The Program was founded in 1971, with the former name “Graduate Program in Preventive Medicine”, addressed first to doctors. In 2000, the Program underwent a reformulation, became multiprofessional, and changed its name to “Graduate Program in Community Health”, showing its connection with the Family Health Strategy.

In 2018, the Program expanded its activities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations, and changed its name to “Graduate Program in Public Health”. Since its establishment, it has been linked to the FMRP – USP Department of Social Medicine.