Online Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness
What Is a Mental Health and Wellness Degree?
A Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness is a graduate-level, non-licensure degree that explores the factors that influence emotional, behavioral and overall well-being. The degree examines mental wellness, human behavior, ethics, cultural influences and community health while helping students develop skills in communication, advocacy and wellness support. This degree is designed for professionals seeking to expand their expertise or transition into the wellness field.
Online: $610 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
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).
What To Expect From a Mental Health and Wellness Degree Program
When earning this master’s degree in mental health and wellness, you can expect the flexibility of online coursework, a learning environment grounded in GCU’s Christian worldview and resources designed to support you throughout your academic journey. Together, these elements help create a well-rounded educational experience as you prepare to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
As a Christian university, we offer opportunities to cultivate a compassionate mindset toward those in need of a helping hand. You will be encouraged to adopt a servant-leadership approach when supporting clients and addressing their mental health and wellness needs.
What Is the MS in Mental Health and Wellness Student Experience Like?
Study Mental Health and Wellness Online
Our university strives to improve accessibility and convenience in higher education and professional development. This online Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness provides easy access to learning materials via our online learning platform. As an online student, you can also benefit from discussions with your peers and instructors.
Pursue Graduate Education at an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Student Support for Your Mental Health and Wellness Degree
Our students have access to robust student support services throughout their degree program. Along with digital academic resources, our online students can access technical support and benefit from guidance from experienced faculty members. You will be encouraged to work with our career services personnel.
What Will I Study in a Master’s Degree in Mental Health and Wellness Program?
This master's degree in mental health and wellness is designed to help students build a broad understanding of mental health, wellness and the factors that influence overall well-being. You will study human development, group dynamics, community health and integrated care. Through a combination of theory, research and practical applications, students explore current issues and approaches within the field while developing the knowledge and skills that can support work with individuals, groups and communities.
Core Course Topics in a Mental Health and Wellness Degree
This master's degree explores foundational concepts in mental health and wellness while emphasizing ethical practice, cultural awareness and community-focused support. Throughout the program, students examine human development, group dynamics, research methods and the integration of mental health and healthcare services. The curriculum culminates in a capstone experience that encourages you to apply your knowledge to mental health and wellness challenges.
Some of the mental health and wellness courses included in this program explore the following topics:
Ethical practice
Explore professional ethics, legal considerations, cultural diversity and responsible decision-making in mental health and wellness settings.
Group dynamics
Analyze group processes, communication strategies and facilitation techniques used to support personal growth and community well-being.
Community wellness
Investigate community-based approaches to promoting mental health, developing support programs and addressing wellness needs.
Integrated care
Evaluate the relationship between mental health, wellness and healthcare systems through collaborative models of care.
Research skills
Apply evidence-based practices, documentation practices and information literacy to support mental health and wellness initiatives.
Human development
Explore physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual development across the lifespan and its connection to overall wellness.
MS in Mental Health and Wellness Emphasis Options
Explore MS in Mental Health and Wellness emphasis options that can allow you to focus your studies on an area that may align with your interests and career goals.
What Can You Do With a Mental Health and Wellness Degree?
A mental health and wellness degree can help prepare you for certain non-licensure roles in community health, wellness and social-service settings. One potential career path is becoming a community health worker. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), community health workers play an important role in improving access to care and resources, particularly for underserved populations.(See disclaimer 1 )They often serve as a bridge between people and the resources they need, helping them get care, health education and support services.
You may use your knowledge of health and wellness to connect individuals with resources, provide support and promote healthier communities. Community health workers and other professionals in the community and social services field may find opportunities in healthcare organizations, nonprofits, community agencies, government departments and private-sector organizations.(See disclaimer 2)
Mental health and wellness competencies may be applicable to the following sectors, fields and industries:(See disclaimer 2)
Healthcare organizations
Community health workers may support patients in hospitals, clinics and healthcare systems by connecting them with services, care resources and health education.
Public health departments
Local and state public health agencies may employ community health workers to support outreach efforts, promote preventive care and address community health needs.
Community-based organizations
Nonprofit and community organizations often rely on community health workers to advocate for underserved populations and connect residents with health and social services.
Social service agencies
Community health workers may collaborate with social service agencies to help individuals and families access housing assistance, food programs, transportation resources and other support services.
Median annual salary for community health workers in May 2025(See disclaimer 3)
Projected number of job openings annually from 2025 to 2035 for community health workers(See disclaimer 4)
Mental Health and Wellness Degree Tuition and Financial Options
Planning for your education is an important step, and GCU offers resources to help you understand tuition costs and available savings opportunities. As you explore mental health and wellness degrees, you may have access to scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance. By reviewing these opportunities, you can make more informed decisions about how to invest in your future while working toward your academic goals.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness
Explore the following frequently asked questions and answers to learn more about earning a master’s in mental health and wellness.
Can a master's in mental health and wellness help me advance my career?
What is the difference between a master's in mental health and wellness and a counseling degree?
Can I use a master's in mental health and wellness outside of healthcare?
What skills will I develop in a master's in mental health and wellness program?
Can I earn a master's in mental health and wellness while working full time?
What topics are covered in a master's in mental health and wellness program?
What Are the GCU Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Mental Health and Wellness?
Master’s applicants may qualify for admission to GCU with an undergraduate degree from an approved, accredited college or program and by meeting either the minimum GPA requirement or minimum GMAT or GRE exam score requirements. Admission criteria may vary by degree or program. Please review the requirements for your chosen program.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Explore Blogs about Mental Health And Wellness
Learn more about studying mental health and wellness and pursuing related careers with these blogs.
Build your knowledge of mental health and wellness and prepare to support well-being in a variety of non-licensure settings.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). Community Health Workers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved August 2026.
- Harvey, R. (2024, Sept. 9). Work Environments in the Mental Health Profession. Clinical Care Pro. Retrieved August 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Community Health Workers, as of May 2025, retrieved August 2026. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates in community and social service occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Community Health Workers, retrieved August 2026.
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2026, June 16). Top 10 Benefits of Earning a Master's Degree. Indeed. Retrieved August 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on Oct. 15, 2026.