The application window for the 2024–2025 academic year is closed. If you have questions about the UW Certified Professional Coach Program, or if you wish to be placed on our Priority List for the 2025-26 academic year, please contact Michelle Galarowicz, the Learning Experience Coordinator.
One of the only major, research-based universities in the Midwest to offer an International Coaching Federation accredited Level 2 program.
When
September 2024 through May 2025; program orientation and prework assignments will begin in August.
Format
Live, online
Cohort model
Cost
$12,990; includes instruction and formal mentoring by an International Coaching Federation credentialed Mentor Coach.
Why you should consider the UW Certified Professional Coach Program
We are in business to develop masterful coaches, grounded in the International Coaching Federation (ICF) core competencies, who are rising to create powerful change.
Our reputation
Learn at the only major, research-based university in the Midwest that has an ICF-Level 2 accredited program. We are also one of only a handful of university-based ICF-Level 2 accredited programs nationwide.
Our community
Our cohort model allows learners to build deep relationships with peers in a tight-knit learning community.
Our exceptional instructional team
Learn from expert instructors and mentors who are ICF-credentialed and hold Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or Master Certified Coach (MCC) designations.
Our competency-based curriculum
Grounded in the ICF core competencies, learners are prepared to coach in all areas, including but not limited to leadership, executive, diversity and inclusion, health/wellness, relationships and careers. Our broad, competency-based curriculum draws from the research in and about reflective inquiry, diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, cultural competence, evidence-based coaching, positive psychology, mindfulness and neuroscience.
Our high professional standards
Our students set the bar for quality and excellence. Students who complete our program are prepared to apply (and succeed!) to become an ICF-credentialed Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and/or Professional Certified Coach (PCC).
Additionally, our graduates, are highly successful and go on to use their coaching skills and knowledge to create and advance coaching cultures within organizations, establish private coaching practices, spearhead coaching-based service projects and add processional coaching to therapeutic or clinical counseling settings.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Learners will be encouraged to participate in our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the professional world of coaching, within the workplace and within the everyday lives of our cohort members and instructional team. Our values align with the University of Wisconsin, believing that diversity is a source of strength, creativity and innovation.
Hear about the UWCPC program from a proud graduate & mentor coach
Welcome to the UW–Madison Certified Professional Coach program!
We are so glad you are here! Over the last decade, the coaching profession has grown by leaps and bounds. As a leader in the education and certification of professional coaches worldwide, we are proud of the part we’ve played — and continue to play — in facilitating that growth. If you are considering certification as a professional coach, or merely want to add to the toolkit you already have in place, our program can help. Please take your time as you browse through all of the information about our offerings, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thanks — and Go Badger Coaches!
Learn more about Michelle Galarowicz and the rest of the UWCPC team.
The International Coaching Federation’s Level 2 accreditation is for at least 125 contact learning hours and is designated as PCC Accredited Education. Graduates from a Level 2 education and training program may apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential and/or the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential using the Level 2 application path if they meet the ICF’s credentialing requirements.
SHRM accreditation
The UW Certified Professional Coach (UWCPC) program is approved for Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) professional development credits. Individuals who are members of SHRM and enroll in and complete the 2024–25 UWCPC program are eligible to claim 125 credits toward their SHRM recertification.
MSPE credits
The UW–Madison School of Education Department of Education Psychology and the UW Certified Professional Coach Program (UWCPC) have joined forces in a new partnership. UWCPC alumni can apply their coaching education toward a master’s degree in educational psychology. Students must pass the Credit by Departmental Exam within the Educational Psychology department to earn 3 graduate credits for the Foundations of Instructional Coaching course within the Master of Science for Professional Educators (MSPE) degree program.
The UWCPC Program is designed to ground learners in the ICF Core Competencies. The holistic, interconnected curriculum and variety of learning methods allows learners to experience a comprehensive and integrated coach training program. Below are the five overarching themes that guide our curriculum.
Foundations of Coaching
Prepare the groundwork for understanding the substantive aspects of the program, including learning about basic concepts and practical tools to begin coaching conversations.
Co-Creating the Coaching Relationship
Learn how to establish equitable, safe, and courageous coaching relationships and conversations. Orient yourself to the concept of coaching presence and how to cultivate it for maximum impact.
Communicating Effectively
Explore how to communicate for understanding, clarify, and meaning, as well as how to provoke new insight and awareness in others via your conversations.
