Emerging trends in professional preparation: implications for the future of health education.

During the 1982-1983 academic year, 115 academic institutions were surveyed concerning trends in professional preparation in Health Education. Findings indicate that 13,225 students are currently majoring in Health Education with 4,810 specializing in school health education and 8,415 specializing in public health education. A marked increase in the number of students specializing in public health education within the past five years was reported by 78 institutions and 13 of the 78 institutions reported a corresponding decrease in the number of students specializing in school health education. Recent enrollment trends at teacher preparation institutions suggest that significant changes in professional preparation in Health Education are under way.