Professional schools of engineering-a call for action

The present design of advanced engineering education does not meet the needs of the engineering manpower marketplace. Training in engineering practice needs to be reinforced. This is best accomplished by establishing professional schools of engineering, independent of conventional university graduate schools, and requiring at least two years of preengineering for admission. The first engineering degree should require an additional three years of professional training. Improvements in accreditation procedures, faculty qualifications, internships, and licensing are required. The substantial involvement of the professional societies is essential to success.