Master of Science (MS) Mental Health and Wellness: Prevention
Earn Your Master of Science in Mental Health Prevention Online
Earn your prevention science degree online at Grand Canyon University, and prepare to pursue a successful career in service to others. The Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Prevention is a dynamic and interdisciplinary degree program that explores the nature of mental and spiritual resiliency. This degree is an intensive survey of human nature, psychopathology and best practices in treatment modalities.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the MS in Mental Health and Wellness prevention science degree guides students in developing foundational knowledge that translates to the fields of human services and community health. Grounded in evidence-based practices, the rigorous curriculum inspires students to reach new academic heights as they study how to serve others by effectively advocating for healthy mental, cognitive and spiritual behaviors.
What Is Prevention Science?
Prevention science is a burgeoning career field that promotes proactive wellness practices to reduce rates of mental and behavioral health disorders. Students will gain a solid understanding of mental health prevention, including knowledge and skills that are immediately applicable in the field. Fully qualified instructors guide students in learning best practices for working with clients across the lifespan, as well as developing, implementing and evaluating community-wide mental health initiatives.
GCU is a private Christian university. There is an emphasis on the Christian worldview and issues pertaining to professional ethics standards. Students are inspired to become servant leaders who effectively communicate and make ethical decisions in a leadership role.
Study Methods and Modalities for Preventive Care in the Mental Health & Wellness MS with an Emphasis in Prevention
This Master of Science in mental health and wellness - prevention science degree is available online at GCU via our intuitive learning platform that facilitates collaboration and connectivity. A total of 34 credits are required for completion. Most online courses are eight weeks in length. Some of the courses included with this program are:
- Prevention Throughout the Lifespan
- Community Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation
- Mental Health, Wellness and Health Care Integration
- Ethics and Cultural Diversity in Mental Health and Wellness
- Specific Prevention Topics
There is a focus on evidence-based prevention programs and practices. Students will examine the influences of cultural dynamics on the prevention science field. The comprehensive curriculum explores the role of prevention science as the first line of defense, such as the SAMHSA prevention initiative, and the environmental influences on the implementation of effective prevention programming.
All mental health prevention MS students are required to complete the Mental Health and Wellness Capstone. This course provides a real-world look at the mental health and wellness field through the lens of career opportunities, practical applications and common responsibilities in the field.
Lead Innovative Initiatives in Mental Health Prevention
The prevention or mitigation of the effects of mental illnesses is essential for preserving quality of life. Prevention science in mental health may help lower rates of the consequences of mental illnesses, including unemployment, incarceration, homelessness and suicide ideation. Graduates with prevention science degrees are well-positioned to build a meaningful 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 - Prevention 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.
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 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.
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 refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.