Frequently Asked Questions

• How long will it take to complete the Graduate Certificate program?

  Taking three classes per week, completing the required supervised coaching and passing all exams would enables students to receive their graduate certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching in 12-14 months.

• When are the classes?

  Classes are usually on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. CST

• If I do not have time to take three classes per week, can I go at a slower pace?

  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 students opt to go through the program as a cohort, starting and finishing with their classmates.

• Are the distance learning classes prerecorded or delivered live?

  All distance learning classes are delivered live in real time.

• What happens if I miss a class?

  All classes are recorded. If you cannot attend class, you can easily access the recording at your convenience.

• Is there an expectation of attendance minimums if the recordings can be accessed?

  We expect students to attend as many classes as they can. The recordings are not intended to take the place of class attendance and participation.

• What equipment do I need to participate in the distance learning classes?

  You will need a gaming headset with a USB plug. We recommend a new Plantronics, Labtec or Logitech brand. They can be purchased at such places as Staples, Office Depot or Comp USA. The Labtec costs $15 and works well. You can get a Logitech headset delivered for about $20 (www.logitech.com). No software or licenses are needed. You will also need a long distance telephone service.

• What is the instructional platform used to teach the distance learning classes?

  The platform for classes is called “Adobe Connect Professional.” Once you are admitted to the program, you will be given a login and password to access “live” classes. You will also be able to talk to your classmates and instructors and download power point slides.

• What if I don’t have any experience with online learning?

  The coaching program staff at UT Dallas will help you get set up. Students quickly adapt to distance learning and enjoy taking their coaching courses online.
  

• How much homework is involved?

  Homework may be assigned by individual instructors—written, experiential, or discussion. The coaching program staff at UT Dallas will help you get set up. Students quickly adapt to distance learning and enjoy taking their coaching courses online.ion. It will usually not excess one hour for every class hour.

• How are we graded?

  Grades are based on homework, class participation and three written exams, which are given at the completion of the 100 series, 200 series and 300 series.
  

• What are the exams like?

  Multiple choice, true/ false, short answers and essay questions.
  

• What is the governing body for the coaching profession?

  It is the ICF (International Coach Federation). (http://www.coachfederation.org)

• What about ICF (International Coach Federation) certification?

  Since the UT Dallas program is accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as an ACTP (Approved Coach Training Program), students who successfully complete the UT Dallas graduate certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching are eligible to apply for professional certification through the ICF (ACC/PCC/MCC). For more information on the professional certifications offered by the ICF, please visit www.coachfederation.org.

• I have my M.A./MBA and am wondering if a coaching certificate would be helpful.

  Several of our current students have MBAs, M.A.s and even Ph.D.s and MDs. They realize that executive coaching is one of the top 10 professions for the upcoming decade and many Fortune 500 companies prefer to hire coaches with accredited university coaching education. Many students plan on establishing private practices after they retire from their current jobs.
  

• Can I apply if I do not have a bachelor’s degree?

  Since this is a graduate-level program, admittance without a degree would depend on an interview with the director, any college transcripts that you do have and relevant and exemplary work experience.
  

• What is admittance to the program based on?

  The coaching program’s admissions committee will examine your online application, the three letters of recommendation and college transcripts.

• How many academic credits can we get?

  15 graduate units.

• Will I need to buy a lot of books?

  Most reading material will be given to you to by the instructors via “Blackboard.” Any required texts would be those that are important for an executive coach to have in his or her library.

• Who should write the letters of recommendation?f

  They should be written by friends, acquaintances, colleagues, managers and other professionals who can address your potential as a coach.

• Why do I need official transcripts sent by the colleges I attended?

  You will be enrolling as a non-degree seeking student within UT Dallas. Official transcripts are required as per UT Dallas admissions policies.

• Do I still need to send transcripts even if I have been out of school for 30 years?

  Yes, the UT Dallas Admissions Office requires official transcripts from all applicants. Many of our students are professionals who have been in the workforce for many years.

• Is a deposit required?

  Yes, a $200 payment is submitted online with your application. You may also mail a check after the online application is received. It will be applied to the tuition; otherwise, it is non-refundable.

• How do we pay for this program?

  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 percent of the program fee (minus the deposit), and the remainder will be due at the start of the next semester. You may also pay with a credit card; a 1.75 percent surcharge fee will be assessed for each transaction. Call the Executive and Professional Coaching Program at (972)883-5906 to process your credit card payment.

• Is there financial aid available?

  Yes, because The University of Texas at Dallas is an accredited university, several of our students have secured student loans.

• Can my employer or company pay for graduate certificate courses?

  Yes, several of our students' companies have paid their tuitions. UT Dallas is an accredited university, and academic credit is received for participation in the program.