Cultivating Learning & Growth
Understand how to take clients from insight to action and co-create tools and learning for long-term client growth.
Integration
Integrate learning from the entire program. Show your skills by conducting successful, full-length coaching conversations with colleagues. Complete the year with a final reflection on the coaching journey and a celebration of next steps.
Program outcomes
Upon successful completion of this certificate program, learners will be able to:
Name, define, and demonstrate proficiency in the eight core competencies and related behaviors of a professional coach, as laid out by the International Coaching Federation.
Coach anyone — in any niche, on any topic, at any time, in any space (i.e., inside, or outside of organizations, etc.) in a holistic, ICF-aligned, and professional manner.
Cultivate a coaching mindset that is forever open, flexible, grounded, and curious.
Structure and guide a successful coaching session and relationship from start to finish.
Engage in vulnerable and courageous conversations with a coachee in a safe, culturally sensitive, and humble manner.
Partner as an equal with coachee to evoke a new awareness and facilitate change in any aspect of their life.
Requirements
Requirements for completion
Covering almost ten months (August–May, the UW Certified Professional Coach Program (UWCPC) is a comprehensive, 194 hour training program which includes ten hours of mentor coaching with an ICF credentialed coach. As a Level 2 ICF-Accredited program, graduates may apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC), or Professional Certified Professional (PCC) credential as outlined by the International Coaching Federation.
Requirements in detail
To complete the UWCPC Program, learners must successfully complete the following requirements:
Final written exam (multiple choice)
194 hours of training, including 10 hours of mentor coaching
50 hours of field experience (practice coaching sessions)
Weekly assignments/reading/homework activities (approximately 10-15 hours per week)
Wisconsin Idea Project
Final oral performance evaluation to demonstrate coaching skills and knowledge of ICF core competencies
Attendance requirements
To complete the UWCPC and receive the program certificate, learners must attend all classes. With an excused absence, participants may miss up to two (2) classes. Excused absences are not available for the
Fees
Fees & financing options
Application fee:
$100 (nonrefundable)
Program Fee for 2024–2025:
$12,990
Includes instruction and mentorship by International Coach Federation coaches.
Participants are responsible for purchasing textbooks and other materials (approximately $100) as well as securing a professional-level Zoom account.
Financing options
As a noncredit professional certificate program, the UWCPC does not qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, the GI Bill funding, or need-based aid.
Employer Education and Training Budgets. Some employers offer funding for employee education or professional development.
University of Wisconsin & UW System Employee Discount. University of Wisconsin and UW System employees that are accepted into the UWCPC Program receive a 10% discount from the total fee amount. Participants are required to pay for any and all additional costs associated with program textbooks, a computer, a professional Zoom account, etc.
Private Education Loans. Some students choose to finance certificate programs with private education loans. Students are responsible for contacting lenders directly to find out if a noncredit professional certificate program is eligible for a loan. The University of Wisconsin does not recommend specific lenders, however, the UWCPC Program does have an application portal with Sallie Mae.
Select “Career training school” and “University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies Certificate Programs” from the school list. The Sallie Mae branch code is 00389598. The Division of Continuing Studies will certify Sallie Mae loan amounts up to the full course fee and the learner will pay out of pocket for the additional required costs listed above.
Learners who withdraw from the UWCPC on or before August 27, 2024 will receive a full refund, minus a $100 administrative fee.
No refunds will be granted after August 27, 2024.
Testimonials
Hear what students say about the program
I am so very grateful to be learning from the best in the business…. I’ve learned so much and have grown so much in more ways than one; it’s truly been one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m just so grateful.
Nicole V.
WPPI Energy, UW Certified Professional Coach Program
You are an amazing group of talented, funny, engaging and experienced facilitators! I had no idea what to expect going in and yet you managed to give me more than I could ask for.
Sheri Treu
Director of Organizational Effectiveness, Menasha Corporation
Pam Peterson (Director of Human Services and Organizational Development, UW Credit Union) tells us what sold her on the UWCPC program, even though she already had a coaching background.
Richard Wilberg (Wilberg LLC) on the strengths of the program, like being able to apply what he’s learned and see the results immediately, and learning as part of a cohort.
Anne Norman (Sr VP & CMO, UW Credit Union) talks about how her experience in the program has impacted her work managing and leading teams at her company, and how she balanced the program with a full-time job.
