Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Wellness with Christian Ministry

Graduate Certificate of Completion in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Pursue a Grad Certificate Emphasizing Christian Ministry Counseling at GCU

The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry at Grand Canyon University (GCU) prepares those with a servant’s heart and passion for helping others for a career in mental health ministry. In this 16-credit program, students will gain a foundation in biblical knowledge and theological wisdom within the context of mental health and wellness. This program introduces concepts of human nature from a Christian perspective with a focus on cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, mental, social and spiritual motivations. Students also become familiar with research and best practices in mental health and wellness as it relates to human resiliency, recovery and functioning. This certificate does not lead to licensure.

With an emphasis on Christian ministry, this graduate certificate program in mental health and wellness exposes students to the relationship between Christian theology and psychological theories. Students will gain competencies in these areas of focus:

  • Analysis of the nature of God, mankind, sin and the relationship between God and man
  • Assessment of the implications of models for integrating psychology theories and Christian theology
  • Planning for self-care that’s rooted in spiritual formation, accountability and the Holy Spirit
  • Development of a mental health and wellness model that can be reconciled with and implemented in a Christian ministry setting

As a Christ-centered university, GCU integrates faith into coursework, learning experiences and academic settings. Therefore, students learn from a biblically-rooted curriculum based on GCU’s Christian worldview, which enhances the study of psychology and its connection to theology in this program.

GCU’s innovative digital learning platform also serves as a supportive community where students collaborate with peers and interact with faculty. Distance learning allows students to learn at times and locations that are convenient for them.

Learn to Counsel Using Christian Principles

This four-course graduate certificate in mental health and wellness - Christian ministry program begins with the topic of mental health, biblical narrative and Christian theology; students will examine a theology of pain and suffering from a biblical perspective, along with mental health and social issues within a ministry setting. Progressing through the program, students will explore:

  • The historical intersection of faith and science and how these areas apply to a contemporary setting
  • The physical, emotional and spiritual health of the Christian helper
  • How self-care is an important aspect of maintaining a balanced approach to ministry
  • How to maintain vitality through healthy practices, while examining concepts of burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization

The program concludes with preparing students to develop a practical ministry plan that addresses the needs of those seeking help to cope with life stressors, from marriage and family issues to grief and crises.

Take the Next Step as a Christian Counselor

Potential career opportunities include community health worker, community health outreach worker, community health program coordinator, community health promoter and community nutrition educator. Students may also choose to move directly into a master’s program in Christian counseling, clinical mental health counseling, mental health and wellness, and psychology within a chosen emphasis to strengthen their career within a Christian helping profession.

Get More Information!

Loading Form

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 16
Online: 8 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.
PROGRAM TUITION RATE:
Online: $565 per credit [More Info]

Course List

Major:
16 credits
Total Degree Requirements:
16 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course explores relevant topics such as the nature of God and mankind, sin and psychopathology from a Christian worldview. A theology of pain and suffering from a biblical perspective is examined. A brief overview of mental health and social issues most likely to be seen in a ministry setting is explored.

Course Description

This course explores the historical intersection of faith and science and how they apply to a contemporary setting. Various models of integration of psychology and Christian theology are examined. Students formulate their own understanding of the reciprocal relationship between psychology and Christian theology and examine implications for a ministry setting. Prerequisite: MHW-511.

Course Description

This course examines the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of the Christian helper. Focus is on maintaining vitality in ministry through healthy practices such as boundaries, spiritual disciplines, stress management, and healthy lifestyle practices. In addition, this course examines concepts of burnout, compassion fatigue, and trauma as it applies to ministry. Students explore the importance of self-care that entails a balanced approach to ministry.

Course Description

This course exposes the Christian worker to a wide variety of life stressors that are issues needing attention in a ministry context. Students develop a practical ministry plan to address these needs. Prerequisite: MHW-521.

Program Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* 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.

Scroll back to top