Skip to Main Content

Leadership Coaching Certificate

Download as PDF

Leadership Studies/SOLES Graduate Graduate Certificate

Effective Start Term

Fall 2026

Program

Leadership Coaching Certificate

Program Long Title

Leadership Coaching Cert

Program Type

Major

College/School

School of Leadership & Educ.

Program Level

Graduate

Campus

Main Campus

Degree Designation

Graduate Certificate

Catalog Full Description

The Leadership Coaching Certificate provides students an opportunity to complete the requirements necessary to earn a nationally recognized credential in an emerging field.

The University of San Diego’s Leadership Coaching Certificate is a comprehensive program that uses proven approaches to prepare established and aspiring coaches with the skills needed to advance their professions. These approaches are unique in helping coaches become reflective practitioners who are able to bring quality and depth to their work in a range of professional settings. An emphasis is placed on developing the coach as an instrument of practice, where the relationship with the client is at the center.

Professionals with established coaching practices, those who are new to the field, educators, human resource officers and those from related careers are ideal candidates. Consultants and clinicians can also benefit greatly from the program. Managers who find that coaching is increasingly an expectation in their work will also find value in completing these courses. USD graduate students can sometimes use these courses towards their MA or PhD program elective courses.

The University of San Diego, Department of Leadership Studies is a BCC founding CCE-approved coach training provider for the Executive Leadership Coaching certification preparation. Participants who successfully complete all five courses will be eligible for the Board Certified Coach credential (BCC) exam through the Center for Credentialing and Education. In addition, they will have the training and mentor coaching hours required to apply for an ACC or PCC credential through the ICF via the Level 2 Path. Details regarding what this entails can be found on the ICF’s website https://coachingfederation.org/credentialing.

Entrance Semesters

Fall and Spring (not all terms are available every academic year)

Application Deadlines

Visit https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/academics/leadership-coaching-certificate/

Minimum Grade Point Average

3.0 (4.0 scale) in all undergraduate coursework

Standardized Admission Test

Not required. Applicants at or near the minimum GPA may choose to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores to strengthen their application.

Additional Requirements

An interview may be required for admission.

Resume

Statement of Purpose

Two letters of recommendation