Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Wellness: Family Dynamics Emphasis

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Healthcare

Program

Grad. Cert. in Mental Health and Wellness: Family Dynamics Studies

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Benefits of Choosing To Study Family Dynamics

Grand Canyon University's graduate certificate in mental health, family dynamics emphasis is designed for professionals interested in working with families in various community settings to promote mental health and wellness.

You will explore areas of family development, parenting and social motivations. You will be introduced to research and taught best practices for integrating mental health and wellness principles within family systems. While this certificate does not lead to counseling certification or licensure, it offers you an opportunity to advance your education and specialty in family mental health and wellness.

Graduate Certificate of Completion in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Family Dynamics Studies

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 16

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

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).

Why GCU

Benefits of Earning Your Certificate From GCU

The graduate certificate in mental health and wellness with a focus on family interactions is offered online so you can build upon your skills and earn credits on your own schedule. Take family dynamics classes through our digital learning platform and interact with knowledgeable faculty throughout the program.

GCU also offers a Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Family Dynamics that is designed to deepen knowledge and skills through continued coursework and practical examination of the field.

Coursework

Course Topics in Family Mental Health and Wellness

This certificate program offers family dynamics classes that teach you competencies in the following areas:

The influence of relationships, interactions and communication among family members, and how problems are created, continued and resolved within family units.
Family development and the transitions between family lifecycle stages.
Research and evidence-based parenting practices with regard to character development and the promotion of positive behaviors.
The role of societal influences and cultural norms in family systems and how families interact with other community systems.

Explore Emphasis Options

Discover additional mental health and wellness certificate emphases that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.

Integrated Health Studies

Mental Health Administration

Christian Ministry

Grief and Bereavement

Careers

Career Opportunities After Studying Family Dynamics

By completing this online graduate certificate in mental health and wellness with a focus on family structures, you may have the opportunity to use your skills in social service fields. Coupled with a bachelor's or master's degree in mental health and wellness, this certificate teaches core competencies you may use in social service fields.

Settings that may provide comprehensive children and family services include:

Schools

Churches

Hospitals

Community-based organizations

Accreditation

Complete Your Graduate Certificate From an Accredited University

GCU is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), providing quality in education since 1968. Our university meets the HLC’s high standards in areas such as integrity, governance, learning effectiveness, admissions, student services, stewardship and academic achievement.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about the graduate certificate program and the importance of studying family structures and interactions, read through our answers to these commonly asked questions.

Understanding family structures and the roles of each individual can help you further examine how issues are formed and perpetuated within family units. Once you have this understanding, you can use your skills to equip families with the necessary tools and resources to help them navigate their relationships and overcome challenges.

The online graduate certificate in mental health is designed for working professionals who hold a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree. You are not required to have a specific degree in mental health and wellness or family dynamics to be admitted in the program. Certificate programs provide the opportunity for you to gain advanced skills and credits in master’s-level coursework without having to enroll in and complete a graduate program of study.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

Major16 credits

Degree Requirements16 credits

Core Courses

MHW-512

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces students to the dynamics of the family unit. The family is examined as an interactive system of individuals whose roles and boundaries constantly shift to accommodate the needs of the collective family unit. The influence of relationships, interactional patterns, and communication among family members is covered through a systemic lens. Considering the function of behaviors will determine how problems are formed, perpetuated, and resolved within families.

MHW-522

4 Total Credits

MHW-632

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, students examine the many facets of parenting. The historical and theoretical influences of parenting in the United States are covered. How parenting changes throughout the life span as well as how parenting is different in various family contexts is investigated. Research and evidence-based parenting practices regarding character development and promoting positive behavior are covered as well as how various factors affect parenting such as drugs and alcohol, poverty, and medical and psychological diagnoses.

MHW-642

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course takes a holistic look at the structure and function of the family in contemporary society as well as the many societal influences that affect the family. It examines how modern phenomena such as nontraditional family structures, and the proliferation of technology have impacted today’s families and the way they interact with other community systems. Modern governmental guidelines and ethical challenges, including systems such as foster care, are also addressed. Additionally, the role of cultural norms in family systems and the importance of cultural awareness in working with families in the mental health care system is addressed.

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

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Take the Next Step in Your Journey

Advance your knowledge through family dynamics classes. To inquire about this online certificate program at GCU, complete the form on this page to connect with a university counselor.

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