The SPS exists to help students transform themselves into contributing members of the professional community. Course work develops only one range of skills. Other skills needed to flourish professionally include effective communication and personal interactions, leadership experience, establishment of a personal network of contacts, the presenting of scholarly work in professional meetings and journals, and outreach services to the campus and local communities.

The Society of Physics Students is an organization with the goal to make students studying physics feel welcome at Purdue and to provide a rich environment where physics students of all ages can come together and discuss physics and world issues, get help on homework, and just hang out.