The purpose of this study was to analyze the research objects of the theses produced in the Master Program on Public Health offered by the Department of Maternal-Infant Nursing and Public Health--University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing and their relationship with the problems originated from health care practice. These practices were classified within six major areas: Health Care Organization, Health Promotion, Health-Disease Process, Nutrition-Feeding, Professional Practice and Immunology. The contribution of works focussing on the crisis of health paradigms, gender relations and Social Movements in Health were emphasized. Authors concluded that the themes are closely related to the students' professional context, enabling them to present suggestions regarding interventions in health practices.