What Is Sigma Pi Sigma?

Sigma Pi Sigma (SPS) is the national honor society of physics students. Founded in 1921 at Davidson College in North Carolina, its purpose is to

  • honor outstanding scholarship in physics,
  • encourage interest in physics among students at all levels,
  • promote an attitude of service by its members towards their fellow students, colleagues, and the general public, and
  • provide a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics.

Membership is lifetime. Learn more about SPS and its programs.

The ECU Sigma Pi Sigma chapter was founded on May 10, 1972, and has inducted over 100 members. New members are inducted every spring, and physics majors who meet the requirements will receive an invitation to join SPS.

To be eligible for induction, undergraduate students must meet the following requirements:

  • completed PHYS 3416 (Modern Physics I);
  • completed two semesters of physics courses at ECU;
  • minimum 3.0 GPA in physics courses;
  • minimum 3.0 overall GPA.

The SPS advisor is Dr. Nathan Hudson. Please contact him if you have any questions.

Cost of Membership

Even though a new member pays dues only once, SPS membership is lifetime. Each new member pays (to the national office) an entrance fee of $54 at the time of their induction. The fee covers the cost of the official lapel pin, a certificate of membership, and a membership card. There are no annual dues or special assessment other than the original entrance fee. The fee must be paid prior to reception into the society.

Benefits of Membership

Additionally, all members of SPS receive complimentary subscriptions to Radiations magazine, the official publication of Sigma Pi Sigma. Members are also eligible for awards and the opportunity to attend PhysCon.

SPS membership has potential career benefits: The United States Civil Service Commission has stated that membership in a recognized national honor society (such as Sigma Pi Sigma) meets one of the requirements for entrance at the GS-7 level in numerous professional and technical occupations in the federal service.