Mental Health and Wellness: Master’s in Christian Ministry
Earn Your Mental Health Master of Science with a Christian Ministry Emphasis
The mental health and wellness fields are natural career focuses for future Christian leaders who already have an interest in nurturing the spiritual development of others. Grow a strong foundation of theological wisdom and knowledge as you earn your Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry degree at Grand Canyon University. Cultivate your own understanding of Christian ministry, biblical principles and truths as you explore methods of supporting the spiritual, behavioral, functional and mental health of others in need.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this master’s in Christian ministry is an intensive survey of the intersection of Christianity and mental health. Students will closely examine the integration of psychology with Christian theology, and the roles of ethics and cultural diversity as they pertain to the mental health and wellness fields. Knowledgeable instructors provide practical guidance on research methods and best practices in mental health applications.
Explore the Intersection of Faith and Mental Health
This Christian ministry degree meets GCU’s mission critical competencies. These are critical thinking, effective communication, Christian worldview, leadership, and global awareness, perspective and ethics. Graduates are thoughtful servant leaders who have a keen understanding of contemporary mental health issues and how they relate to the Christian framework. Some of the courses in this MS in mental health and wellness with an emphasis in Christian ministry include the following:
- Mental Health, the Biblical Narrative and Christian Theology
- Integrating Psychology and Christian Thought
- Mental Health Issues in Ministry
- Spiritual Formation, Identity and Wellness
- Mental Health, Wellness and Health Care Integration
As a modern university, GCU strives to meet the needs of adult learners. You can earn your master’s degree from anywhere with our intuitive online learning platform. Connect with your peers and benefit from their perspectives as you study theology, mental health and social issues. There is an emphasis on professional ethics, including the history of early ethical standards and their evolution into the modern ethical code.
Future Christian workers will explore life stressors within the ministerial context, and develop a functional ministry plan that addresses them. Students will examine the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the Christian worker, including healthy practices, roles and boundaries within the ministry. This degree program concludes with the Mental Health and Wellness Capstone, which provides a practical examination of the mental health and wellness fields.
Pursue Your Call to Help with a Mental Health and Wellness: Master’s in Christian Ministry Degree
If you feel that God has called upon you to serve His children in faith, this master’s in Christian ministry can prepare you to fulfill your life’s work. GCU graduates have the opportunity to be fully equipped to spread God’s message while working to support the mental health and wellness of individuals and families. As a graduate with a Master of Science in mental health and wellness with an emphasis in Christian ministry degree, you could decide to position yourself to potentially pursue leadership positions within Christian organizations, including churches, faith-based groups and nonprofit humanitarian entities.
Other graduates may choose to work directly in the wider community, such as by pursuing positions within community health organizations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors to increase by approximately 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for the addition of an estimated 71,500 jobs in the field.1 Bring your Christian perspective and theological knowledge to the mental and social health services, and their allied professions. Some professions may require additional career credentials or certifications. This degree does not lead to counseling licensure.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved on September 20, 2023.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
* 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.