Overview
Elevate Your Calling in Christian Ministry
Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry degree program provides a foundation in biblical knowledge and theological wisdom for students who want to pursue ministry in mental health and serve as a wellness-focused Christian worker. You will develop a deepened understanding of the gospel to discuss relevant issues from a Christian perspective. The exploration of spiritual health, growth, character development and human nature areas will provide you with the knowledge in life and practice to help individuals who seek support and encouragement within a Christian framework. This Christian ministry degree does not lead to licensure.
Degree Outcomes
Help Others Through Ministry and Mental Health Best Practices
You will complete this program with a Mental Health and Wellness Capstone course in which you will engage in practical, real-world analysis of the mental health and wellness field. Since special focus is given to careers in the mental health and wellness field through practical application, you will be prepared to professionally help others achieve and maintain faith-oriented health and wellness. This Christian ministry degree program emphasizes mental health and wellness research and best practices as it relates to human resiliency, recovery and daily functioning. These practices equip you with the skills to effectively perform in this role based upon a Christian worldview.
What You Will Learn
Explore the Intersection of Faith and Science
Throughout this program, you will gain core competencies in these domains:
- Ethics and Laws
- Social, Cultural and Spiritual Foundations
- Leadership
- Mental and Emotional Health First Aid
- Integrated Health
- Christian Ministry
The Christian ministry emphasis exposes you to the relationships between Christian theology and psychological theories. You will analyze the nature of God, mankind and sin. You will further learn how to articulate a plan for self-care that is rooted in spiritual formation, accountability and dependence on the Holy Spirit, as well as recommend a model of mental health and wellness implemented in a Christian ministry setting.
Course topics include:
- Mental Health, the Biblical Narrative and Christian Theology
- Integrating Psychology and Christian Theology
- Spiritual Formation, Identity and Wellness
- Mental Health Issues in Ministry
- Mental Health, Wellness and Health Care Integration
Career Outcomes
Make a Difference with a Christian Ministry Degree
You may pursue a career as a Christian leader within mental and social health services and allied professions. You will also have the skills and knowledge to take on the role of a community health worker who has the theological knowledge and Christian perspective to provide spiritual support within a Christian environment or organization.
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course is an introductory course in mental health and wellness practices. The purpose of the course is to develop a basic understanding of mental health and wellness practices and wellness approaches. An overview of mental health disorders, basic overview of treatment practices, and the Dimensions of Wellness are covered.
Course Description
This course covers ethics and cultural diversity as it relates to mental health and wellness. The history of ethics is addressed, including how early ethical models evolved into modern ethical codes in the mental health and wellness professions. How ethics relates to legal standards and issues such as records and billing are addressed. Cultural diversity, sensitivity, and competence are covered.
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 vicarious traumatization 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.
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of mental health, wellness, and health care, including the integration of these three fields. The course covers common mental health disorders, treatments, and supportive services, as well as an integrated focus on the mind and the body. The course examines the health challenges often faced by individuals with behavioral or mental health disorders, and it reviews appropriate services, interventions, preventative services, and treatments to achieve and maintain health and wellness.
Course Description
This course provides a practical, real-world exploration of the mental health and wellness field. Special focus is given to careers in mental health and wellness. The common duties and tasks performed by workers in the mental health and wellness field are investigated. Concepts covered throughout the program are examined through practical application. This course is the last course in the program of study; all other course work must be completed before this course.
Online
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. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.
Evening
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom. Night classes are designed for a specific number of students, providing a warm and nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. In an evening cohort, you will progress through your degree program with the same career-minded classmates, providing an opportunity to network and forge relationships that go beyond the classroom. Classes begin frequently at various locations, including our main campus.
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.
Online and Evening program disclosures (18 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.