Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness With an Emphasis in Prevention Science
Learn To Support Others With Evidence-Based Prevention Programs
Earn your MS in Mental Health and Wellness with a prevention emphasis at Grand Canyon University and prepare to pursue a healthcare career in service to others. This graduate degree is an interdisciplinary program that explores the nature of mental and spiritual resiliency. This degree is a survey of human nature, psychopathology and best practices in treatment modalities.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this degree program teaches foundational knowledge that translates to the fields of human services and community health. Grounded in evidence-based practices, the curriculum encourages you to reach new academic heights as you are taught how to serve others by effectively advocating for healthy mental, cognitive and spiritual behaviors.
Benefits of GCU’s Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness: Prevention Emphasis
You will be taught core concepts in prevention programming, including knowledge and skills that are immediately applicable in the field. Knowledgeable instructors guide you as you are exposed to best practices for working with clients across the lifespan, as well as developing, implementing and evaluating communitywide mental health initiatives.
GCU is a private Christian university with a learning environment that emphasizes the Christian worldview and issues pertaining to professional ethics standards. You will be encouraged to become a servant leader who effectively communicates and makes ethical decisions in a leadership role.
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Prevention Programming Focus Course Topics
There is a focus on evidence-based prevention programs and practices in this program. You will be taught how to explore the influences of cultural dynamics on the prevention field. The curriculum explores the role of prevention science as the first line of defense for clients. It also looks at concepts such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) prevention initiative and the environmental influences on the implementation of effective prevention programming.
Some of the competencies taught in this program are:
- Ethics and cultural diversity as they relate to mental health and wellness
- The history of prevention science and programs
- Prevention strategies throughout different developmental stages
- The integration of mental health, wellness and healthcare
As a student working toward earning this degree, you will be required to complete the Mental Health and Wellness Capstone. This course provides a look at the mental health and wellness field through the lens of career opportunities, practical applications and common responsibilities in the field.
Career Paths for Graduates With a Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness: Prevention Emphasis
The prevention or mitigation of the effects of mental illnesses is essential for quality of life, as mental health disorders affect many aspects of life.1 Prevention science in mental health may help lower rates of the consequences of mental illnesses, including unemployment, incarceration, homelessness and suicide ideation.2
As a graduate with a master’s degree in mental health and wellness, you could choose to pursue a career in service to others in need. As an aspiring mental health specialist, you may pursue work in any of the following settings:
- Churches and other faith-based organizations
- Social service agencies
- Hospitals and community health clinics
- Schools and universities
- Community-based organizations
This Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with a prevention emphasis 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. If you are looking to pursue counseling licensure, consider one of GCU’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree programs.
Take Prevention Science Courses From an Accredited University
When considering schools for your Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness, it’s important to look for accredited institutions or programs as this is an indication of the school’s quality as acknowledged by its peers. GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited school that strives to graduate students who are prepared to pursue excellence beyond school.
MS in Mental Health and Wellness: Prevention Science Emphasis FAQs
Before making an enrollment decision, you may find it helpful to learn more about evidence-based prevention programs. Explore the following FAQs and answers, and consider the information in light of your own career goals.
Prevention science is a field that promotes proactive wellness practices with the intent of minimizing mental and behavioral health disorders. Practitioners in this field may apply evidence-based best practices to address the determinants of mental health issues prior to the identification or diagnosis of any given mental health problem in an individual or group.3
You and all other MS in Mental Health and Wellness students will each have a unique experience with this degree program, and so it’s not possible to characterize it as “difficult” or “easy.” You may find one course difficult, while another student doesn’t, and vice versa. GCU offers web-enhanced learning tools and other resources to support our online students. You will have access to a student services counselor, who will offer guidance as you work toward your degree.
The time it takes to complete this prevention programming emphasis will depend on various factors, including your chosen schedule of classes. You may graduate sooner if you enroll on a full-time basis and successfully pass your courses on the first attempt. GCU students need 34 credits to graduate from the program. The online courses are eight weeks in length.
GCU accepts applications for the Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Prevention degree program on a rolling admissions basis. Take the first step toward enhancing your academic credentials by completing the form on this page.
Explore Emphasis Options
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1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023, April 24). What is mental health?. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
2 National Alliance on Mental Illness California. (n.d.). About mental illness. National Alliance on Mental Illness California. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
3 Drake, R. PhD., Goldman, H. PhD., Leff, S. PhD., Lehman, A. MD., Dixon, L. MD., Mueser, K. PhD. and Torrey, W. MD. (2001, Feb. 1). Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Routine Mental Health Services Settings. Psychiatry Online. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
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 covers a history of prevention science and prevention programs. It examines what has been effective in the prevention field. The course reviews existing evidence-based prevention programs and practices, including how cultural differences have shaped the prevention field.
Course Description
This course covers the different developmental stages and the application of prevention strategies throughout the lifespan. The course examines evidence-based programs utilized throughout the developmental stages.
Course Description
This course reviews community and social health topics and the involvement of prevention science as the first line of defense. The SAMSHA prevention initiative is examined as well as the environmental influences on the implementation of effective prevention programming.
Course Description
This course examines the design of effective community-based and other prevention programs. The strategies for implementing prevention programs and how to conduct effective evaluation of prevention programs is reviewed. The differences and interplay between intervention and prevention is covered, as well as the funding and administration of prevention programs.
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.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- 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
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.