The SoE purchases an electronic analog computer for research and teaching. The computer uses problem boards and plug-in leads. Its output is displayed on a cathode-ray tube or traced in ink on a paper strip.

Professors Eugene Grant and Holbrook Working are the first leaders in quality control, a new branch of engineering. They teach 60 industry executives in one of their first courses.

Stanford's Engineering and Physics Departments near completion of a billion-volt linear electron accelerator in the Microwave Laboratory — the predecessor of today's Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). EE Professor Edward Ginzton, ENG '38, PhD '41 (EE), directs the lab.