Mental Health and Wellness: Family Dynamics

Focus Your Mental Health & Wellness Master of Science Degree on Family Dynamics

The family is an interactive, ever-evolving system comprised of complex and dynamic relationships, roles and boundaries. The Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Family Dynamics degree at Grand Canyon University is an intensive survey of the family, its structures and its life cycle. By earning a mental health and wellness degree, you could blend your passion with a purpose for helping others. Learn how to help families identify, understand and resolve conflicts, work toward functional relationships and embrace healthy, balanced family roles.

This degree is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as an online program. Using our interactive, digital learning platform, students will benefit from the diverse experiences and perspectives of their peers and fully qualified instructors. Students will closely examine multiple aspects of human nature, including behavioral, mental, spiritual, interpersonal and cognitive aspects. This MS in mental health and wellness degree focuses intensely on family dynamics, including the practical applications of theories to promote health and wellness within the family system.

Study Family Dynamics, Function and Structure

GCU graduates are accomplished communicators who understand how to convey key information to a range of stakeholders. When you earn your degree, you will have a sharp understanding of core mental health and wellness concepts such as professional ethics and effective advocacy practices. There is an emphasis on the role of faith and spirituality as they are applied to the professional field. Students are encouraged to expand upon their Christian worldview and develop a strong sense of servant leadership.

The Master of Science in mental health and wellness – family dynamics degree includes courses such as the following:

• Ethics and Cultural Diversity in Mental Health and Wellness
• Introduction to Family Dynamics and Systems
• Families in Contemporary Society
• Family Development
• Mental Health, Wellness and Health Care Integration

As you work through these courses, you will closely examine the family life cycle, the development of individuals within families and the transitions between family life cycle stages. You will gain an appreciation for the cognitive, moral and psychosocial developmental theories as they pertain to family dynamics. Using a systematic lens, you will explore relationships, interactional patterns and communication among family members. Other core competencies include the following:

• How parenting changes throughout the lifespan and in various family contexts
• Evidence-based parenting practices to promote character development and positive behaviors
• How modern phenomena, such as technology and nontraditional family structures, have affected 21st century families
• Common mental health disorders, treatments and supportive services

In addition, students will complete the Mental Health and Wellness Capstone. It provides a real-world look at the mental health and wellness fields.

Lead Families Toward Optimal Mental Health and Wellness with an MS in Family Dynamics Program

An in-depth knowledge of family dynamics and mental health will serve you well as you pursue a career in the mental health field. Graduates may choose to pursue work in the following settings:

• Social service agencies
• Outpatient or inpatient care facilities
• Schools and universities
• Mental health facilities
• Military settings, including VA facilities

Some GCU graduates decide to apply for positions in churches and religious institutions, while others pursue careers in community health organizations. Some career opportunities may require additional qualifications or credentials.

This degree does not lead to counseling or psychology licensure. This degree is geared toward individuals who are currently working in or plan to work in an administrative position, in a leadership role, or in a mental health specialist position that does not require licensure.