Van Vleck Satisfied With Progress Of Bachelor of Science Degree Plan

Despite a limited enrollment in the program this year, Dean of Applied Science John H. Van Vleck expressed pleasure yesterday at the progress of the University's new five-year arrangement for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree.

The new program was announced too late to interest more than a few members of the Class of 1954, but Van Vleck expects 40 or 50 engineers-elect to take advantages of the five-year plan next year.

The five-year Bachelor of Science degree is an effort to "legitimatize our professional engineering training program," Van Vleck said. Under the five-year arrangement a student can get enough training to obtain an engineering license, but does not need to pursue the often unnecessary "over-preparation" required for a Master's degree or doctorate.

House Membership Retained

A four-year plan is still possible, with the fifth year optional. Fifth year students are non-resident members of their undergraduate Houses and remain under College rules.

Their honors program will be judged on the basis of their five--rather than four-year program.

Requirements include 11 full courses in Applied Science or related fields, thus leaving more room for elective courses and, presumably, a broader education. A four-year honors program must include nine science or related courses, allowing little choice (beyond fulfillment of General Education requirements).

Broad Degree Due

Successful five-year candidates will receive degrees in the broad field of engineering, rather than in a specific branch of the field, such as civil or electrical engineering.

There is opportunity, however, for a high degree of specialization during the fifth year.

The plan, passed last spring, gave the University an arrangement comparable to other eastern schools such as Princeton and Rutgers, which have previously offered similar degrees.

It marked the University's first attempt to compete with such schools.