GCU Online Master's in Community Mental Health Administration

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a 100 percent online master of science in mental health and wellness with an emphasis on community mental health administration. The program can be completed in about five semesters when taking one course every eight weeks. Graduates gain the knowledge and skills to merge management and leadership with mental health and wellness, all from a Christian perspective.

This program is designed to prepare graduates for service in hospitals, churches, and community organizations in the area of mental health and wellness. Courses focus on cultural diversity, employee development and motivation, financial management and economics, mental health and wellness, ethical decision-making, cultural diversity, and public governance.

Students learn how to use effective interpersonal communication to manage teams, inspire others, and communicate information to partners and communities. In order to promote collaboration and build relationships among faculty and peers, the online experience includes participation in active discussion boards and group projects.

Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, Arizona and offers several online master’s programs. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

What to Expect from the GCU Online Master’s in Community Mental Health Administration

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online master’s in community mental health administration program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution approved by GCU, with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Students with a lower GPA than 2.8 may gain full admission with acceptable graduate test scores through the GMAT or GRE.

The application process is streamlined and includes an online application and fee, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and TOEFL test scores (if applicable). International students must have their transcripts evaluated by an evaluation agency approved by GCU and be current residents of a U.S. state.

Study Plan: The Grand Canyon University online master’s in community mental health administration program consists of nine courses, most of which last eight weeks. The introduction to graduate studies in liberal arts course only lasts four weeks. The program can be completed in about five semesters by taking one course every eight weeks. Most students in the master’s in community mental health administration program spend 15 to 20 hours per week on each class. Start dates land every eight weeks.

Curriculum: The GCU master’s in community mental health administration comprises 34 credits, including a mental health and wellness capstone course to culminate the program.

Courses include an introduction to mental health and wellness; public governance; ethics and cultural diversity in mental health and wellness; public budgeting and financial management; an introduction to graduate studies in the liberal arts; acquiring, developing, and leveraging human capital; mental health, wellness, and healthcare integration; economics for public administrators; and a capstone course.

Online Experience: GCU utilizes its own innovative learning management system (LMS) to deliver asynchronous courses. Requirements may include viewing recorded videos and lectures, completing assignments and readings, and participating in group projects and discussion boards. The GCU online system provides access to forums, eBooks, and calendar reminders. Online students have access to several services including ACE tutoring, admissions counseling, academic advising, library and bookstore services, career counseling, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: The GCU online master’s in community mental health administration program is 100 percent online, As always students are welcome to visit campus and participate in the campus graduation.

Paying for the GCU Online Master’s in Community Mental Health Administration

Interested parties should contact the GCU College of Humanities and Social Sciences for current tuition costs. A special rate is available for active duty and active reserve military personnel. Prospective students may speak with a university counselor to learn more.

Graduate master’s in community mental health administration students may have access to unsubsidized graduate student loans by applying through the FAFSA. Students can find out more from the Grand Canyon University Admissions Office. Other opportunities for funding may exist through employer tuition reimbursement programs and community and organizational scholarships and grants.

Grand Canyon University MS - Community Mental Health Administration

  • Gain the skills and knowledge to combine leadership with mental health and wellness
  • Focus topics include program planning, financial management, ethics, cultural diversity, and public governance
  • Most courses last 8 weeks
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Courses begin every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 34
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as five semesters.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No, unless the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirement
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 34
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

* Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.