Are You A Member of One or More Professional Associations?

CPD recommends that all students join at least one professional association in their field.  Associations are great networking resources and often hold conferences, post jobs and internships, and provide resources to keep members up to date on industry and field-specific trends.

The following is a list of suggested memberships, based on research and a poll of current students. Updated 10/19

Business and the Environment

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
cscmp.org


Student Membership Available? Yes
"the preeminent worldwide professional association dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of research and knowledge on supply chain management"

Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
wcs.org


Student Membership Available? Yes
"Women in Cleantech and Sustainability’s goal is to provide flexible access to our growing community domestically and internationally. WCS is expanding access to its high-quality events by opening them up to a virtual audience. This new virtual membership opportunity allows us to continue to provide high quality content, learn from one another, and connect with professionals from across the cleantech, energy and sustainability industries."
NetImpact!
netimpact.org
"a global community of students and professionals who want to become the most effective change agents they can be. Over 100,000 strong, our emerging leaders take on social challenges, protect the environment, invent new products and orient business toward the greater good. In short, we help our members turn their passions into a lifetime of world-changing action."

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Association of Climate Change Officers
accoonline.org
"a professional development organization that “defines, develops and supports the functions, resources and communities necessary for effective organizational leadership in addressing climate-related risks and opportunities.”
American Society of Adaptation Professionals
adaptationprofessionals.org


Student Membership Available? Yes
"professional home for people who are preparing for climate impacts in their jobs, in their communities, and in their fields of practice.

Earth Sciences

American Geophysical Union
agu.org


Student Membership Available? Yes
"a nonprofit organization of over 61,000 members from over 146 countries that "promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.”  It does this by "galvanizing a community of Earth and space scientists that collaboratively advance and communicate science and its power to ensure a sustainable future."
Geological Society of America
geosociety.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
"provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry"

Ecosystem and Wildlife Conservation

American Association of Zookeepers
aazk.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
"fosters professional development and personal connections" that "advance excellence in the animal keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life"

American Fisheries Society
fisheries.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
" the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources."
Association of Massachusetts Wetland Scientists
amws.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
"includes members from all over New England who are "wetland professionals with diverse expertise in wetland functional analysis, mitigation planning, delineation, plant propagation, regulatory policy, research and education"

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
aslo.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
"to foster a diverse, international scientific community that creates, integrates and communicates knowledge across the full spectrum of aquatic sciences, advances public awareness and education about aquatic resources and research, and promotes scientific stewardship of aquatic resources for the public interest." 
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
http://www.aza.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"provides its members the services, high standards and best practices needed to be leaders and innovators in animal care, wildlife conservation and science, conservation education, the guest experience, and community engagement"
American Society of Mammalogists
http://www.mammalsociety.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"a professional society of 2,500 members, many of whom are scientists, that promotes interest in the study of mammals"

CERF Local Chapter: New England Estuarine Society (NEERS)
neers.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
"NEERS is a non-profit organization with a wide ranging membership from scientific and educational institutions, federal, state, and municipal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the society is to bring together persons actively engaged in estuarine and coastal research and management for informal discussion and exchange of ideas."
Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation
http://www.erf.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"advances understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide" by "promoting research in estuarine and coastal ecosystems; supporting education of scientists, decision-makers and the public; and facilitating communication among these groups"
Ecological Society of America
www.esa.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
"promotes ecological science by improving communication among ecologists; raises the public’s level of awareness of the importance of ecological science; increases the resources available for the conduct of ecological science; and ensures the appropriate use of ecological science in environmental decision making by enhancing communication between the ecological community and policy-makers"
Entomological Society of America
http://www.entsoc.org/about-entomology

Student Membership Available? Yes
"the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and individuals in related disciplines"

International Mycorrhiza Society
http://www.mycorrhizas.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes

"a unique international scientific society involved in the advancement of education, research and development in the area of mycorrhizal symbiosis between plants and specialized soil fungi."

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 
iucn.org
 
Student Memberships Available: No
IUCN is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organisations. It harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organisations and the input of more than 18,000 experts. This diversity and vast expertise makes IUCN the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
Mycological Society of America
msafungi.org


Student Membership Available? Yes

"a scientific society dedicated to advancing the science of mycology – the study of fungi of all kinds including mushrooms, molds, truffles, yeasts, lichens, plant pathogens, and medically important fungi. Our scholarly journal Mycologia is one of the top mycological serials worldwide. Our bimonthly newsletter Inoculum keeps members up to date on fungal news of all kinds. MSA members meet annually to exchange information about all aspects of fungi"

Natural History Network
https://www.naturalhistorynetwork.co.uk/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"encourages integration among the sciences, arts, humanities, and education; advocates for support of natural history in all its forms, including discovery science, literary and visual arts, and field education; builds and supports an inclusive, collaborative community of naturalists; and promotes formal and informal natural history learning opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and settings"
Snow Leopard Network
snowleopardnetwork.org
"promote sound scientifically-based conservation of the endangered snow leopard through networking and collaboration between individuals, organizations, and governments."
Society for Conservation Biology
http://www.conbio.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
“an international professional organization dedicated to promoting the scientific study of the phenomena that affect the maintenance, loss, and restoration of biological diversity.  The Society's membership comprises a wide range of people interested in the conservation and study of biological diversity: resource managers, educators, government and private conservation workers, and students make up the more than 5,000 members world-wide.” 

Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS)
scgis.org

Student Membership Available? Yes

 

"a non-profit organization that assists conservationists worldwide in using GIS through communication, networking, scholarships, and training"

Society of Freshwater Biology (UK)
http://www.fba.org.uk/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"serves a global community, promoting freshwater science through membership services, research and information dissemination"

Society for Freshwater Science (SFS)
freshwater-science.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
" an international scientific organization whose purpose is to promote further understanding of freshwater ecosystems (rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries) and ecosystems at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial habitats (wetlands, bogs, fens, riparian forests, and grasslands). "

Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS)
sws.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
"to promote understanding, conservation, protection, restoration, science-based management, and sustainability of wetlands"
The Wildlife Society
http://www.wildlife.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"represents and serves the professional community of scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others who work actively to study, manage, and conserve wildlife and habitats worldwide."  It connects "professional wildlife managers, disseminates wildlife science, advocates for effective wildlife policy and law, and builds the active support of an informed citizenry."
Wildlife Conservation Society
wcs.org
"the world’s most comprehensive conservation organization" that "manages about 500 conservation projects in more than 60 countries"

Energy

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)
aabe.org
"a national association of energy professionals founded and dedicated to ensure the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies, regulations, R&D technologies, and environmental issues."
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
aceee.org
 "advances energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors" by "conducting in-depth technical and policy analyses; advising policymakers and program managers; working collaboratively with businesses, government officials, public interest groups, and other organizations; convening conferences and workshops, primarily for energy efficiency professionals; assisting and encouraging traditional and new media to cover energy efficiency policy and technology issues; and educating consumers and businesses through our reports, books, conference proceedings, press activities, and websites"
Association of Energy Engineers
aeecenter.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
"a professional organization with more than 16,000 members worldwide that provides information and networking in the dynamic fields of energy engineering, energy management, renewable & alternative energy, power generation, energy services, sustainability, and all related areas"
Association of Energy Service Professionals
aesp.org
"A network of energy practitioners practicing in natural gas utilities, public benefits associations, regulatory and non-profit entities, vendors, manufacturers and consulting firms” who are “dedicated to improving the delivery and implementation of energy efficiency, energy management and distributed renewable resources”
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
https://www.ashrae.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"a building technology society with more than 54,000 members worldwide" that "focuses on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education"
Canadian Green Building Council
http://www.cagbc.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"a professional organization that works to "change industry standards, develop best design practices and guidelines, advocate for green buildings, develop educational tools to support its members in implementing sustainable design and construction practices"

International Solar Energy Society
ises.org


Student Membership Available? Yes

 

"promotes solar research and development, provides authoritative advice on renewable energy issues worldwide, advocates for a sustainable global solar industry, supports career growth of Young ISES members, and promotes energy education at all levels"

National Association of Energy Service Companies
http://www.naesco.org/
"a trade organization that promotes energy efficiency to customers with “seminars, workshops, training programs, publications of case studies and guidebooks, and the compilation and dissemination of aggregate industry data”
US Green Building Council
usgbc.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
works to create "a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings".  USGBC achieves this through its "LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities."

Environmental Education

North American Association for Environmental Education
http://www.naaee.net/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"promotes environmental education through advocacy, pedagogical research, and professional developmental while amassing 16,000 members from more than thirty countries"
ELI Africa
eli-africa.org
a non-profit that "works with local residents, experts, and stakeholders to run educational projects for underprivileged youth by utilizing experiential, hands-on learning"
California Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators
https://aeoe.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"the state affiliate of the North American Association of Environmental Educators that provides professional development opportunities for naturalists and other program administrators"
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
http://www.aashe.org/
 "provides administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as the business that serve them, with thought leadership and essential knowledge resources; outstanding opportunities for professional development; and a unique framework for demonstrating the value and competitive edge created by sustainability initiatives"

Environmental Engineering/Engineering

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
nsbe.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
" envision a world in which engineering is a mainstream word in homes and communities of color, and all Black students can envision themselves as engineers. In this world, Blacks exceed parity in entering engineering fields, earning degrees, and succeeding professionally."

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineer (SHPE)
shpe.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
" a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community."

