All applicants for SETAC membership must share the Society's purpose, complete a membership application, pay annual dues, and meet the criteria in one or more of the following categories:

Member (other than students): Experience, education, or research in areas related to the Society's purpose; at least a primary degree and 3 years' experience; OR special appointment. Must submit brief c.v.

Associate Member: Engaged in activities leading towards meeting the experience or education requirements of a Member. Must submit brief c.v.

Student: Engaged in academic curriculum leading towards a degree related to the Society's purpose.

Recent Graduate: Primary degree related to Society's purpose received no more than 2 years before application. Must submit brief c.v.

Multi-year: Optional for Members in good standing. Dues are paid for 3-year period at a discount.

Senior Active: Be a member in good standing for three (3) years, be at least 62 years of age, and not be working full-time.

Emeritus Member: Selected and recognized on the basis of contributions to SETAC and the environmental sciences.

Sustaining / Affiliate Member: Organizations that directly support one or more of SETAC's geographic units. Sustaining member must be a for-profit group or an individual; Affiliate must be a non-profit group.

Global Partner / Global Partner Affiliate: Premier level of SETAC membership, directly supporting one or more geographic units. Global Partner must be a for-profit group or an individual; Global Partner Affiliate must be a non-profit group.