The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a national organization designed for students. Membership is open to anyone interested in physics. Sigma Pi Sigma is a national physics honor society which functions within SPS. Sigma Pi Sigma was founded on December 11, 1921. On April 22, 1968, Sigma Pi Sigma and the Student Sections of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) joined to form the Society of Physics Students. The University of Evansville chapter of the Society of Physics Students was one of the 336 chapters established at the inception of SPS with a charter date of April 22, 1968. There are now about 700 chapters of SPS.

The University of Evansville chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma was installed May 10, 1949 with 20 charter members. Our chapter was the 67th chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma to be established. Currently there are over 400 active chapters of Sigma Pi Sigma nationwide. The first person on our Sigma Pi Sigma membership list is James F. Sears who was the head of the physics department at that time. Dr. Sears has established the Sears scholarship from which several University of Evansville physics students have benefited. The membership roster of our Sigma Pi Sigma chapter now includes over 200 individuals. Induction ceremonies for Sigma Pi Sigma are held once a year or once every other year.