The prospect for creating a new source of energy through the fusion of light nuclei now appears excellent. Recent experimental results in the heating and stabilization of magnetically confined plasmas have confirmed a number of important theoretical predictions, providing a theoretical and experimental base on which will be built new and larger experimental systems to produce reactor-grade energy-producing fusion plasmas. In addition, plans are being established worldwide to vigorously attack the serious engineering tasks necessary to develop practical fusion power. The U.S. has planned a fusion power development program aimed at the substantial production of fusion energy on an experimental scale in the early 1980’s, and a demonstration of the commercial production of fusion power in the mid to late 1990’s. An essential ingredient in the fusion development plan will be the training of appropriate scientific and technical manpower. In examining the need for fusion-trained nuclear engineers, it is projected that an additional 120 to 250 engineers at the MS and PhD levels will be needed between now and 1980. To be most effective, these graduates must not only be trained in the “classic” physical, nuclear, mechanical, and electrical sciences, but they will need specialized training in fusion plasma physics and fusion materials science. To help develop the appropriate educational programs, close cooperation between U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) headquarters, ERDA laboratories, private industry, and the universities will be essential. An emerging need for a carefully structured “fusion technology” option in nuclear engineering departments is plainly evident and is already beginning to be developed at leading institutions.