What's in a Name? Changing Names and Challenges to Professional Identification

Name changes of university departments that have professional preparation health education programs have been ongoing and significant. This study analyzes changes in the names of health education degree-offering departments between 1974 and 2009. It also discusses the implications for the health education discipline going forward with respect to personal and professional identification, as well as credentialing and employment opportunities for health educators. A large change was seen in many of the department names between 1974 and 2009. The greatest changes were seen in the increasing use of "community health," kinds of health, "public health," and "health" and something else. A large decrease was noted in the use of "health education." Name changes present potential challenges for the professional and educational development of the field, employment opportunities, and personal and professional identification. This article does not purport to provide a prescription or solution but rather suggests that health education professionals and organizations should consider this concern.