Professional Coaching Certificate
Help executives lead and thrive in the modern workplace.
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Be a Catalyst for Change
Expand your coaching toolkit by earning the Professional Executive Coaching Certificate from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. Our International Coaching Federation (ICF)-approved coach training program can be completed in just 8 months.
Guided by Dr. John Townsend, Institute Fellows, and our experienced faculty, you’ll learn how to partner with clients in a thought-provoking, creative, and collaborative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. While courses can be taken online, a four-day residency will be held in person.
Online
Study online, and complete a residency on campus.
12-18 units and a 4-Day Residency
Attend in-person trainings with Dr. Townsend.
$715/Unit
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
“I would absolutely recommend this program. It is so rich, scripturally based, and business driven. It uses all areas of your brain and will just make you better at relationships.”
Cheryl Todd
Getting Started
Gain hands-on coaching and consulting experience during this 35-week professional coaching certification program. You’ll take one 7-week course at a time, and learning activities may involve about 10 to 12 hours of your time each week. Should you wish to continue your education, the coursework can apply to the corresponding Master of Arts in Executive Coaching and Consulting.
A four-day, on-campus residency can help you develop the skills necessary to counsel, coach, and lead effectively. You’ll also receive professional development opportunities from faculty and presenters.
Students working toward the certificate will complete their classwork through a mentorship with an ICF-credentialed coach and a performance evaluation.
Next Start
August 24, 2026
Upcoming Starts
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Fall 1 2026 August 31, 2026
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Fall 2 2026 October 26, 2026
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Spring 1 & Full 2027 January 11, 2027
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Spring 2 2027 March 15, 2027
Curriculum
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
All classes are taught in English
- EXCC599 – Townsend Institute Residency
- EXCC600 – Townsend Institute Orientation
- EXCC601 – Ethical Coaching and Cultural Foundations
- EXCC612 – Executive Coaching and Character Development
- EXCC613 – Developing the Executive Coaching Relationship
- EXCC621 – Coaching Mentorship
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Residency
There is great value in frequent, real-time interaction with fellow students and your instructors. That’s why our graduate programs launch with a 4-Day Residency where you will meet Dr. Townsend personally as he and our Institute Fellows conduct a series of training sessions. You will also go through 8 process-focused growth groups that are truly transformative. Learn more about the 4-Day Residency by registering for an online Townsend LIVE info night.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
Admission Requirements
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for full details on application and admission requirements.
Career Outcomes
Fortune 100 companies regularly hire coaches as consultants to develop their executives, improve their teams, spur creativity, and solve problems. Individuals hire coaches to establish goals and pursue their vision, gain confidence, develop their careers, and improve their personal lives.
From 2019 to 2022, executive coaching growth accelerated.1 A 2023 survey noted that the increase indicates 54% growth worldwide. In that time, total annual revenue for the industry grew to $4.564 billion – a 60% increase since ICF’s 2020 study.1
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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Michelle Thompson
Assistant Dean – Executive Coaching & Consulting and External Relations
FAQs
Which coaching certification is best?
To become an executive coach, you’ll first want to look for a program that’s been accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). To become accredited by the ICF, the program curriculum must align with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, as well as undergo a review process.1
Because Concordia’s professional coaching certification program has met these rigorous standards, you can be confident that the certificate can set you up for your career.
What are the requirements for a coaching certification?
Concordia’s certificate in professional coaching requires only 15 units of coursework over six classes, and it’s been designed so that you can finish it in as few as eight months. It has even incorporated a mentorship with an International Coaching Federation (ICF)-credentialed coach so you can get the 1-on-1 experience you need to position yourself for success.
The requirements of Concordia’s program align with those from the ICF, meaning it has met strict coaching guidelines.
Are coaching certifications worth it?
Coaching certifications can be worth it if this is the path you want to take with your career. Finding professional coaching certification programs that meet International Coaching Federation (ICF) guidelines makes it even more worth it.
Concordia’s certificate in professional coaching has been designed so that you’ll learn how to build relationships as a coach and advance clients in their careers.
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Sources
1International Coaching Federation (ICF), on the internet, at:
- https://coachingfederation.org/blog/professional-coaching-continues-global-expansion (viewed Dec. 19, 2024),
- https://coachingfederation.org/about (viewed Dec. 19, 2024).