Online Graduate Health Psychology Certificate

Q: What qualifications do you need to be a health psychologist?

To become a health psychologist, you need to earn both a psychology bachelor’s and a master’s degree in psychology. Some states require licensure to practice as a health psychologist, so it’s important to understand your state’s requirements in advance. If you are an active psychology or nursing professional interested in specializing in this field, consider pursuing an online graduate certificate in health psychology. This option provides a flexible and convenient way to develop new skills and obtain an educational credential.

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Healthcare

Program

Grad. Cert. in Health Psychology

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Enhance Your Skills in Health Behavior and Mind-Body Wellness

Psychological and behavioral factors can significantly influence physical health and well-being.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Health psychology examines how biology, behavior, psychology and social factors intersect to affect health and illness.^{(See disclaimer 2)} This approach closely aligns with the principles of behavioral medicine.

While this graduate certificate is not a licensure program and does not prepare students for professional licensure, it can serve as a supplemental credential for professionals counseling, psychology, nursing or social work who wish to expand their expertise in behavioral health.

Graduate Certificate of Completion in Health Psychology

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 16

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Encourage Positive Health and Wellness Choices

Online Learning

The health psychology graduate certificate program, offered by Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, is rooted in a mission-driven education that integrates a Christian worldview into every aspect of learning. At GCU, we are committed to helping professionals prepare academically while leading with integrity and compassion. Our approach combines rigorous academics with a holistic perspective on health, empowering you to make an impact in healthcare settings while staying true to your values.

You can pursue your graduate health psychology certificate online at GCU via our flexible and interactive learning platform. Explore the connection between physical, mental and behavioral health through engaging coursework and insightful instruction. Learn from experienced faculty and collaborate with peers who bring diverse perspectives to the class.

Coursework

Graduate Health Psychology Certificate Topic Areas

The health psychology graduate certificate program focuses on the psychological, social and behavioral factors that affect individual and community health. It emphasizes how biopsychology and health principles intersect to shape behaviors and outcomes.

In this program, you will be taught strategies to promote positive health and wellness choices, equipping you to encourage behaviors that lead to better physical and mental well-being. Each health psychology course integrates concepts from health psychology, behavioral medicine and public policy, providing advanced insights into the mind-body connection to help prepare you for practical applications in healthcare settings.

Key topic areas include:

Health Behaviors

The behavioral factors that impact well-being and the use of preventive programs and media tools to affect individual and community health

Lifestyle Factors

The lifestyle factors that impact wellness, with a particular focus on exercise, nutrition, substance use and weight control

Community-wide Programs

Intervention, prevention and program evaluation for the implementation of community-wide programs that support health and illness prevention

Survey Design and Public Policy

The fundamentals of survey design and public policy in the healthcare field

Careers

Careers for Health Psychology Certificate Holders

Health psychologists can work in various settings. Clinical health psychologists typically work one-on-one with patients to help them adopt healthy behaviors and reduce their risk of illnesses.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Some health psychologists focus on research, exploring the causes of health problems and developing strategies to assist patients in dealing with illnesses or pain.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Others may engage in public policy work, either in agency settings or governmental organizations, where they advise on healthcare reform or address healthcare inequalities.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

While this online certificate in health psychology may enhance career opportunities and allow graduates to concentrate on their specific areas of interest, it is not designed to qualify you for these roles on its own. When paired with a relevant degree, this certificate can strengthen your credentials and better prepare you for advanced education or specialized positions in health psychology.

Accreditation

Pursue Your Graduate Certificate From an Accredited University

Grand Canyon University has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, ensuring academic quality, integrity and student development. GCU upholds these standards through a rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty and ongoing assessment of learning outcomes, providing students with the necessary preparation for their future.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are interested in advancing your skills with a graduate health psychology certificate, read further for our answers to these frequently asked questions.

What qualifications do you need to be a health psychologist?

To become a health psychologist, you need to earn both a psychology bachelor’s and a master’s degree in psychology. Some states require licensure to practice as a health psychologist, so it’s important to understand your state’s requirements in advance. If you are an active psychology or nursing professional interested in specializing in this field, consider pursuing an online graduate certificate in health psychology. This option provides a flexible and convenient way to develop new skills and obtain an educational credential.

What can you do with a graduate certificate in psychology?

A graduate certificate in psychology can enhance your professional skills and may create opportunities for specialized roles. While obtaining this certificate will not qualify you to become a licensed psychologist, since you must hold a graduate degree and meet state licensure requirements for that, this credential can deepen your understanding of psychological principles. It can also enhance your ability to support mental health initiatives, conduct research or apply behavioral insights in your current role.

Is health psychology the same as medical psychology?

Health psychology and medical psychology are closely related terms often used interchangeably, along with the term behavioral medicine. Health psychology examines how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and well-being. Professionals in health or medical psychology aim to improve overall health outcomes by addressing lifestyle, stress and behavioral factors that affect both physical and mental health.

Is a graduate certificate in health psychology worth it?

Earning a health psychology graduate certificate can be a valuable investment for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the connection between mental and physical health.^{(See disclaimer 3)} This credential can strengthen expertise in behavioral health, stress management and wellness strategies. It may help you enhance your current role and serve as a steppingstone toward an advanced degree or specialization in health psychology.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major16 credits

Degree Requirements16 credits

Core Courses

PSY-661

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores the promotion of health behaviors at the individual and community level. A special focus is on prevention programs and utilization of media to impact health behaviors. Factors contributing to successful prevention programs will be analyzed and program evaluation techniques will be demonstrated. Successful survey design techniques will be introduced and the current trends in health psychology will be explored.

PSY-662

4 Total Credits

PSY-664

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines the implementation of community-wide change through intervention, prevention, advocacy, outreach, and program evaluation, which moves beyond the individual focus. Students explore foundational competencies for addressing community problems and implementing community psychology practice. A focus is placed on current research related to topics relevant to community psychology.

PSY-663

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Deepen Your Health Psychology Skills

Enhance your ability to support health outcomes with evidence-based psychological insights. Begin your graduate certificate in health psychology today.

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Duke University, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. (n.d.). Biobehavioral Factors in Health & Disease. Retrieved October 2025.
Cherry, K. (2025, May 30). Health Psychology: The Science of Health and Behavior. Verywell Mind. Retrieved October 2025.
American Psychological Association. (2022). Clinical Health Psychology. Retrieved October 2025.