Master of Science in Mental Health (MS-MHLTH)

The Master of Science in mental health allows eligible students to apply UWS mental health coursework toward the completion of a mental health degree in the case that after completion of course work, the clinical focus is not the appropriate fit. This mental health degree is useful for career roles such as caseworker, peer support specialist, health care administrative assistant, community health worker, etc.

Mission Statement

The mission of the mental health degree program is to educate and prepare mental health support professionals who, through commitment, excellence, and engagement, will have meaningful and sustained impact in their communities. Such impact is accomplished by actively and diligently affirming the dignity and self-worth of all persons.

Admission Requirements - MS-MHLTH

UWS admits students into the MS in mental health program who meet the following requirements.

In addition to the general entry requirements for the College of Graduate Studies, students must also meet the following specific entry requirements for the MS in mental health program:

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. 3.0 undergraduate GPA preferred.
• Submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
• Pass a comprehensive criminal history background check (requirement at admission to the university).
• Be a current or formerly enrolled student in the UWS Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling, or doctor of education in sport and performance psychology, clinical mental health counseling specialization who did not earn a degree in the respective program.
• Be, or have been at the time of departure from the university, in good academic and professional standing at UWS. To learn if you may be eligible for this degree option, confer with the CMHC program director.

Graduation Requirements - MS-MHLTH

The MS in mental health degree is conferred upon an individual who has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Maintenance of enrollment eligibility through satisfactory academic performance, professional development and behavior.
• Successful completion of all required coursework with a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Program Learning Outcomes - MS-MHLTH

Upon completion of the program, students in the MS in mental health will be able to:

1. Create a professional identity based on the philosophies, history, and roles of the mental health profession.
2. Apply ethical and legal standards to mental health practices.
3. Develop culturally responsive mental health services strategies based on their professional evaluation of the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends of a multicultural society.
4. Apply effective advocacy strategies to enhance mental health services.
5. Synthesize theories of human growth and development to understand differentiated mental health service strategies that promote resilience, optimum development, and wellness across the lifespan.
6. Create a career development plan to assess and develop client skills appropriate to their work, relationships, and wellbeing.
7. Integrate theories and best practices related to trauma-informed and community-based strategies to appropriately understand the needs of diverse clients.
8. Assess mental health research to inform mental health service provision.