Research Guides: Liberal Arts Careers: Professional Organizations

Suggested

American Anthropological Association
The world’s largest association for professional anthropologists
American Sociological Association
A non-profit membership association dedicated to advancing sociology as a scientific discipline and profession serving the public good.
Society for American Archaeology
International organization dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas.
College Art Association
Association committed to advancing the history, interpretation, and practice of the visual arts.
Midwest Art History Society
Society working to bring together academic, museum-based, and independent art historians with the common goal of scholarly inquiry and the exchange of ideas.
American Library Association
The oldest and largest library association in the world.
National Art Education Association
The leading professional membership organization exclusively for visual arts educators
American Communication Association
A not-for-profit virtual professional association with actual presence in the world of communication scholars and practitioners
National Criminal Justice Association
Represents state, local and tribal governments on crime control and crime prevention issues.
Modern Language Association
Association working to strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature.
National Council of Teachers of English
Works to promote amplifying the voices of educators through personal connection, collaboration, and a shared mission to improve the teaching and learning of English and language arts at all levels.
American Historical Association
The largest professional organization serving historians in all fields and all professions.
Society of Professional Journalists
Society committed to improving and protecting journalism.
Associated College Press
Promotes the standards and ethics of good journalism as accepted and practiced by print, broadcast and electronic media in the United States.
International Studies Association
Dedicated to understanding international, transnational and global affairs.
Society for Classical Studies
Dedicated to advancing knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the ancient Greek and Roman world and its enduring value.
American Political Science Association
The leading professional organization for the study of political science
American Psychological Assoociation
Dedicated to advancing the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.
Educational Theatre Association
Association dedicated to shaping lives through theatre education.
National Women's Studies Association
Dedicated to promoting and supporting the production and dissemination of knowledge about women and gender through teaching, learning, research and service in academic and other settings.

What are Professional Organizations?

These are organizations whose members belong to a particular profession.

They can provide information to help answer the following questions:

What are the types of careers associated with your major?
What are the professional standards for the given occupation, licenses/credentials?
What issues and developments have had and will have an impact on your field?
Can you get scholarships or financial aid to support your major or career?
What is the nature of the job?
What are the important books and articles that discuss this major/career?

Popular vs. Scholarly Sources

Always evaluate your sources - what Google considers to be scholarly may not be considered scholarly by your professor.