We're here to help.
The mental health and wellness field may be a good career fit for future Christian leaders who already have an interest in nurturing the spiritual development of others. Explore a blend of mental health concerns and theological wisdom in Christian ministry courses as you earn your Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry degree at Grand Canyon University. You will have the opportunity to cultivate your own faith as you work through a Christian counseling curriculum that emphasizes Christian ministry and biblical principles. In Christian counseling courses online classes, you can explore methods of supporting the spiritual, behavioral, functional and mental health of others in need.
This program is designed for professionals who may have some experience in the mental health and wellness field and want to elevate their degree, or for those interested in changing careers. This degree does not lead to licensure. Instead, you will explore means of integrating mental health concepts with a Christian worldview into your field of expertise as a working professional. Some professions may require additional career credentials or certifications.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this master’s in mental health and wellness with a Christian ministry emphasis is an intensive survey of the intersection of Christianity and mental health. In Christian ministry courses, you will have the opportunity to 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 you with practical guidance on research methods and best practices in Christian counseling and mental health applications.
As a modern university, GCU strives to meet the needs of adult learners. You can earn your master’s in mental health degree from virtually anywhere with our intuitive online learning platform. As an online student, you will have access to the same quality of instruction as our on-campus students, but with the added convenience and flexibility of taking Christian counseling classes online. Like our on-campus programs, an online education at GCU offers plenty of opportunities for academically stimulating discussions with peers and instructors, which you may use to explore various perspectives for a more well-rounded education.
GCU’s Christian Worldview
This master’s in mental health and wellness degree with a Christian ministry emphasis meets GCU’s mission critical competencies. These are critical thinking, effective communication, Christian worldview, leadership and global awareness, perspective and ethics. GCU strives to graduate individuals who are prepared to confidently enter the workforce as servant leaders, and who are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities. Immerse yourself in Christian counseling curriculum that features faith-integrated courses.
Discover additional emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.
Christian counseling learners are taught to become thoughtful servant leaders who have a keen understanding of contemporary mental health issues and how they relate to the Christian framework.
Connect with your peers and benefit from their perspectives as you examine theology, mental health and social issues. There is a focus on professional ethics, including the history of early ethical standards and their evolution into the modern ethical code.
This master’s in mental health and wellness with an emphasis in Christian ministry explores a broad range of topics that include the following:
In mental health and Christian ministry courses, you will explore life stressors within the ministerial context and develop a functional ministry plan that addresses them.
You will examine the following attributes and functions of the Christian worker:
This degree program concludes with a capstone course, which provides a practical examination of the mental health and wellness fields, including relevant career paths and professional responsibilities.
If you feel that God has called upon you to serve his children in faith, this master’s in mental health and Christian ministry may help prepare you to fulfill your life’s work. GCU graduates are taught to spread God’s message while working to support the mental health and wellness of individuals and families.
Graduates may also choose to work directly in the wider community, such as by pursuing positions within community health organizations. With a foundation of competencies in mental health and Christian counseling, you could position yourself to potentially pursue leadership positions within:
Christian organizations
Churches
Faith-based groups
Nonprofit humanitarian entities
Estimated job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032.1
Take mental health and Christian ministry courses from an accredited university that prioritizes academic excellence. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, which is a reflection of our commitment to delivering comprehensive curriculum and quality instruction designed to prepare our learners to confidently pursue their professional objectives. For more information, visit our accreditation page.
Even if you’re certain that you wish to pursue Christian counseling work, it’s wise to take some time to reflect upon your intended career path and degree program. The following FAQs and answers may help guide your decision-making process.
Christian ministry workers are charged with nurturing the spiritual and emotional wellness of members in their faith communities. People can turn to their faith leaders in times of uncertainty and when trying to navigate various life obstacles. The wise counsel of a Christian ministry worker may help people find their way through difficult situations. Because of the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of others, you may find career paths within the Christian ministry to be personally fulfilling and meaningful, particularly if you feel called by God to serve Him in this way.
Christian counseling and biblical counseling have a similar focus and aim, but they aren’t the same thing. A biblical counselor is typically someone who has a seminary degree. Biblical counselors take a completely spiritual approach to counseling, with no clinical background. In contrast, Christian counselors typically have a counseling degree, rather than a seminary degree. While their faith informs their approach, Christian counselors approach sessions from a clinical perspective.2
The requirements to work as any type of counselor in private practice are regulated by individual states. Although requirements can vary, there are some commonalities. All private practice counselors must have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and supervised clinical experience hours in order to obtain a license.3 It may be possible to work as a Christian counselor without a license if you do not plan to work in private practice. However, even employers who are not legally mandated to require licensure may still either require or prefer it.4
There is a diverse range of denominations, faith traditions and social perspectives within the Christian church. Because of this, one faith tradition may have different views on mental health than other Christian faith traditions. In general, however, those who accept the teachings and love of Jesus Christ recognize that all Christians are made in God’s image, and those who struggle through dark times are just as deserving of acceptance, love and forgiveness as those who do not have a mental health disorder.5
If you feel called to serve others in God’s name, then Christian counseling and ministry work is one way that you might accomplish this. It may not always be easy to hear others’ stories of struggles and difficulties, but doing so provides an avenue to offer them insightful guidance that may help them move past their obstacles. If you find that helping people is a meaningful and fulfilling endeavor, then Christian counseling may be a good fit for you.
When you’re ready to pursue a career in mental health and Christian ministry, GCU is here to provide a pathway with accredited degree programs. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about this master’s in mental health degree program.
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 Oct. 15, 2023.
2 Miley, R. (2020, July 9). The Dfference Between Biblical Counseling & Christian Counseling. Crossroads Professional Counseling. Retrieved Oct. 15, 2023.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 15, 2023.
4 Grey, S. (2023, May 31). How to Become a Christian Counselor: Skills and Requirements. Forbes. Retrieved Oct. 15, 2023.
5 Archdiocese of Cincinnati. (n.d.). Mental Illness. Retrieved Oct. 15, 2023.
Online: $600 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)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
