Many aspiring coaches think the only way to get certified is to enroll in a program at a coach-specific training center. However, there’s another route you can take: to study at an established university.

UC Davis is a reputable institution offering a coaching certificate program accredited by the ICF. You can complete their program in 11 weeks and learn from some of the most experienced master coaches in business.

Let’s explore what UC Davis offers to coaches and what graduates say about its training quality.

What Is UC Davis?​​

UC Davis was initially established in 1908 as a University Farm School in California, and it has since grown into one of the top-ranking universities globally. It has an excellent reputation due to its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and cutting-edge research initiatives.

Although UC Davis is more known for its agricultural and scientific programs, it also offers certification for coaches. Their continuing and professional education courses combine theoretical lectures and experiential learning through full-day online classes.

Who Are the Instructors of the Coaching Certificate Program at UC Davis?

A team of highly experienced coaches leads the certificate program at UC Davis.

Carole Bennett, MBA, is an executive coach and managing consultant. She specializes in organizational behavior and strategic HR management. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and has extensive experience in integrative leadership and career development.

Laurie Cozart, MBA, MCC, has over 30 years of experience in leadership training, coaching, and consulting across various industries. She’s certified by the ICF and other reputable institutions and specializes in critical thinking, strategic leadership, and public communication.

Michelle Payne, MCC, PMC, has over 10,000 hours of coaching experience. She’s been recognized for her leadership background in the retail industry and her achievements in executive coaching worldwide. She’s a member of the global board for the ICF.

How is the Coaching Certificate Program at UC Davis Built Up?

You can apply for the Professional Coaching for Life and Work Certificate Program if you have the following:

• A high school diploma;
• At least five years of professional work experience in any field; and
• An openness to learning through feedback and self-examination

Besides aspiring business coaches, this training is excellent for managers, human resources professionals, and other professionals in leadership positions.

The curriculum is delivered through 20 full-day online lectures held on Fridays and Saturdays through Zoom. You can check the schedule for the next intake on the program page.

These classes cover the following:

• Core coaching competencies;
• The right mindset for coaching;
• How to conduct coaching conversations; and
• Demo days for practical application

This program is accredited by the ICF and covers all training and mentor hours needed to earn Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentials.

If you’d like to learn more about the program, watch the information session where university reps introduce you to the faculty and review the program’s content.

How Much Does the Coaching Certificate Program Cost at UC Davis?

Currently, the tuition fee for the Professional Coaching for Life and Work Certificate Program is $9,500.

Full refunds are offered until four days before the first lecture starts (minus a $30 processing fee). After that, you’re eligible for the following:

• 75% refund before the start of the second course in the program; and
• 50% refund before the end of the second course

No refunds are available past the second course in the program.

Real Reviews

UC Davis has an overall positive rating online. Although many of these student reviews refer to the on-campus experience and other full-time programs at the university, graduate coaches have also contributed their feedback about this certification.

Let’s explore what they say about the coaching certificate program at UC Davis.

Training Quality

The graduate school at UC Davis has a 4.6 average rating on Niche, a review site for higher education institutions. These testimonials stem from graduates in various departments, but most of them praise the high quality of education and the faculty at the institution.

One of the reviewers highlighted that the curriculum might be challenging for someone who doesn’t come from a business background. However, it’s unknown which program they refer to. Also, with an application process tied to professional experience, the university is unlikely to accept you unless they trust you can complete their training.

A Master’s student has mentioned that their online interview process went smoothly. Like most universities, UC Davis had to adapt to a virtual class structure during the pandemic years, which is good news since their coaching program is held entirely online on Zoom. 

A Continuing and Professional Education student has also rated their program’s online delivery positively, including the self-paced classes and the easy access to grades and materials.

The university lists several positive reviews from graduates of the Professional Coaching for Life and Work Certificate Program. These students have highlighted that they feel prepared to implement their new skills into their coaching practice after completing their training.

A veteran called Ray especially appreciated how the program helped him transition from military to civilian life to start a new career serving others. This also shows that the students of this program come from all walks of life, bringing various perspectives to enrich your learning experience.

Certification Credibility

Another key advantage that graduate coaches at UC Davis mentioned was the opportunity to study at a respected university and earn ICF credentials.

A student named Amy highlighted that she built valuable connections with her peers and mentor coaches that will serve her all her life.

She got to cover her tuition fees through her employer—an opportunity professionals in corporate positions can take advantage of.

Concerns About the Administration:

There aren’t many concerns about the Continuing and Professional Education department (previously UC Davis Extension) under which the coaching certification falls. However, one student criticized the management of another program in this department.

She mentions the miscommunication about whether her courses are online and the tedious refund process.

Since the UC Davis Extension unit was renamed in 2018, we hope these glitches were ironed out in how they manage their programs at the university. Online attendance has become smoother after the pandemic at all educational institutions, and UC Davis is likely no exception.

We recommend you look deeper into the aspects of the program that matter most to you through the review sites mentioned in this article. Note that spam often skews overall ratings on platforms like Facebook, so it’s always better to research the actual feedback students gave as opposed to their ratings.

Conclusion

Getting certified with UC Davis and a life or business coach comes with a high price. However, if earning essential coaching skills and ICF credentials through a reputable organization is important for you, it can be a worthwhile investment in your coaching career.

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