| Q: |
How long will it take to complete the Graduate Certificate program? |
| A: |
Taking 3 classes per week, completing the required supervised coaching, and passing all exams would enable students to receive their Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching in 12-14 months. |
| Q: |
When are the classes? |
| A: |
They are usually on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, or Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, at 5:30 p.m. CST |
| Q: |
If I do not have time to take 3 classes per week, can I go at a slower pace? |
| A: |
Yes, the same modules are offered twice a year and you can go at your own pace. In such a case, you will be moving between two cohorts. Most of our students have opted to go through the program as a cohort, starting and finishing with their classmates. |
| Q: |
Are the distance learning classes prerecorded or delivered live? |
| A: |
The classes are all by distance learning and delivered “live”, in real-time. |
| Q: |
What happens if we have to miss a class? |
| A: |
All classes are recorded, and if you cannot attend class (we understand the lives of traveling professionals) you can easily look at the recording at your convenience. |
| Q: |
Is there an expectation of attendance minimums if the recordings can be watched? |
| A: |
We expect students to attend all the classes that they are able to. The recordings are not intended to take the place of class attendance and participation. |
| Q: |
What equipment must I buy to participate in the distance learning classes? |
| A: |
You will need a gaming headset. We recommend a new Plantronics, Labtec or Logitech brand. They can be purchased at Staples, Office Depot, Comp USA, etc. The Labtec costs $15 and it works well. You can get a Logitech headset delivered for about $20 (www.logitech.com). No software or licenses are needed. |
| Q: |
What is the instructional platform used to teach the distance learning classes? |
| A: |
The platform we are using to teach our classes is “Elluminate”. You can go to www.elluminate.com (“Events”) and sign up for a free participant training module and get an idea what it entails. Once you are admitted to the Program, you will be given a login and password to access our “live” classes, via their website. You will be able to talk to your classmates and instructors, download power point slides, etc. |
| Q: |
I don’t have any experience with online learning. |
| A: |
Both the coaching program staff and the elluminate technical support team will help you get set up. We will give you individual attention. Students all quickly learn (and like!) this technology. |
| Q: |
How much homework is involved? |
| A: |
Homework assignments are given. The amount and type varies by instructor. This is a graduate level program and the homework meets graduate level requirements. |
| Q: |
How are we graded? |
| A: |
Grades are based on homework, class participation, and three comprehensive exams which are given at the completion of the 100 series, 200 series, and 300 series. |
| Q: |
What are the exams like? |
| A: |
Multiple Choice, True/ False, short answers, and essay questions |
| Q: |
What is the governing body for the coaching profession? |
| A: |
It is the ICF (International Coach Federation) (http://www.coachfederation.org) |
| Q: |
What about ICF (International Coach Federation) Certification? |
| A: |
Since the UTD Program is accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as an ACTP (Approved Coach Training Program), students who successfully complete the UTD Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching are eligible to apply for professional certification through the ICF (ACC/PCC/MCC) through the ACTP application process. For more information on the professional certifications offered by the ICF, please visit their website
here.
|
| Q: |
I have my MA/MBA and am wondering if a Coaching Certificate would be helpful. |
| A: |
Several of our current students have MBAs, MAs, and even PhDs, MDs and JDs. They realize that Executive Coaching is one of the top ten professions for the upcoming decade, and many Fortune 500 companies prefer to hire coaches with accredited university credentials. Many students are looking to establish private practices after they retire from current jobs. |
| Q: |
Can I apply if I do not have a bachelor’s degree? |
| A: |
Since this is a graduate-level program, admittance without a degree would depend on an interview with the Director, submitting any college transcripts that you do have, and extensive, relevant and exemplary work experience. |
| Q: |
What is admittance to the Program based on? |
| A: |
The Coaching Program’s Admissions committee will examine your online application, the three letters of recommendation, and college transcripts. |
| Q: |
How many academic credits can we get? |
| A: |
12 graduate units |
| Q: |
Will I need to buy a lot of books? |
| A: |
Most reading material will be given to you to by the instructors, via “Blackboard.” However, a list of required texts is in the process of being compiled. These texts will be important for any coach to have in his or her library. |
| Q: |
Who should write the letters of recommendation? |
| A: |
They should be written by friends, acquaintances, colleagues, managers, and other professionals who can address your potential as a coach. |
| Q: |
Why do I need official transcripts sent by the colleges I attended? |
| A: |
You will be enrolling as a non-degree seeking student within The University of Texas at Dallas. Official transcripts are required as per UTD Admissions Office policy. |
| Q: |
Do I still need to send transcripts even if I have been out of school for 30 years? |
| A: |
Yes, the UTD Admissions office requires official transcripts from all applicants. Many of our students are professionals who have been in the workforce for many years |
| Q: |
Is a deposit required? |
| A: |
Yes, a $200 check must be mailed immediately after the online application is received. It will be applied to the tuition; otherwise it is non-refundable. |
| Q: |
How do we pay for this program? |
| A: |
Before the start of class, one half of the tuition must be submitted. A check can be made out to the University of Texas at Dallas for 50% of the program fee (minus the deposit). The remainder will be due at the start of the next semester. We also accept credit card payments; a 1.75% card fee will be assessed for each transaction. Call the Executive Programs Business Office at 972.883.4114 to process it." |
| Q: |
Is there financial aid available? |
| A: |
Yes, because The University of Texas at Dallas is an accredited university, several of our students have secured student loans. |
| Q: |
Can my employer or company pay for the Graduate Certificate courses? |
| A: |
Yes, several of our students have had their tuition paid by their company since The University of Texas is an accredited university and academic credit is received for participation in the program. |
