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Doctoral

Ph.D. Executive Coaching and Leadership

Serve, Lead, and Transform the Field of Executive Coaching
With the Townsend Institute’s Ph.D. in Executive Coaching and Leadership

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The Only Ph.D. Designed to Fully Integrate Advanced Executive Coaching and Transformational Leadership

Grounded in the Townsend Growth Model and a distinctly Christian framework, this program forms ethically courageous, research-driven leaders equipped for the complexity of modern organizations.

Accessible

Accessible: Online with one annual on-ground residency in Irvine, CA

Affordable

Affordable: $850 per unit

Accelerated

Accelerated: Complete your doctoral degree in just 3 years

Flexible

Flexible: Designed for working professionals with 7-week terms

WASC | Senior College and University Commission

WSCUC Accredited | ICF Aligned

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Shape the Future of the Field

Shape the Future of the Field

We are not just teaching coaching and leadership. We are shaping the future of the profession.

  • Dual Expertise: While other programs offer generic leadership degrees, this is the only Ph.D. that combines executive coaching and leadership with equal depth. You’ll explore how the two domains inform each other in real-world organizations.
  • World-Class Fellows: Learn directly from industry giants including Dr. John Townsend, Bob Goff, and Patrick Lencioni.
  • Faith Integration: A program built on a Lutheran Christian perspective that integrates biblical values into professional practice.
  • Proven Success: Join an Institute with a 90% retention rate, where we specialize in supporting working professionals through to degree completion.
A Journey of Scholarship and Practice

A Journey of Scholarship and Practice

The curriculum is built at the intersection of relational competence and evidence-based coaching.

  • Year 1: Foundation and Community: Begin with a 2-week online orientation and your first on-ground residency. Focus on core coaching theories and the Townsend Growth Model.
  • Year 2: Advanced Inquiry: Dive into research seminars and advanced coursework while preparing your dissertation prospectus.
  • Year 3: Original Research: Conduct original studies that contribute new knowledge to the field, culminating in your dissertation defense.

Curriculum

60 Total Units | 7-Week Terms

  • ECL700 - Townsend Institute Doctoral Studies Orientation
  • ECL701 - Critical Perspectives in Leadership and Executive Coaching
  • ECL702 - Intercultural Competence and Leadership in a Globalized World
  • ECL703 - Brain-Based Approaches to Cultivating Emotionally Intelligent Leaders
  • ECL704 - Innovation in Executive Coaching and Leadership
  • ECL705 - Advanced Strategies in High-Performance Team Leadership and Coaching
  • ECL706 - Integrating Reflective Practice and Supervision: A Praxis Approach for Executive Coaches and Leaders
  • ECL707 - Ethical Practice and Professional Standards in Executive Coaching and Leadership
  • ECL708 - Advanced Communication Strategies: Critical Analysis of Emerging Methodologies
  • ECL798 - Townsend Institute Residency
  • ECL799 - Townsend Institute Residency II

  • ECL750 - Quantitative Research Methods and Design
  • ECL751 - Statistical Analysis for Leadership
  • ECL753 - Qualitative Research Methods and Design
  • ECL754 - Advanced Quantitative Research and Statistics in Executive Coaching and Leadership
  • OR ECL755 - Advanced Qualitative Research and Statistics in Executive Coaching and Leadership
  • ECL770 - Research Seminar I
  • ECL771 - Research Seminar II
  • ECL772 - Research Seminar III
  • ECL773 - Research Seminar IV
  • ECL774 - Research Seminar V
  • ECL775 - Research Seminar VI

  • ECL781 - Dissertation
  • ECL782 - Dissertation
  • ECL791 - Dissertation

  • ECL714 - Leading through Networks and Institutions: The Future of Ministry
  • ECL715 - Interdisciplinary Approaches to Conflict Transformation and Facilitated Dialogue
  • ECL716 - Transformational Servant Leadership: Research and Organizational Impact
  • ECL717 - Advanced Strategies for Developing and Sustaining Organizational Coaching Cultures

  • ECL792 - Dissertation Extension
An Exceptional Return on Investment An Exceptional Return on Investment

Career Outcomes

An Exceptional Return on Investment

The executive coaching industry is projected to grow from $6.25B in 2024 to nearly $32B by 2034.

  • Executive Leadership: Step into C-suite or senior HR roles with advanced interpersonal and change management skills.
  • Strategic Consulting: Drive 788% ROI for organizations through high-impact coaching interventions.
  • Academia: Prepare to teach coaching and leadership at the university level.
  • Industry Credibility: Meet the demand of the 80% of clients who prefer to work with credentialed, doctoral-level experts.
Female student on her computer

Join us LIVE!

Experience a new kind of relational education. Join us online LIVE and hear from our faculty, academic advisors, current students, and alumni about their experience in the Townsend Institute.

  • Ask Dr. John Townsend your questions about the Institute and our offerings
  • Learn how our counseling and leadership programs can advance your career
  • Connect with other prospective students exploring our programs
  • Become eligible for scholarships and other prizes by participating in our info session

Jun

24

Townsend Institute PhD Information Night

Wed, Jun 24, 2026, 5:00 PM PST

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Jun

24

M.A. Information Night - Townsend LIVE

Wed, Jun 24, 2026, 5:30 PM PST

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How to Apply

We are looking for leaders who want to contribute to the field through original research and reflective practice.

Application Requirements

  • Degree: Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • GPA: Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA.
  • Experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience.
  • Resume/CV: Current professional history.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two professional letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of Intent: A 3-5 page document detailing your educational goals and research interests.
  • Interview: A personal interview with program faculty.

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FAQ

Yes. The program is specifically designed for working professionals with online coursework and only one annual residency.

Students should expect approximately 15-20 hours of work per week.

The inaugural cohort is scheduled to launch in January 2027.

A coaching certification (PCC/MCC) is not required for admission, but professional experience in coaching or leadership is highly valued.

Concordia campus from French Hill Dr. Townsend and students in front of Grimm Hall

Start your application today.

Take your next step toward creating the career, and the life, you’ve been waiting for.

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