Performance Coaching Certificate (Online)

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements

Drive Professional Success. Increase Your Value.

Today’s dynamic workplace requires leaders who can coach others beyond the status quo to achieve goals that seem unattainable. Earning a graduate certificate in Performance Coaching online at Lipscomb equips you with the skills, mindset and confidence to lead transformational growth in yourself and those you coach.

This program holds a Level 2 Accreditation from the International Coach Federation (ICF), making Lipscomb the only university in the southeast with this distinguished designation. Advance your leadership capability with direction from top coaches and develop your coaching approach informed by ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) markers within a supportive cohort environment that encourages each person to reach their full potential.

The hybrid format is designed with working professionals in mind. Intended for maximum flexibility, the program is delivered primarily online to accommodate full-time schedules. Each semester includes one in-person Performance Coaching Intensive over an assigned weekend at Lipscomb’s campus. You will also receive personalized instruction and mentorship from experienced, credentialed coaches.

Lipscomb’s Performance Coaching Graduate Certificate demonstrates a proven track record of success with over 200 graduates thriving as impactful coaches and leaders across various industries. This program offers not only a respected certification but also access to a strong network of professionals driving meaningful change.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply their learning across all industries. Students in this program will:

Develop and apply coaching competencies, ethical standards and professional guidelines aligned with ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) markers, earning graduate-level academic credit while preparing for ICF credentialing.
Build advanced communication skills, including active listening, powerful questioning and direct communication.
Gain expertise in somatic coaching, recognizing the role of body awareness in personal and professional growth.
Learn to design actionable coaching plans that support sustained personal and organizational transformation.
Strengthen leadership presence and the ability to coach individuals, teams and organizations toward high performance.
Enhance their ability to foster meaningful change, resilience and continuous improvement in themselves and others.

FAQs

Do I need coaching experience before enrolling?

No. There is no requirement for prior experience in performance coaching. It is meant for everyone whether they are a beginner or not.

Is performance coaching applicable outside of business (e.g. education, ministry, healthcare, nonprofits)?

96% of organizations consider coaching an important leadership development tool, according to the Human Capital Institute. This certificate is applicable to all sectors because it focuses on the individual, not the industry.

What ICF certification can I pursue after completing this program?

With a Level 2 ICF accreditation, graduates of this program can qualify for both the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential and the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential.

How does the program support me in preparing for the ICF exam?

Per the ICF’s requirements, a Level 2 accredited program must provide:

125-175 student coach-specific contact learning hours.
Observation and written feedback from six coaching sessions.
10 hours of mentor coaching over a minimum period of three months.
A final performance evaluation at the PCC minimum skill level.

Can I start my own coaching practice with this certificate?

Earning a certificate from an ICF-accredited program is a strong foundation to start a performance coaching practice, especially if you pursue a Certified Coach credential.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants to the Performance Coaching Graduate Certificate program must submit the following:

Application with $50 fee (contact for fee waiver)
Bachelor’s degree
Official college transcripts from all schools attended (minimum 2.5 GPA)
Two professional recommendations
Résumé
Interview with Faculty

Contact Information

Lipscomb Online

Michael Cauley
Lead Faculty
(615) 966-5948
michael.cauley@lipscomb.edu

Graduate and Adult Admissions, Admin

Chris Martin
Assistant Director of Graduate Enrollment
(615) 966-1116
chris.martin@lipscomb.edu

$4B+

Annual Global Coaching Industry Revenue

Program Highlights

Master of Professional Studies Pathway

Combine the Performance Coaching Graduate Certificate with a certificate in Business Leadership, Global Leadership or Conflict Management to create a custom Master of Professional Studies tailored to your career goals.

Flexible Learning

Coursework in this program is primarily online and asynchronous with one in-person Intensive. This means you can complete the course on your own time in accordance with what is ideal for your schedule, maintaining optimal work/life balance.

Supportive Cohort Model

Build strong professional relationships through a collaborative and encouraging learning environment. The Performance Coaching cohort model fosters peer learning, reflection and feedback, allowing you to network and grow with ease.

Our Faculty

Michael Cauley

Lead Faculty

Michael Cauley joined Lipscomb University in 2016 where he is Associate Professor of Professional Studies and Lead Faculty for the Performance and Leadership Coaching Programs. An executive-level consultant, executive coach,...
Meet Michael Cauley
Chris Martin

Assistant Director of Graduate Enrollment

Meet Chris Martin
Nina Morel

Executive Director Coaching Leadership Development and Professor

Nina Morel, Ed.D., is Executive Director of Leadership Development and Coaching and former Dean of Professional Studies at Lipscomb University. She has developed and led innovative coaching programs as well...
Meet Nina Morel