Member Categories

Join the leading professional society for optics & photonics…
OSA’s membership is comprised of the world’s leading scientists, educators, engineers, students and business professionals with an interest in optics and photonics.

OSA offers a large range of member categories that provide benefits and services that are tailored to fit the diverse needs of today’s scientific community. Select the category that suits you best!

Regular Member –
This category is targeted to the needs of scientists, engineers, academicians, and individuals with an interest in optics and photonics.  Learn about Regular Member benefits and dues

Student Member –
Any bona fide student, undergraduate or graduate, of an educational institution of collegiate grade who is devoting more than half-time to studies within the institution is eligible for membership as a Student Member. Learn about Student Member benefits and dues

Student Graduated Member –
Upon graduation, OSA Student Members receive discounted Regular Membership dues. Please note: Graduated Student Members receive the Regular Member subscription discounts. Learn about Student Graduated Member benefits and dues

Teacher Member –
This category is tailored to primary and secondary school science teachers with an interest in optics education.  Learn about Teacher Member benefits and dues

Emeritus Member –
Members are eligible for Emeritus status when they have been a Regular Member or Fellow Member for at least 10 years and are fully retired. To qualify for Emeritus Membership, a member'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 Member –
This membership category is awarded in recognition of those who have contributed to the advancement of optics. The OSA by-laws limit the number of Fellow Members to 10% of the total OSA membership.  Learn about Fellow Member benefits and dues

Honorary Member –
This membership category is awarded to individuals who have made unique, unparalleled contributions to the field of optics. Only one Honorary Member is selected during a calendar year. Honorary Members are elected by a unanimous vote of the OSA Board of Directors. Learn about Honorary Member benefits and dues

Learn more about OSA 5-Year and Lifetime Membership