The School of Public Health is concerned with the health status of, and health risks to communities, rather than individuals. It also addresses the clinical and cost effectiveness of health care delivery systems. Public health research and training involves many different disciplines, whose common goal is creating practical solutions to identified problems, primarily in terms of preventative measures and changes in the organization of health care systems.

In the 1980s Al-Quds University started planning a School of Public Health, to graduate professionals with specific knowledge and advanced skills.  By the early 90's the University was running both undergraduate and graduate public health courses, through its Medical School and Faculty of Health Professions. In 1996, Al-Quds University established, as part of the health sciences complex, a committee of local and international experts whose efforts were focused on the creation of a Palestinian School of Public Health.

Al-Quds University in cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, launched a Masters program in Public Health September 1997 and established the School of Public Health (SPH), the following year.  During the academic year 1999 - 2000 over sixty postgraduate students were enrolled in three postgraduate courses at the School's two branches in the West Bank and Gaza.  Faculty members from SPH also teach in many other programs, thus promoting an integrated public health perspective.

The School has small specialized libraries and computer laboratories at each of its branches to facilitate research, and students have access to other resources within Al Quds University.

The School of Public Health (SPH) is committed to the development of the Palestinian health sector and assumes responsibility for: