Member Categories

Please select the member category that matches your needs and interests.

Individual Membership
Individual Members are scientists, engineers, academicians, business people or others with an interest in optics and photonics. Learn about Individual Member benefits and dues.

Student Membership
Student Members are college level undergraduate or graduate students who devote at least half of their time to academic coursework. Learn about Student Member benefits and dues.

Recent Graduate Membership
Recent Graduate Members are individuals who have graduated from a college-level degree program within the last three years. Members qualify for this category for the three years immediately following their graduation. Learn about Recent Graduate Member benefits and dues.

Teacher Membership
Teacher Members are primary, secondary or community college educators. Learn about Teacher Member benefits and dues.

Emeritus Membership
Individuals are eligible for Emeritus Membership when they have been an Individual Member for at least 10 years and are fully retired. To qualify, an individual’s age plus the number of years of OSA membership must equal a minimum of 75 years. Learn about Emeritus Member benefits and dues.

Fellow Membership
The OSA Fellow designation is awarded to select OSA Regular Members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of optics. Candidates for Fellow Membership are nominated by peers who are themselves OSA Fellows. Learn about Fellow Member benefits and dues.

Honorary Membership
The most distinguished of all OSA member categories, honorary membership is awarded to those who have made unique, unparalleled contributions to the field of optics. Learn about Honorary Member benefits.

Senior Membership
OSA Senior Membership provides well-established individuals with the opportunity to apply for a designation that recognizes their experience and professional accomplishments or service within their field. Learn about Senior Member benefits and dues.