Prospective Members

About Alpha Chi Sigma

ALPHA CHI SIGMA IS A PROFESSIONAL FRATERNITY DEDICATED TO PROMOTING CHEMISTRY AND THE CHEMICAL SCIENCES.

Alpha Chi Sigma has supported the ambitions of professionals in the chemical sciences for over 123 years. Alpha Chi Sigma is gender inclusive and takes pride in our diverse membership.

Alpha Chi Sigma members include numerous Nobel Prize laureates, researchers on the cutting edge of chemical sciences, as well as the next generation of chemical professionals. Alpha Chi Sigma has 54 collegiate chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Alpha Chi Sigma currently has more than 2500 collegiate members majoring in many different chemistry-related disciplines. Since our founding in 1902, Alpha Chi Sigma has initiated over 80,000 members.

“THIS FRATERNITY HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS. EVEN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR OF BEING A BROTHER, THE FRATERNITY HAD ENRICHED MY LIFE SO MUCH THAT I COULD NEVER REPAY IT. IT WAS OVER A DECADE LATER THAT THE FRATERNITY AND BROTHERHOOD CAME TO MY RESCUE IN A WAY I COULDN’T HAVE CONCEIVED OF BEFORE THAT TIME.”

Jen Schnippert, Gamma Beta 2003

Brotherhood for Life

Membership in Alpha Chi Sigma is for life. Once our members finish college, they move on to our Professional Branch. Many of our professional members are employed throughout government, academia, and industrial professions.

Purely professional organizations have their place, and Alpha Chi Sigma encourages its members to become active in these organizations. Social fraternities also offer much to students. But only a professional fraternity—and Alpha Chi Sigma is the only national professional chemistry fraternity in the United States—can provide both collegiates and professionals in chemistry and related fields with the interests and bonds of a fraternity.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY SHOULD I JOIN ALPHA CHI SIGMA?

The benefits of joining Alpha Chi Sigma are defined by the objects of Alpha Chi Sigma:

THE FIRST OBJECT

TO BIND ITS MEMBERS WITH A TIE OF TRUE AND LASTING FRIENDSHIP.

Make meaningful connections with like-minded individuals throughout your collegiate and professional career.
Connect with students, faculty, and professionals in the chemical sciences, creating a support network in college and beyond.

THE SECOND OBJECT

TO STRIVE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF CHEMISTRY BOTH AS A SCIENCE AND AS A PROFESSION.

Help fellow students learn and understand the chemical sciences as a tutor or a mentor to other students.
Get involved with science outreach activities to bring the joys of science to a wide audience.

THE THIRD OBJECT

TO AID ITS MEMBERS BY EVERY HONORABLE MEANS IN THE ATTAINMENT OF THEIR OF THEIR AMBITIONS AS CHEMISTS THROUGHOUT THEIR MORTAL LIVES.

Learn leadership skills in high demand for a career in the chemical sciences as an integral part of a team dedicated to advancing the sciences.
Connect with Alpha Chi Sigma members in a wide variety of careers to learn about the different paths available to people in the chemical professions.
Be part of a large group of professionals throughout the world who can help you find your potential in a chemical profession.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALPHA CHI SIGMA →

HOW DO I JOIN?

New members are initiated into our organization through our Collegiate Chapters. If you are interested in joining, you will learn more about Alpha Chi Sigma’s history and mission during your pledge period with your campus Chapter. You will also be introduced and spend time with the other members of Alpha Chi Sigma who are active at your campus Chapter. New member paperwork will be completed and membership fees will be paid prior to your initiation. You will then participate in your Chapter’s new member initiation ceremony and will be welcomed as a new member of Alpha Chi Sigma. Membership in Alpha Chi Sigma is for life.

IS IT SAFE?

All Alpha Chi Sigma members and our Chapters are required to follow strict Health and Safety philosophy, policies, and procedures. Hazing of any kind is strictly prohibited. All of our Health & Safety documents can be found online on the Health & Safety page.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

New members pay a total of $375 to join Alpha Chi Sigma. The total includes a $65 pledge fee, a $200 Lifetime Membership fee, and a $110 surcharge for insurance. Local chapters may charge periodic dues to fund specific activities for the chapter, but once you have been initiated and paid the $375, you are a member of Alpha Chi Sigma for life.

CAN I START A COLLEGIATE CHAPTER?

Collegiate students can benefit from a local group that helps with their studies, organizes activities, and teaches them how to be leaders. We also provide opportunities to create lifelong friendships with others interested in chemistry. Opportunities for meeting members later can help with students’ employment, hiring, and future networking.

It costs nothing to establish a chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma. The expense of organizing and installing new chapters is borne by the national organization. However, faculty support and guidance are essential to developing a strong and successful chapter on your campus.

Membership is for life. Voluntary contributions from professional members are solicited annually. These funds are the greatest source of income through which the Fraternity carries out our programs.

If you are looking for information on starting a collegiate Chapter on your campus or reactivating one that is currently inactive, please email the Collegiate Expansion Committee Chair.