Lin Grace Rohr (Spiritual Guidance LLC) on the instructors and support staff: “They’ve done a phenomenal job of having the program weave in and out between theory and practice.”
Team
The team
Eighty-four percent of adult consumers who had experienced a coaching relationship reported that it was important for coaches to hold a credential.
ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study
Just as it is important to your clients that you are credentialed, it is equally important that the coaches that train you are credentialed as well. So you — and eventually your clients — can be assured of receiving the most current, researched and relevant training and coaching available today
UWCPC instructors, mentors and staff
Sharon Barbour
MPH, PCC UW Certified Professional Coach Program Instructor
Sharon Barbour brings 10 years of coaching experience to her clients, as well as expertise in habit change, mindfulness and leadership development. She delights in facilitating life-changing shifts in perspectives, presence and actions that inspire clients to make fulfilling changes and creations. Her habit change expertise ensures that changes last. Sharon’s warm and creative spirit, coupled with a fluid yet rigorous coaching style, helps her clients to make breakthroughs and move past old roadblocks to positive change. A lifelong learner and observer of human nature, she is inspired by human potential and inner wisdom. She certified at the PCC level through the International Coach Federation and holds a faculty position at Presence-Based Coaching & Leadership Development. Prior to coaching, Sharon earned a master’s degree in public health and worked with nonprofits, cooperatives and educational institutions, primarily in program development, evaluation and management. She loves family time and being outside — kayaking, gardening and simply enjoying life.
Dennis Blasius
PCC Mentor Coach
Dennis founded Dennis Blasius Consulting LLC with the goal of providing career, executive and leadership coaching services to federal, state and local government employees as well as managers and employees in private industry. He specializes in helping managers and senior executives improve performance, enhance communication, juggle work/life priorities, maximize time management and personal accountability, deal with stress, assist in general career path decision-making and re-examine leadership styles.
Lee is a Newfield Network Certified (NCC) & International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He believes that “…everybody brings something to the table!” With over 30 years’ experience in educating, coaching and facilitating experiential leadership development, his work has helped countless leaders reach their fullest potential. He held multiple positions of increasing responsibility during 24 years of Active Federal Service in the U.S. Army. After graduating from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI), he became advisor to a two-star general.
Lee coaches to the human soul. His expertise is in facilitating thought-provoking group coaching discussions around social justice, unconscious bias in healthcare, spirituality in healthcare and LGBTQI diversity & inclusion in healthcare. To achieve the best outcome for clients, he co-creates a safe space based on trust, open communication and mutual respect. As an internationally known Chautauqua performer, he combines the creativity of storytelling with the analysis of philosophy, psychology, nursing and leadership best practices to offer a multidisciplinary coaching synthesis. The central focus of the coaching relationship between the client and Lee is the well-being of the client.
Samantha Dye
MA, PCC, ACTC UW Certified Professional Coach Program Lead Instructor
Samantha Dye is an organizational development and leadership coach. As owner of The Dynamic Space Consulting, Samantha combines a coaching approach with organizational development methods to simultaneously support the uniqueness of individuals, the cohesiveness of teams and the health of organizations.
Samantha began her career in South Africa, working for six years with a grassroots movement focused on developing leaders. After completing a stint of international development work in Afghanistan, Samantha attained her MA in organizational management & development and a certificate in evidence-based coaching from Fielding Graduate University. Samantha began her business in 2013 in Juneau, Alaska. Samantha is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation and is also one of 11 international partner coaches that comprise the Center for Non-Profit Coaching (CNPC), a supporter of nonprofit professionals throughout the world.
Samantha is skilled in coaching for leadership and transformation, developing cohesive teams, facilitating small groups to large community stakeholders, increasing personal and interpersonal awareness, and creating space for individuals and groups to become more effective within their environments. Samantha resides, works, plays and recreates in West Alexander, Pennsylvania, on her childhood farm with her husband and daughter. Samantha loves the opportunities that life on the farm bring to her development as a human and to her work in the world.
Jagruti Gala
PCC Mentor Coach
Jagruti considers herself an agent of transformation who constantly pushes the edge in herself and others in order to create a world of greater fulfillment, compassion and joy! She takes pride in wearing several hats including leadership coaching, facilitation and running a nonprofit organization for child and youth leadership as well as a semi-rural school —nourishing the thread of “learning is liberation” that weaves its way through all of them.
