The article discusses the challenges for graduate programs in Public Health at the beginning of the XXI century, considering the specific aspects of training such as the changes in the field of public health practices in terms of social and historical transformations. The main objective is to discuss different aspects that should inform the formulation of graduate programs. The text is composed of a brief history of the development of graduate studies in the area, considerations about the current status of accredited programs, challenges for the future of this area, the implications of globalization for the knowledge and practices of public health, and the new public health challenges for academic and professional training.