Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

A professional fraternity is an organization for individuals engaged in a specific field of study or work. Unlike social fraternities, which often serve as collegiate housing and social centers, professional fraternities focus on developing members' expertise within their chosen profession. Membership qualifications are typically broader and emphasize activities that enhance professional competence. The first professional fraternity, Kappa Lambda, was established in 1819 for medical students. These groups are part of a larger concept of fraternities and sororities in the United States, which are societies, often using Greek letters as names, primarily for college or university students.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. fraternity and sorority
  2. fraternity

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.