Michelle Galarowicz
Certified Professional Coach Program Specialist
Michelle works as the program specialist for the UW–Madison Certified Professional Coach Program. She became a program coordinator for the Division of Continuing Studies in the summer of 2019. Prior to joining the division, she worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District in both teaching and administrative roles. Professionally she enjoys curriculum development and content management and is committed to advocating for learners and their experience in both traditional classrooms and virtual learning environments. She believes the strength of any educational experience lies in differentiated teaching strategies which meet the needs of diverse learners, as well as an organized, student-focused system that is inclusive of all students and their unique talents.
Michelle resides in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, where outside of work she loves spending time with her husband and children, reading, gardening, horseback riding and swimming. She is happiest when it is hot outside and she can spend hours at a pool or beach in the sun. Additionally, she loves baking and is always up for exploring new recipes that lead to any sort of sweet treat.
Paul Gilbride
PCC Mentor Coach
Paul is a “recovering CPA” with 16 years of corporate experience and seven years of coaching. In addition to his PCC designation, Paul is certified as a Dare to Lead™ facilitator based on the work of Brené Brown, and is certified in the EQi 2.0 Emotional Intelligence Assessment. He works exclusively with people and teams in corporate America and other large organizations on topics like leadership, work/life integration and general corporate navigation. He has had the honor of partnering with many companies including KPMG, Deloitte, Department of Defense, Lionsgate, Bloomberg Corp., Talking – Talent, Elanco, and PhRMA. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and considers his role as a member of the University of Wisconsin Certified Professional Coach Program as one of his highest honors.
Paul is passionate about making corporate and all organizations better. He strives to make people’s lives more fulfilling, rewarding, passionate and purposeful, one organization, team or individual at a time. He believes in connection, heart and emotional intelligence. He believes we do better when we lead with compassion not fear, growth not scarcity, integration not division, and heart not hurt. Above all else, he believes in courage. Courage to stand tall in our values, courage to listen with purpose, courage to speak truth, courage to have tough conversations and courage to put people—all people—first.
Laura Gleisner
MS, PCC UW Certified Professional Coach Program Instructor
Laura Gleisner, BSE, MS, ACC, is a professional leadership coach, communication specialist and sole proprietor of Laura Gleisner Coaching + Consulting, LLC, and has over 20 years of experience as an educator, consultant, coach and trainer. A quote attributed to Tony Robbins, “The quality of our lives is equal to the quality of our relationships,” has created the foundation for her coaching with leaders and teams. She believes that in order for leaders to create satisfying professional relationships, healthy work environments (i.e. life-giving rather than life-draining) and maximize their impact, leaders today need to be experts in the fine art of communication. As a leadership coach and communication specialist, Laura practices and trains leaders and teams to communicate in a way that builds trust, creates healthy work environments and supports efficiency, productivity and goal achievement.
Laura is a self-described “recovering perfectionist” and has struggled with social anxiety her entire life. A gift of these challenges is that she geeks out on personal development, leadership and communication books, videos and trainings. These experiences, in addition to her work in coaching and communication, have solidified her belief that coaching conversations can change your life.
Toral Livingston-Jha
PCC Mentor Coach
Toral is passionate about working with individuals and teams deeply committed to making positive change and creating impact in their world. For over 20 years, she has provided organizational development, team management and client relations within organizations focused on advancing environmental, social and educational causes. As a mother, woman of color and second-generation American (Gujarat, India), she knows what it’s like to navigate uncertainty, welcome varying perspectives and honor individual identity.
Since 2006, Toral has cultivated a mindfulness practice and has delivered training on techniques designed to strengthen attention, compassion and self-awareness. She continues to invest in her growth as a teacher, including training as an MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) teacher over the last several years. She is also dedicated to creating supportive spaces and access to these practices for communities of color. In 2016, Toral formed TLJ Coaching and Consulting, LLC to holistically provide leadership and life coaching as well as training services to leaders, entrepreneurs and those in career/life transition dedicated to transformational growth. She approaches her work with a spirit of service and compassion; supporting clients to connect with their strengths, values and possibilities — challenging old ways of thinking and inspiring new awareness and action.
Tania Mancilla
Coaching & Custom Programming Specialist
Bio to come
TC Motzkus
MCC Mentor Coach
TC is described as a collaborative, fierce, and courageous coach. She loves this description because it accurately reflects her approach. She provides support and direct feedback to help clients effectively lean into personal and professional life challenges to create their preferred future. Mastering both the art and science of coaching, TC integrates coaching techniques and helpful ‘assignments’ to offer a highly personalized program tailored to you. With compassion and understanding, you coach around whatever topic you bring to each session, building on your strengths, shifting your behavior toward your preferred future.
