Life coach degrees have some real advantages, but they are not your only option for life coach training. In this post, we will look at some of the possibilities: degree and certificate programs; remote and classroom programs; as well as, life coaching training that is described using other terms, like counseling training.

Certificate Programs Are More and More Popular

At both traditional and nontraditional educational institutions certificate programs are becoming almost as popular as traditional Associate, Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programs. And with the emphasis on lifelong learning, certificate programs will continue to grow. While degree programs are meant to be more comprehensive. Certificate programs group related courses together to give in depth expertise in a narrow area. Such programs are ideal for someone, who already has a degree, wishing to “update” their knowledge.

Life Coach Degrees May Come with Different Names

Because coaching has come into popularity from so many different places, life coach degrees can come from different colleges and departments, and be called by different names. For example, coaching courses can be found in the Psychology Department, the School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and an interdisciplinary communications program. The trick is to take the time to search for programs using different terms and a statement of what you want to end up doing with your training.

But Why Go to a Traditional Institution at All?

Certainly there are reasons to seek formal life coach degrees. Degrees offer comprehensive learning. And degrees from accredited institutions of higher learning have recognized value in the marketplace. But, since so much great work in coaching is being done outside of traditional institutions, you may be passing up the best training of all by not looking further. This can be much less expensive, and may be a much more personal experience, similar to an apprentice program.

Here the trick is to really check their references. You need to communicate directly with the institution, and also check the opinions of their graduates. You also should sample the training for quality and style. With the help of the internet, this isn’t as hard as it sounds and is absolutely worth the effort.

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Dave Iuppa
JTS Advisors Strategy and Accountability Coach