Environmental Health and Safety

NAEM
http://www.naem.org/
Student Membership Available? Yes
 “a professional association that empowers corporate leaders to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces, and promote global sustainability. NAEM provides peer-led educational conferences, benchmarking research and an active community for sharing solutions to today's corporate EHS and sustainability management challenges.”

Environmental Journalism

Society of Environmental Journalists
http://www.sej.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"an international organization of 1,400 journalists whose mission is “to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance public understanding of environmental issues”

Environmental Law and Policy

American Society of International Law
http://www.asil.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
 "Fosters the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations on the basis of law and justice"
Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide
http://www.elaw.org/
 “a global alliance of attorneys, scientists and other advocates collaborating across borders to promote grassroots efforts to build a sustainable, just future.”
Foreign Policy Organization
http://www.fpa.org/
"serves as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process."

Systems Dynamics Society
systemdynamics.org


Student Membership Available? Yes
 

A society that uses " a computer-aided approach to policy analysis and design.  It applies to dynamic problems arising in complex social, managerial, economic, or ecological systems — literally any dynamic systems characterized by interdependence, mutual interaction, information feedback, and circular causality."

Environmental or Ecology Economics

Green America
http://www.greenamerica.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
 "a not-for-profit membership organization" that "harnesses economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society"
Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
http://www.aere.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
 an "international professional association for economists working on the environment and natural resources" which provides a forum for "exchanging ideas, stimulating research, and promoting graduate training in environmental and resource economics"
European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
http://www.eaere.org/
an international scientific association which "contribute to the development and application of environmental and resource economics as a science in Europe; encourages and improves communication between teachers, researchers and students in environmental and resource economics in different European countries; and develops and encourages the cooperation between university level teaching institutions and research institutions in Europe"

Food and Agriculture/Food Security

Alpha Zeta
http://www.alphazeta.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"a professional organization of men and women whose educational and career objectives fall within the broadly defined field of agriculture and natural resources.  It is dedicated to the highest levels of scholarship, leadership, integrity and service."
Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture
http://www.pasafarming.org/
"the largest statewide, member-based sustainable farming organization in the United States" which "seeks to improve the economic viability, environmental soundness and social responsibility of food and farming systems in Pennsylvania and across the country"
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Rural Vermont
http://nofavt.org/
one of the oldest organic farming associations of "farmers, gardeners, and consumers who work to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations"

Forestry

Forest Stewards Guild
forestguild.org


Student Membership Available? Yes

 

"a professional organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals that practice and promote ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry."

International Society of Aboriculture
http://www.isa-arbor.com/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"promotes the cultivation, management, and study of trees through research, technology, and education while fostering a greater worldwide awareness of tree benefits"
Society of American Foresters
http://www.safnet.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
SAF has become the largest professional society of foresters in the world since its founding by Gifford Pinchot in 1900.  Its mission is “to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society.”

General Environment

Association of American Geographers
http://www.aag.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
 an international, nonprofit scientific and educational society that advances the study and practice of geography.  It’s members are geographers and related professionals who work in public, private, and academic sectors across more than sixty countries.

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
asq.org


Student Membership Available? Yes

"a global community of people dedicated to quality who share the ideas and tools that make our world work better. With individual and organizational members around the world, ASQ has the reputation and reach to bring together the diverse quality champions who are transforming the world’s corporations, organizations and communities to meet tomorrow’s critical challenges."

Association for Women In Science
http://www.awis.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"today's premiere leadership organization advocating the interests of women in science and technology. For nearly 40 years, the Association for Women in Science has fought for equity and career advancement for women – from the bench to the board room."
National Association of Environmental Professionals
http://www.naep.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
 a large, interdisciplinary organization that’s a nexus for the most recent information on environmental planning, research and management.
NetImpact
netimpact.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
 a nonprofit that empowers its membership of over 40,000 student and professional leaders “to drive social and environmental change on campus and throughout their careers.”  NetImpact provides the network and resources to accomplish these goals, culminating with their flagship annual conference. 

Project Management Institute (PMI)
pmi.org


Student Membership Available? Yes

"is the world's leading not-for-profit professional membership association for the project, program and portfolio management profession"

Sigma Xi
sigmaxi.org
 an international honor society of science and engineering researchers; membership by nomination and election only
Green Latinos
greenlatinos.org

Student Memberships Available: No
GreenLatinos is a national non-profit organization that convenes a broad coalition of Latino leaders committed to addressing national, regional and local environmental, natural resources and conservation issues that significantly affect the health and welfare of the Latino community in the United States.

Global Climate Change Science and Policy

American Meteorological Society
ametsoc.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
 “promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications.” 

