M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Family Dynamics

Help Families Thrive With GCU's MS in Mental Health and Wellness Degree

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 (GCU) is an intensive survey of the family, its structures and its life cycle. By earning a mental health and wellness degree, you can 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.

As a student, you 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 on the roles in family dynamics, including the practical applications of theories to promote health and wellness within the family system.
Earn Your Graduate Degree Online

This degree is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as an online or evening program. Using GCU’s interactive digital learning platform, online students benefit from the diverse experiences and perspectives of their peers and experienced instructors. All courses in this mental health and wellness degree program can be completed online to allow you to pursue your education on a more flexible schedule. For those who prefer to learn in a classroom environment, but require additional convenience, the evening program offers one course at a time, once a week on campus.

Family Dynamics Focus Course Topics

GCU students are taught to be 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 both the roles in family dynamics and 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 MS in Mental Health and Wellness – family dynamics emphasis includes special focus on the following topics:

    Ethics and cultural diversity
    
    Family dynamics
    
    Influences of parenting
    
    Cognitive, moral and psychosocial development theories
    
    The integration of mental health, wellness and healthcare

Develop Valuable Skills Needed for Roles in Family Dynamics

As you work through the courses, you will use a systematic lens to 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 impacted modern families
    
    Common mental health disorders, treatments and supportive services

In addition, students will complete the Mental Health and Wellness Capstone at the end of the program. This course provides a thorough examination of the mental health and wellness fields.
Family Dynamics and Mental Health Career Opportunities

An in-depth knowledge of family dynamics and mental health can 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
    
    Churches and religious institutions
    
    Community health agencies

This Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness 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. This family dynamics online emphasis does not lead to counseling or psychology licensure.

1 Wolicki, S.B., Bitsko, R.H., Cree, R.A. et al. (2021, April 19). Mental Health of Parents and Primary Caregivers by Sex and Associated Child Health Indicators. Retrieved on April 27, 2023.

2The State of Mental Health in America. Mental Health America. Retrieved on April 27, 2023.