals and recognized certification programs. The Association's network of 67 local chapters meet to discuss regional issues.
Association of Iron & Steel Engineers
The Association of Iron and Steel Engineers is the largest member-based technical organization in the global steel industry with members representing every steel-producing country in the world. Our mission is to advance the technical and engineering phases of the production and processing of iron and steel. The membership is composed of executive, research, engineering, technical support, operating and maintenance personnel of the iron and steel industry as well as representatives of companies supplying equipment, technology and service to the industry. In support of its mission, AISE sponsors a balanced program of activities promoting the exchange of process, equipment, engineering and reliability technologies and experience among members and the steel community worldwide.
Audio Engineering Society Incorporated
The Audio Engineering Society, now in its fifth decade, is the only professional society devoted exclusively to audio technology. Its membership of leading engineers, scientists and other authorities has increased dramatically throughout the world, greatly boosting the society's stature and that of its members in a truly symbiotic relationship. The AES serves its members, the industry and the public by stimulating and facilitating advances in the constantly changing field of audio. It encourages and disseminates new developments through annual technical meetings and exhibitions of professional equipment, and through the Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, the professional archival publication in the audio industry.
Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute
The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute is made up of hundreds of structural engineers and other design professionals who are finding a better way to produce safe and efficient designs for commercial and residential structures with cold-formed steel.
Corrosion Society - NACE
NACE stands for The National Association of Corrosion Engineers.
The National Association of Corrosion Engineers was established in 1943 by eleven corrosion engineers in the pipeline industry. These founding members were involved in a regional cathodic protection group formed in the 1930s, when the study of cathodic protection was introduced. With more than 60 years of experience in developing corrosion prevention and control standards, NACE International has become the largest organization in the world committed to the study of corrosion.
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute is a national, nonprofit, technical society of engineers, geoscientists, architects, planners, public officials, and social scientists. EERI members include researchers, practicing professionals, educators, government officials, and building code regulators. The objective of EERI is to reduce earthquake risk by advancing the science and practice of earthquake engineering, by improving understanding of the impact of earthquakes on the physical, social, economic, political and cultural environment, and by advocating comprehensive and realistic measures for reducing the harmful effects of earthquakes.
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
With more than one-fourth of its approximately 8,000 members residing outside of the United States, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) is the largest international society of Biomedical Engineers in terms of the number of individual members. EMBS has been serving the needs of Biomedical Engineers throughout the world since the early 1950's and through its leadership is striving to develop new ways to serve its members with workshops, publications, and distinguished lecture series.
Engineering Society
Founded in 1895, as the Association of Graduate Engineers of the University of Michigan, The Engineering Society of Detroit has evolved into the nation's largest multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific society of its kind. With thousands of members throughout the Great Lakes Region, ESD unites engineers, scientists, architects and those in related technical fields. The Society's programs and services are dedicated to the enhancement of professional development, the advancement of technology and the promotion of the engineering and scientific professions, thereby enabling positive contributions to society.
Fluid Power Society
The Fluid Power Society is the International Organization for Fluid Power and Related Motion Control Professionals. It has Chapters in major cities and has Student Chapters in leading Fluid Power Educational Institutions. The Society's services include Education, Certification and Professionalism for Fluid Power and Motion Control Professionals.
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society's mission is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and devices of all kinds.
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America is the recognized technical authority on illumination. For over ninety years its objective has been to communicate information on all aspects of good lighting practice to its members, to the lighting community, and to consumers through a variety of programs, publications, and services. The strength of the IESNA is its diversified membership: engineers, architects, designers, educators, students, contractors, distributors, utility personnel, manufacturers, and scientists, all contributing to the mission of the Society: to advance knowledge and disseminate information for the improvement of the lighted environment to the benefit of society.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
The IEEE (Eye-triple-E) is a non-profit, technical professional association of more than 360,000 individual members in approximately 175 countries. The full name is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., although the organization is most popularly known and referred to by the letters I-E-E-E. Through its members, the IEEE is a leading authority in technical areas ranging from computer engineering, biomedical technology and telecommunications, to electric power, aerospace and consumer electronics, among others.
Institute of Industrial Engineers
The Institute of Industrial Engineers is the world's largest professional society dedicated solely to the support of the industrial engineering profession and individuals involved with improving quality and productivity. Founded in 1948, IIE is an international, non-profit association that provides leadership for the application, education, training, research, and development of industrial engineering. With more than 15,000 members and 280 chapters worldwide, IIE's primary mission is to meet the ever-changing needs of its membership, which includes undergraduate and graduate students, engineering practitioners and consultants in all industries, engineering managers, and engineers in education, research, and government.
Institute of Navigation
The Institute of Navigation is a non-profit professional society dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of navigation. It serves a diverse community including those interested in air, space, marine, land navigation, and position determination. Although basically a national organization, its membership is worldwide, and it is affiliated with the International Association of Institutes of Navigation.
Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society
The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society is a 38,000-member global, nonprofit, educational organization connecting people and ideas in automation + control. The Society fosters advancement in the theory, design, manufacture, and use of sensors, instruments, computers, and systems for automation + control in a wide variety of applications. In addition to hosting the largest conferences and exhibitions for automation + control in the Western Hemisphere, ISA is a leading technical training organization and a respected publisher of books, magazines, and standards. ISA also serves the professional development and accreditation needs of Control Systems Engineers (CSE), instrument technicians, and others within the field of automation + control.
International Association of Hydraulic Engineers
IAHR, the International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research, particularly promotes the advancement and exchange of knowledge through working groups, specialty symposia, congresses, and publications on water resources, river and coastal hydraulics, risk analysis, energy, environment, disaster prevention, industrial processes.
International Council on Systems Engineering
The International Council on Systems Engineering fosters the definition, understanding, and practice of World Class Systems Engineering in industry, academia, and government. INCOSE is an international organization formed to develop, nurture, and enhance the interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems. INCOSE is a dynamic and growing organization. In some 10 short years since its foundation, its growth has exceeded 4000 members and 33 chartered chapters worldwide (with a dozen more on the way).
International Society for Optical Engineering - SPIE
SPIE is a not-for-profit society that has become the largest international force for the exchange, collection and dissemination of knowledge in optics, photonics and imaging. Founded in 1955, SPIE is the growing legacy of those who seek to learn, discover and innovate by building a better world with light.
International Society of Explosives Engineers
The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) was formed in 1974 as a professional society dedicated to promoting the safe and controlled use of explosives in mining, quarrying, construction, manufacturing, demolition, aerospace, forestry, avalanche control, art, automotives, special effects, exploration, seismology, agriculture, law enforcement, and many other peaceful uses of explosives.
With more than 4,500 members from 90 countries and with 35 Chapters in the US, Canada, Australia, and South America, the Society is recognized as a world leader in providing explosives technology, education, and information, and promoting public understanding of the benefits of explosives. In addition, ISEE, with individual members acting as resources, has consistently been at the forefront of efforts to address legislation and regulation on the use of explosives at the international, federal and state level.
International Society of Industrial Ecology
The International Society of Industrial Ecology is a new society that promotes industrial ecology as a way of finding innovative solutions to complicated environmental problems and facilitates communication among scientists, engineers, policymakers, managers and advocates who are interested in how environmental concerns and economic activities can be better integrated.
Laser Institute of America
The Laser Institute of America is the professional membership society dedicated to fostering lasers, laser applications and safety worldwide. Serving the industrial, medical, research and government communities, LIA offers technical information and networking opportunities to laser users from around the globe.
Masonry Society
The Masonry Society is an international gathering of people interested in the art and science of masonry. It is a professional, technical, and educational association dedicated to the advancement of knowledge on masonry. TMS members are design engineers, architects, builders, researchers, educators, building officials, material suppliers, manufacturers, and others who want to contribute to and benefit from the global pool of knowledge on masonry.
Materials Information Society
Since our founding in 1913, ASM International has existed to provide a means for exchanging information and professional interaction. Today, our role has expanded to serve the technical interests of metals and materials professionals all over the world - but providing information and interaction remains our main purpose.
Materials Research Society
The Materials Research Society is a not-for-profit organization which brings together scientists, engineers and research managers from industry, government, academia and research laboratories to share findings in the research and development of new materials of technological importance. Founded in 1973, MRS now consists of more than 12,600 members from the United States—as well as over 50 other countries. The Society is different from that of single discipline professional societies because it encourages communication and technical information exchange across the various fields of science affecting materials.
Microbeam Analysis Society
The Microbeam Analysis Society is an organization of professionals who work with or have an active interest in microbeam instrumentation. Microbeam instrumentation includes, but is not limited to, instruments utilizing electron, ion, or photon beams to characterize any material, organic, inorganic, or biological. The Society provides a forum for members from industrial and academic settings, engaged in research, development, analysis and instrument manufacturing, to exchange ideas and practical experience. The constitution of the MAS states, "The purpose of this Society shall be to advance and diffuse knowledge concerning the principles and applications of microbeam instruments or related instrumentation, and to provide continuity, advanced planning, and a financing mechanism for annual meetings."
Microscopy Society of America
The Microscopy Society of America (MSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the knowledge of the science and practice of all microscopical imaging, analysis and diffraction techniques useful for elucidating the ultrastructure and function of materials in diverse areas of biological, materials, medical and physical sciences.
Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society of the American Institute of Mechanical Engineers
Headquartered in the United States but international in both its membership and activities, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) is a rare professional organization that encompasses the entire range of materials and engineering, from minerals processing and primary metals production to basic research and the advanced applications of materials. Included among its nearly 10,000 professional and student members are metallurgical and materials engineers, scientists, researchers, educators, and administrators from more than 70 countries on six continents.
