Coaching Modules and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Module 1: Foundations of Strengths and Well-Being
The emerging field of positive psychology is dedicated to the study of strengths that enable individuals, teams, organizations, and communities to thrive. This module introduces the principles of leadership and well-being as they apply to coaching. Coaches will explore techniques to achieve greater levels of engagement, enhanced well-being, and improved individual and organizational performance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn techniques for coaching toward increased engagement and well-being
- Understand the science and fundamental underpinnings of well-being
- Build strengths-based leadership concepts
Module 2: Becoming a Coach
A coaching relationship can be described as an artful collaboration of unfolding possibilities. This module explores the flow of coaching mechanics and the power in co-creating the coaching connection. From setting the coaching agreement to bringing closure, the coaching framework results in individual and organizational well-being.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the flow of coaching
- Explore the ICF ethical guidelines and professional standards
- Gain knowledge around creating a coaching contract
- Practice establishing the coaching agreement
Module 3: The Language of Coaching
Successful coaches master the application of effective language in service to their clients. In this module, coaches deepen their ability to communicate effectively by using powerful language that establishes clear agreements and new possibilities for action. Whether observing external dialogue or body language and tone, learn to help clients view organizations as a network of commitments to be leveraged through the language of coaching.
Learning Outcomes:
- Use language to assess and deepen individual and organizational well-being
- Shift coaching perspectives based on intuition and grounded assessments
- Create offers, requests and declarations with confidence
- Practice observing self as coach, while holding attention on client goals
Module 4: Coaching Toward Resilience
Resiliency is an essential leadership attribute in every sector of today’s competitive workplace. This module challenges coaches to integrate cutting-edge coaching skills into everyday practices to build and sustain organizational well-being. Building resilient leadership focuses on deepening listening skills and asking powerful questions; which are vital coaching skills essential to building resilient organizations.
Learning Outcomes:
- Integrate essential coaching skills
- Enhance emotional intelligence
- Cultivate resilient leadership
Module 5: Coach as Catalyst for Organizational Well-Being
The realities of today’s work environment mandate that clients navigate complexity, polarities, change, and cross-cultural issues. This capstone module integrates learning and skills from the entire program, while providing a framework to coach leaders in organizational contexts. By learning key principles underpinning human systems dynamics, coaches serve as catalysts for organizational well-being.
Learning Outcomes:
- Celebrate coaching knowledge and skill integration
- Enhance system awareness in the coaching context
- Declaring your commitment to being a catalyst for well-being
For more information about this program, please contact our center at coaching@gmu.edu or 703-993-6090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who applies to this program and how do graduates apply their coaching skills?Participants join from all industries including non-profit, government, and private sectors. They have diverse backgrounds and goals. They may be individual and organizational leaders, human resources or organizational development professionals, educators, executives, or entrepreneurs. Alumni apply their coaching skills to attain ICF credentials, to work as internal coaches within their organizations or to work as independent coaches and business owners. Alumni comment that coaching skills developed in program not only help them achieve greater results in their work and with their clients, but also positively impact their personal relationships and can be personally transformative.
The Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being program is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). ICF is the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches and an ICF Credential is recognized globally. The best way to ensure that you meet the requirements for an ICF Credential is to complete an ICF-accredited coach-specific training program, which has gone through a rigorous review process and demonstrated that its curriculum aligns with the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. Our ICF-Level 2 program, Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being, will help you meet the requirements for ICF Membership and Credentialing including mentor coaching, observed coaching sessions, and comprehensive preparation for the ICF final exam. The ICF Level 2 education program meets the standard for both Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) certification. Find more information about ICF at coachingfederation.org.
We focus on individual coaching not group or team coaching in this program.
The average size is 24 students per cohort.
George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia outside of Washington, DC. The university is located in the Eastern time zone and observes Daylight Savings Time. Classes occur Wednesday through Friday, three days a week per month, over five months, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., including breaks and an hour for lunch.
The program is transformative, and it is also rigorous. Graduates develop coaching proficiency at an ICF credentialing standard of PCC (Professional Certified Coach), and it is essential to pursue work outside of the classroom in order to develop skills at that level. Most students allot an average of 3 – 10 hours per week for conducting pro-bono coaching sessions and completing assignments outside of class. You will receive the full syllabus, which outlines readings and assignments, six weeks prior to the program state date.
Tuition is $12,750 and does not include the cost of books and other optional services described below. Payment plans are available for tuition. There is a 10% discount for George Mason University alumni and employees, as well as all organizations that send three or more participants.
The texts used in the program cost approximately $125 depending on the bookseller and format. Although you may not be required to read an entire book for each module, we believe they will prove to be a valued resource in your coaching library.
You will need a journal to bring to each day of class and for reflections between modules. Optional student purchases include phone call recorder apps (to record coaching sessions by phone) and transcription services. There are many such services available on the market and they range in price.
Yes, payment plans are available. Contact The Office of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) at cpeinfo@gmu.edu for information about payment plan details.
Some companies offer funds for tuition reimbursement. Check with your human resources department regarding available training/personal development funds. There are no scholarship opportunities offered for this program.
Regarding the use of the GI Bill, in the state of Virginia, non-credit courses do not currently qualify for traditional Veterans Educational Assistance benefits. We encourage you to speak with your representative to determine if there are other benefits you may be able to access.
Absolutely. We recommend that you start by speaking with one of our faculty members. Please contact us at coaching@gmu.edu if you’d like to get in touch with program faculty or alumni.
The ICF ACC (Associate Certified Coach) level of ICF certification requires 100 coaching hours, of which 25 can be pro bono. The ICF PCC (Professional Certified Coach) level of ICF certification requires 500 coaching hours, of which 50 can be pro-bono. In our program, you will complete 21 hours of pro-bono coaching toward your certification. Some graduates achieve their ICF certification within 6-12 months of completing the program, but the time depends on how much coaching one is able to pursue. Please review the full ICF credentialing requirements on the ICF website.
Yes, alumni are welcomed into a robust Mason Coaching Community that hosts a variety of networking and professional development opportunities. The Alumni Steering Committee organizes these opportunities. Additionally, alumni remain connected through the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, which hosts webinars and other professional development opportunities for program alumni. Program alumni can also serve as mentors for existing students. Additionally, many contribute to our community via social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook), and participate in webinars, book clubs, and mastermind groups. We find that cohorts often create their own social media group after completion of the program to stay connected with one another as well.
Interested students can submit their application for consideration in the program at any time once the program has been announced on our website at wellbeing.gmu.edu up to the deadline. However, acceptance does not guarantee a space in the program and participation is confirmed once the applicant’s registration has been processed, including payment of the tuition, completed payment plan contract, or receipt of a training authorization or purchase order. All applications submitted before the deadline will be considered by the review team. If the program fills to capacity prior to the deadline, which is typical, accepted applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
No, your application package should be submitted together through the student portal. Note that you may upload individual documents as you received them, but we will not put forth your application for consideration in the program until you have submitted all the required documents.
There is no template for letters of recommendation. They can come from a supervisor, peer, or employee—anyone who knows you well and can speak to your unique qualities as they apply to coaching. We are looking for insights into your character, how you lead, your approach to learning, how you contribute to your organization, the strengths you will bring to coaching others, and/or why you will make a good coach.
Your answers to the prompts should be self-reflective in nature, as personal reflection is required for coaching in general, and specifically in our program.
Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being is offered through George Mason University as a certificate program. It is therefore not eligible for academic credit.
Program details and the registration link can be found at https://wellbeing.gmu.edu/certificate- programs/leadership-coaching-for-organizational-well-being/.