TC serves a broad spectrum of clients as a private practitioner, coaching and mentoring individuals, groups and teams. Some fun facts to share as you get to know each other: TC is an avid sea kayaker and enjoys the caves of Lake Superior when the water is not frozen; when it is, she will be skiing or making snow angels. She collects heart-shaped rocks, sea glass, sassy cocktail napkins and burr oak leaves. She would be honored to get to know you and co-create your future.
Fabiola Solis Plaza
PCC Mentor Coach
Fabiola has 12 years of experience as a professional coach and holds credentials as an international Professional Certified Coach (PCC). She initially trained in ontological coaching at Newfield Network before completing speciality training in leadership coaching by Awareness to Action International™. She is a coaching supervisor and candidate for the diploma in supervision by Coaching Development, London, and a mentor coach certified by GCG and ICF. From 2013–2017, Fabiola took on volunteer leadership roles in Chile, Latin America and the Caribbean within the International Coach Federation. Educated in the visual and graphic arts, she specializes in learning and coach training and advises coach training schools in the professional standards of the International Coach Federation.
Nancy Turngren
BSN, MA, BCC, PCC Mentor Coach
Nancy Turngren is a professional coach passionate about her mission of helping individuals and organizations flourish through the power of awareness and conscious choice. She believes our work and personal lives have become so driven by outside forces that it requires us to consciously pause and be mindful of our priorities. As a coach, she finds it rewarding to provide the space for individuals and organizations to work through this process and witness the growth that is achieved.
Nancy believes in lifelong learning and has a master’s in organizational management and development with a graduate certificate in evidence-based coaching. She is certified by the International Coach Federation and is a Board Certified Coach. She works with leaders through a humanistic approach by helping them uncover their true needs and discover ways to utilize their strengths to grow. She understands the complexity of business relationships and how this can impact the performance of an executive. The partnership she develops with clients leads to lasting changes and successful outcomes in professional and personal growth. ntcoaching.com
Apply
How to apply
Admissions philosophy
We look for applicants who bring diverse experiences, a desire to learn, an ability to self-reflect, and the commitment and time for their own transformational learning.
We are interested in creating a dynamic and diverse learning community. There is no typical UW Certified Professional Coach (UWCPC) student. Each student brings their unique perspectives, talents and experiences. Students’ backgrounds vary widely. Some students have already experienced or done a bit of coaching, and some come with no coaching experience at all. A variety of careers are represented.
Our learners share an interest in academic excellence, are highly motivated, and have a strong desire for personal and professional growth. They are seeking the tools to guide, inspire, and empower others to reach their potential and get results through the journey of professional coaching.
We welcome applicants who believe that this is the right time in their life for a rigorous, challenging and incredibly rewarding learning experience.
Program prerequisites
The following prerequisites ensure a diverse and rich classroom experience for all learners:
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university is preferred, no specific undergraduate degree required.
Willingness to engage in self-reflection and self-examination.
Openness to feedback from both instructors and peers.
How to apply
The UW Certified Professional Coach Program is a highly competitive program. Applications will be reviewed when all supporting documents have been received and must be submitted by the below deadline.
Application deadline for Fall 2024 has passed.
A complete application to the UWCPC will include the following:
A non-refundable $100 application fee.
A complete online application questionnaire, which includes personal information, career experience (including space to upload resume), and short essay questions. The link to the questionnaire form is provided to applicants upon submission of the $100 application fee.
Letter of Recommendation (see notes below).
Notes on letter of recommendation:
A Letter of Recommendation must be submitted on the applicant’s behalf to Michelle Galarowicz.
The Letter of Recommendation may be written by a personal or professional reference who can attest to the character and capabilities of the applicant.
Application procedure:
Applications are reviewed when all materials are submitted. Once received and reviewed, applicants are contacted for an interview with a program team member.
The interview is approximately 30‑minutes in length.
The purpose of the interview is to gauge the applicant’s understanding of the program, the qualities they bring to the cohort, and their goals for completing the UWCPC Program. The interview also provides the applicant with a final opportunity to ask questions or relay concerns about program participation and fit.
Applicants are notified of the admission decision within two weeks of their interview. Early submission of all application materials is strongly recommended.
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