Industrial Ecology

International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
incose.org


Student Membership Available? Yes

"a not-for-profit membership organization founded to develop and disseminate the interdisciplinary principles and practices that enable the realization of successful systems"

Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)
iienet2.org


Student Membership Available? Yes

"an international, nonprofit association that provides leadership for the application, education, training, research, and development of industrial engineering"

International Society for Industrial Ecology
is4ie.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
 a society that promotes industrial ecology as a framework for providing “innovative solutions to complicated environmental problems” and “facilitates communication among scientists, engineers, policymakers, managers and advocates who are interested in better integrating environmental concerns with economic activities.”

Social Ecology

American Anthropology Association
aaanet.org

Student Membership Available? Yes
 "the world's largest organization of individuals interested in anthropology" that "promotes the science of anthropology, stimulates and coordinates the efforts of American anthropologists, fosters local and other societies devoted to anthropology, serves as a bond among American anthropologists and anthropologic[al] organizations present and prospective, and publishes and encourages the publication of matter pertaining to anthropology"
Society for Applied Anthropology
sfaa.net

Student Membership Available? Yes
"promotes the integration of anthropological perspectives and methods in solving human problems throughout the world; advocates for fair and just public policy based upon sound research; promotes public recognition of anthropology as a profession; and supports the continuing professionalization of the field."
Society for American Archaeology
http://www.saa.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"an international organization dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. With more than 7,000 members, the society represents professional, student, and avocational archaeologists working in a variety of settings including government agencies, colleges and universities, museums, and the private sector"

STEM

National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Inc.
http://www.noglstp.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes

"a professional society that educates and advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics"

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
aises.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes but need to start own college chapter to join
"focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies and careers."

Black Data Processing Association (BDPA)
bdpa.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
" an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students at all levels in the fields of information technology, computer science and related S.T.E.M fields. Members are actively engaged in serving the community through outreach and charting the future of the IT industry. "

HENAAC Hispanics in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
greatmindsinstem.org


Student Membership Available?  No
"focuses on STEM educational awareness programs for students from kindergarten to career. Great Minds in STEM™ provides resources for recognition and recruitment of Hispanics in STEM on a national level, connecting multi-areas of engineering and science arenas to the general population."

Latinos in Science and Engineering (MAES)
mymaes.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
" the foremost Latino organization for the development of STEM leaders in the academic, executive, and technical communities. The mission is to promote, cultivate, and honor excellence in education and leadership among Latino engineers and scientists."

The National GEM Consortium
gemfellowship.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
"to enhance the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) at the master’s and doctoral levels in engineering and science."

The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
nobcche.org


Student Membership Available?  Yes
" a non-profit professional organization dedicated to assisting black and other minority students and professionals in fully realizing their potential in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits in chemistry, chemical engineering, and allied fields."

Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
sacnas.org


Student Membership Available?  No, need to start a chapter
"an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM"

Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
wcs.org


Student Membership Available? Yes
"Women in Cleantech and Sustainability’s goal is to provide flexible access to our growing community domestically and internationally. WCS is expanding access to its high-quality events by opening them up to a virtual audience. This new virtual membership opportunity allows us to continue to provide high quality content, learn from one another, and connect with professionals from across the cleantech, energy and sustainability industries."

Urban and Regional Planning

American Planning Association
http://www.planning.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
 “provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.” 
NEW! Congress for the New Urbanism
https://www.cnu.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
"New Urbanists share the conviction that our physical environment has a direct impact on our chances for happy, prosperous lives. Our movement includes professionals, leaders, advocates, citizens, and other like-minded organizations working to identify and address the range of issues impeding the development and redevelopment of well-designed neighborhoods, public places, commercial corridors and rural environments.

CNU works to unite that movement as a connector, convener, alliance builder, and teaching platform. Our staff, members, partners, and allies are the international thought leaders on building better places, and CNU helps bring them together. CNU is committed to ensuring that the benefits of good urbanism are available to all through our work on Equity and Inclusion."
Smart Growth America
http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/
a non-profit that is "dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring smart growth practices to more communities nationwide"

Water Resources Management

Water Environment Federation
http://www.wef.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
a technical and educational organization of 36,000 water quality professionals that provides “bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide.”
American Water Works Association
http://www.awwa.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water.  50,000 members “provide solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.” 
American Water Resources Association
http://www.awra.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
a non-profit organization that advances the water resources management, research, and education skills of engineers, educators, foresters, biologists, ecologists, geographers, managers, regulators, hydrologists and attorneys
International Water Association
https://iwa-network.org
 "a global reference point for water professionals" that helps them "create innovative, pragmatic and sustainable solutions to challenging global needs"
New England Water Environment Association
http://www.newea.org/

Student Membership Available? Yes
 "a dynamic organization of over 2100 highly qualified and motivated water and wastewater professionals from throughout New England, who volunteer their time, energy and expertise in order to preserve, protect and manage" New England's water environment
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