In support of its mission, the society provides forums for the exchange of information; promotes technology transfer; promotes the education and development of current and future professionals; represents the profession in the accreditation of educational programs and in the registration of professional engineers (a U.S.-grounded activity); encourages professionalism, ethical behavior, and concern for the environment; and stimulates a worldwide sense of unity in the profession.
National Society of Black Engineers
The National Society of Black Engineers's mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. NSBE is comprised of more than 300 chapters on college and university campuses, 75 Alumni Extension chapters nationwide and 75 Pre-College chapters. These chapters are geographically divided into six regions.
Society for Biomaterials
Since the 1950s, the research field of biomaterials has evolved from a side interest of pioneering engineers, dentists, and surgeons into a multi-disciplinary effort where professionals from dozens of different disciplines and educational backgrounds contribute significantly to the success of surgical, dental, and medical devices. Biomaterialists include physical scientists, engineers, dentists, biological scientists, surgeons, and veterinary practitioners in industry, government, clinical specialties, and academic settings. Biomaterials scientists study the properties of biological cells, their components, and complexes such as tissues and organs in their interactions with synthetic substances and implanted prosthetic devices. Biomaterials engineers develop and characterize the materials used to measure, restore and improve physiologic function, and enhance survival and quality of life. The Society For Biomaterials is a professional society which promotes advances in all phases of materials research and development by encouragement of cooperative educational programs, clinical applications, and professional standards in the biomaterials field. Internationally recognized leaders in the biomaterials field participate in the Society and sponsored events.
Society for Experimental Mechanics
The Society for Experimental Mechanics is composed of international members from academia, government, and industry who are committed to interdisciplinary application, research and development, education, and active promotion of experimental methods to: (a) increase the knowledge of physical phenomena; (b) further the understanding of the behavior of materials, structures and systems; and (c) provide the necessary physical basis and verification for analytical and computational approaches to the development of engineering solutions.
Society for Modeling and Simulation International
Established in 1952, The Society for Modeling & Simulation International (SCS) is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven corporation (dba Simulation Councils, Inc.) managed by a Board of Directors & a President's Council. SCS is the only technical Society dedicated to advancing the use of modeling & simulation to solve real-world problems. SCS is the principal technical society devoted to the advancement of simulation and allied computer arts in all fields. The purpose of SCS is to facilitate communication among professionals in the field of simulation.
Society of American Military Engineers
The mission of the Society of American Military Engineers is to promote and facilitate engineering support for national security by developing and enhancing relationships and competencies among uniformed services, public and private sector engineers, and related professionals.
Society of Automotive Engineers
SAE is a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to advancing mobility technology to better serve humanity. Over 83,000 engineers and scientists, who are SAE members, develop technical information on all forms of self-propelled vehicles including automobiles, trucks and buses, off-highway equipment, aircraft, aerospace vehicles, marine, rail, and transit systems. SAE disseminates this information through its meetings, books, technical papers, magazines, standards, reports, professional development programs, and electronic databases.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community. The concept of Networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Where Manufacturing Comes Together - both people and information - to advance manufacturing knowledge. Innovation, productivity, flexibility, and continuous improvement are key ingredients to success in the constantly evolving world of manufacturing. At the core of everything SME does is the belief that continuous learning is the most effective way for individuals and organizations to accomplish these objectives and gain a sustainable competitive advantage. Since it was formed in 1932, SME has worked to make engineers, companies, educators and others successful in their quest to advance the manufacturing industries.
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), is the leading technical society for the motion imaging industry. SMPTE members are spread throughout 85 countries worldwide. As well, over 250 Sustaining (Corporate) Members belong to SMPTE, allowing networking and contacts to occur on a larger scale. Touching on every discipline, our members include engineers, technical directors, cameramen, editors, technicians, manufacturers, educators, and consultants.
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers is an internationally recognized nonprofit, technical, professional society of individual members serving the maritime and offshore industries and their suppliers. SNAME is dedicated to advancing the art, science and practice of naval architecture, shipbuilding and marine engineering, encouraging the exchange and recording of information, sponsoring applied research, offering career guidance and supporting education, and enhancing the professional status and integrity of its membership.
Society of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers is the largest non-profit educational and service organization representing both student and professional women in engineering and technical fields.
Standards Engineering Society
The Standards Engineering Society was established in 1947 to promote the use of standards and standardization. Its membership is worldwide.
Young Professionals in Energy
Young Professionals in Energy (YPE) is a non-profit organization with more than 40,000 members worldwide. By providing a forum for networking and career development through social, educational and civic service opportunities, YPE aims to facilitate the advancement of young professionals in the global energy industry. YPE runs a year-round calendar of events in 40 chapters around the world.