Alpha Sigma Mu: Reviews and Requirements. Is it worth it?
What is the history of Alpha Sigma Mu?
Alpha Sigma Mu was established in 1932 by the faculty of the Metallurgy Department of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology (now Michigan Technological University) in Houghton, Michigan.
In 1956, the national officers of Alpha Sigma Mu approached the American Society for Metals to assume the business management of the society. In 1957, ASM assumed the business management of the society and the organization prospered. In May of 1978, Alpha Sigma Mu had grown to 33 chapters with 200 new members added yearly.
For the next 20 years, Alpha Sigma Mu was run by Professor Richard Connell of the University of Florida. Richard singlehandedly handled the affairs of the society but he passed away in 2007. After the death of Richard Connell, Jack Simon (retired GM executive, Michigan Tech alumnus, and Alpha Sigma Mu member) undertook a complete reorganization, and established an executive committee and board of directors.
What are the requirements to be in Alpha Sigma Mu?
Student members are nominated by the faculty advisors of active Alpha Sigma Mu chapters.
- Undergraduate students should have Junior standing or above, and should have a GPA in the upper 25% of eligible students.
- Graduate students should have a GPA in the upper 50% of eligible students, or show exceptional promise as a researcher.
What are the key benefits of being a member of Alpha Sigma Mu?
Alpha Sigma Mu International Professional Honor Society is dedicated to encouraging and recognizing excellence in the materials engineering field. Members consist of students, alumni, and other professionals who have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. Student members are selected on the basis of scholastic standing, character and leadership. Through Chapter involvement, students develop lifelong skills that prepare them for leadership positions in industry and academia.
Based on the information, here is our review:
Our first observation was: that this society is specifically designed for materials engineering, which is a very niche field.
Our second observation was: that through membership, members are much better prepared for the post-college world and are valuable and attractive to employers.
Our third observation was: that outside of students, alumni and professionals in the field as also eligible for membership.
