The American Chemical Society is a self-governed individual membership organization that consists of more than 158,000 members at all degree levels and in all fields of chemistry. The organization provides a broad range of opportunities for peer interaction and career development, regardless of professional or scientific interests. The programs and activities conducted by ACS today are the products of a tradition of excellence in meeting member needs that dates from the Societys founding in 1876. Its headquarters are located in Washington D.C. and it operates an additional location in Columbus, Ohio. The American Chemical Society offers a membership application online for a convenient way for nonmembers to join.