University of North Texas 
Executive & Professional Education
Leader-as-Coach Certification Program
The University of North Texas (UNT), Ryan College of Business (RCoB) Leader-as-Coach Certification Program is an intensive executive education offering designed for leaders operating in complex, fast-changing environments. Through a highly experiential approach, participants strengthen core coaching capabilities that enhance engagement, develop talent, and enable teams to deliver sustainable results. The program equips leaders with practical coaching frameworks and the discernment to apply coaching where it will have the greatest impact.
Successful completion of all program requirements leads to a UNT, RCoB Leader-as-Coach Certified Practitioner© designation and the globally recognized Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC) Certified Leader-as-Coach™ credential.
We are a WABC Accredited (Level 2 - Leader-as-Coach)™ Program
Our WABC Accredited (Level 2 - Leader-as-Coach)™ mark means our program delivers the highest quality leader-as-coach coaching training in the world. To achieve this distinction, we participate in rigorous independent assessment and ongoing re-evaluation, designed exclusively for leader-as-coach coaching programs, to ensure we continue to offer high quality, evidence-based training rooted in real-world organizational and business needs. Our graduates are eligible to receive the WABC Certified Leader-as-Coach™ (CLAC™) credential. The Worldwide Association of Business Coaches™ (WABC™) is the leading global association committed to driving business coaching and leader-as-coach coaching excellence with robust, evidence-based practices.
Program requirements to earn the two professional certifications within the 14-week program include successful completion of all program curriculum, 20 hours of documented one-on-one coaching, a formal evaluation of coaching competencies, and a written certification examination. Both credentials are issued as professional badges that alumni may display on curricula vitae, LinkedIn profiles, and signature lines.
Program Structure
This is a hybrid program featuring five, four-hour in-person workshop sessions on alternating weeks twice per month and online asynchronous engagement via the Canvas ProLearning platform between in-person sessions.
The Fall 2026 Cohort is now full. We are no longer accepting applications for 2026.
Fall 2026 Schedule
The Fall 2026 offering of the program will take place on alternating Fridays on the UNT Denton campus (i.e., five in-person sessions every other Friday).
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Program Kickoff - online • Crystal Clarity on Program • Foundations for High-impact Cohort |
Wednesday, September 2 | 11am–12pm |
| Module 1 - in person • Transformative Leadership Legacies • Powerful Coaching Questions • Foundational Models for Coaching |
Friday, September 11 | 10am–2pm |
| Module 2 - in person • The Practicality of Theory • Ethical Foundations • Inclusive Leadership |
Friday, September 25 | 10am–2pm |
| Module 3 - in person • Emotional Intelligence (EQ) • Listening Intelligence (LQ) • Coaching with Data |
Friday, October 9 | 10am–2pm |
| Module 4 - in person • Coaching in Times of Change • Contingency Leadership • Fostering Strategic Thinking |
Friday, October 23 | 10am–2pm |
| Module 5 - in person • Coaching Successful Transitions • Courageous Conversations • Level 1 Program Graduation |
Friday, November 6 | 10am–2pm |
| Completion of program requirements | Through December 14 | Asynchronous |
Spring 2027 Schedule
The Spring 2027 offering of the program will take place on alternating Saturdays on the UNT, Frisco Campus (i.e., five in-person sessions every other Saturday).
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Program Kickoff - online • Crystal Clarity on Program • Foundations for High-impact Cohort |
Wednesday, September 2 | 11am–12pm |
| Module 1 - in person • Transformative Leadership Legacies • Powerful Coaching Questions • Foundational Models for Coaching |
Saturday, February 6 | 10am–2pm |
| Module 2 - in person • The Practicality of Theory • Ethical Foundations • Inclusive Leadership |
Saturday, February 20 | 10am–2pm |
| Module 3 - in person • Emotional Intelligence (EQ) • Listening Intelligence (LQ) • Coaching with Data |
Saturday, April 3 | 10am–2pm |
| Module 4 - in person • Coaching in Times of Change • Contingency Leadership • Fostering Strategic Thinking |
Saturday, April 17 | 10am–2pm |
| Module 5 - in person • Coaching Successful Transitions • Courageous Conversations • Level 1 Program Graduation |
Saturday, May 1 | 10am–2pm |
| Completion of program requirements | Through May 24 | Asynchronous |
Lunch will be provided at each of the in-person workshop sessions.
Program Content
The framework for the Leader-as-Coach Certification Program leverages research-supported concepts that are grounded in transdisciplinary theory and robust, evidence-based practice that enhance leadership effectiveness and produce results. Disciplines featured in the carefully selected curriculum include psychology, social psychology, adult learning, leadership, strategy, change management, and organizational design. Throughout the program participants will develop core competencies in coaching, gain tools to build collaborative and trusting relationships, and equip participants to help others maximize organizational engagement and realize professional potential.
Throughout the program conceptual frameworks, case discussions, and skill-oriented activities will be applied to various organizational topics, including organizational culture, motivation, leadership, dynamics of power, perception and attributions, communication, performance, developmental assessments, listening intelligence (LQ), and emotional intelligence (EQ). The course utilizes a mixture of practical applications, theoretical concepts, experiential learning, and real-world practice. Best practice assessments for LQ and EQ are also featured in the program. Discussions and interactive practice activities are designed to help participants acquire knowledge and skills that enable enhanced relationships of trust, value creation, and improved organizational performance.
Target Participants
This program is designed for business and organizational leaders who want to strengthen their leadership impact through best-in-industry leadership coaching education. To the extent possible peer-level appropriate cohorts will be organized, including the following target groups from multiple industries:
- Executives
- Experienced leaders
- Mid-career managers
- High-potential emerging leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- HR and talent development professionals
Enrollment Criteria
Application guidelines to this competitive program call for a minimum of five years professional experience, including recent leadership responsibilities, for degreed applicants and a minimum of eight years of professional experience, including recent leadership responsibilities, for non-degree applicants.
Applications for the program will be accepted from Summer 2026 for the September–December 2026 cohort and the February-May 2027 cohort.
Tuition & Fees
$5,000 (all inclusive: materials, parking, etc.)
Application
Registration to follow the internal UNT application committee review process.
Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 applications are being accepted.
Leader-as-Coach Program Faculty
Department of Management Lecturer
Leadership Program Director
Leadership Program Director
Department of Management Lecturer