Online Graduate Certificate in Life Coaching

Foundations of Coaching is an eight-week course designed to introduce the models and basic skills used in executive coaching and/or life coaching practices. This course introduces the vital skills, methods, and strategies required of an effective coach including developing coaching relationships, setting goals and planning, developing awareness, asking powerful questions, communication and language, action and accountability and facilitating learning and results. Participants will examine various coaching models and gain knowledge of the ethical considerations associated with coaching relationships. This training prepares participants to coach individuals, groups, and teams for performance, development, skills and personal/professional growth. Participants will engage in coaching conversations, apply best practices, and practice creating empowering coaching experiences.

Building on the foundational coaching skills gained in EDUC536 - Emotional Intelligence and Coaching Assessments provides participants with an understanding of emotional intelligence and when and how to use assessments in the coaching experience. Participants learn about Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its role in coaching. Participants examine several coaching assessments to gain familiarity and an understanding of when each assessment is appropriate for coaching. Specifically, participants will consider tools such as the Wheel of Life, Personality Type, DISC, EI, TPI, Strengths, and other assessments designed for diverse settings. Participants will also examine the ethical considerations associated with using assessments in the coaching relationship. (Prerequisite: EDUC536)

Coaching Groups and Teams extends participants’ thinking about coaching from coaching individuals to coaching groups and teams. Participants compare strategies for team and group coaching alongside those for coaching individuals. This course offers participants an opportunity to examine coaching groups and teams within an organizational system. As with the other trainings in this series, participants will explore and expand the application of coaching competencies and focus on ethical considerations associated with coaching groups and teams vs. coaching individuals. (Prerequisite: EDUC633)

This course examines the influence of cultural and ethnic differences in the administration of student affairs. Students explore a variety of topics including culture, ethnicity, race, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, values, and socioeconomic status. Students discuss how cultural variables affect student affairs advisement. Topics include theories, strategies for effective multicultural advisement, ethical delivery of services, and culturally responsive assessments. This course is designed to develop self-awareness, knowledge, and skills in working with diverse populations.

This course examines theories of child, adolescent, and young adult development and learning. It introduces a comprehensive view of human development across the lifespan, drawing on the application of major theoretical positions - both historical and current. Developmental themes are discussed in terms of their application to typical and atypical human development in children, adolescents, and young adults. Concepts related to the significant role that transitions play in development throughout the lifespan will be integrated throughout the course. Application of theory to the school setting in the areas of learner development, learner styles/differences, the nature of the learner, and learner motivation are discussed. Topics also include the impact of culture and diversity on learning.

Career Counseling and Development explores career development theories and the career decision making process. Students learn how to encourage motivation by connecting personal values and interests with academics. Topics include multicultural considerations, the relationship between one’s career development and other life roles, and assessment instruments relevant to career planning. The process of career development will be covered as well as the implications for students with disabilities.

This course examines the marketing process and components of a successful marketing strategy for starting and growing a successful entrepreneurial venture. Students learn about the evolving practice of marketing and the potential for entrepreneurial thinking. Focal points range from issues with conventional marketing paradigms to the development of marketing strategy in the digital age.