Engineering-Physics-Systems Research

Clubs and Societies

Students majoring in Physics or Pre-Engineering are encouraged to get involved with affiliated campus organizations. Several recommended groups and opportunities are listed below.

For more information about these and many other student groups on campus, check out this complete list.

Student Clubs

PC Physics Society

The Providence College chapter of The Society of Physics Students provides an academic based professional community for Providence College students that are interested in physics/engineering. They promote research, leadership, and innovation through activities and competitions. They strive to create a supportive environment where students are able to communicate professionally and network amongst themselves and alumni.

The SPS Physics Nationwide Organization is a chapter-based society that exists to help students transform themselves into contributing members of the professional community. Traditional coursework develops only one range of skills. Other skills needed to flourish professionally include effective communication and personal interactions, leadership experience, establishing a personal network of contacts, presenting scholarly work in professional meetings and journals, research experiences, and outreach services to the campus and local communities. Through its members, advisers, chapters, and leadership, SPS enables national initiatives and local impacts within the community. SPS supports students, advisers, and departments to improve the overall community.

PC SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science)

The PC Chapter of SACNAS aims to build a vibrant and inclusive community for STEM students on campus that fosters mentorship, professional networking, and academic growth. They are committed to cultivating an environment where students can connect, support one another, and celebrate the rich diversity of cultures that shape our shared experiences.

The National SACNAS organization continues to welcome a diverse membership of over 8,000 multicultural and multidisciplinary members, hold national annual meetings, and advocate for important issues related to the intersections between science, culture, and community.

Honor Societies

Physics Honor Society

Sigma Pi Sigma exists to honor outstanding scholarship in physics and astronomy, to encourage interest in physics and astronomy among students at all levels, to promote an attitude of service, and to provide a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics and astronomy. Founded in 1921, Sigma Pi Sigma is a member honor society of the Association of College Honor Societies. Election to Sigma Pi Sigma is a lifetime membership.

Undergraduate candidates must:

• Be a Physics or Pre-Engineering major.
• Be in the upper one-third of their class in general scholarship.
• Have completed at least three semesters of full-time college work.
• Have completed at least three semester courses in physics that can be credited toward a physics/pre-engineering major.

Sigma Xi at PC

Sigma Xi is an international scientific research honor society and one of the oldest and most prestigious honor societies in the world. Our chapter at Providence College was founded in 2008. In addition to nominating student researchers for Sigma Xi membership, our students have organized an annual research poster session in the fall and a banquet in the spring, and we have also supported students and faculty presenting at the society’s annual meeting.

Sigma Xi membership is open to students in any discipline who have conducted research in a field of pure or applied science, including the social sciences, health sciences, mathematics, neuroscience, history of science, STEM pedagogy, engineering, and the natural sciences. All Providence College students interested in and participating in research are welcome to join the chapter and be nominated for honor society membership.