Professional Schools and Traditional Schools: Engineering Education in Transition

The education of persons planning to enter the professional practice of civil engineering is discussed as a continuation of topics presented at the Conference on Civil Engineering Education, 1974. The need for engineering education to extend longer than 4 yr and to include an orientation toward professional practice is presented. Characteristics of a professional school are given. An effort is made to clarify misunderstandings about professional programs. The concept of professional education is related to registration. It is proposed that the engineering profession urge education beyond the baccalaureate before the award of a designated engineering degree, increased emphasis on design in its broadest sense, and active involvement of the profession in engineering education.