BSMG 0020 - UW Certified Associate Coach Program
Course Description
Application for 2026 Cohort is now closed.
If you are interested learning more about the 2027 Cohort, please email sce-businessmanagement@uwm.edu/
The UW Certified Associate Coach (UWCAC) Program is a four-month comprehensive coach education program referenced as Level 1 program. It is run in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and pending accreditation by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Individuals must apply for the opportunity to participate. There is no prerequisite course for the program.
During this Level 1 program, participants learn alongside those completing the more advanced coaching Level 2 program, which requires an additional semester of learning. Participants build key foundational coaching skills together in the same cohort.
Level 1 participants complete their UW Certified Associate Coach certificate after the first semester of the course, while individuals participating in Level 2 go on to develop a deeper understanding of coaching, culminating their extended learning with a UW Certified Professional Coach certificate.
The next Level 1 cohort classes run from August 2026–December 2026; program orientation and prework assignments begin in August. Mentoring is completed January-March 2027.
Applications are accepted through July 30, 2026.
Course Outline/Topics
In this Level 1-accredited program, you will explore the basics of five overarching themes that guide all of our coaching curriculum — laying the groundwork for deeper learning and future advancement in our Level 2-accredited program.
1. Foundations of coaching
Establish a foundational understanding of essential coaching concepts, the coaching framework and the skills necessary to initiate coaching conversations.
2. Co-creating the coaching relationship
Learn how to establish equitable, safe and courageous coaching relationships and conversations. Learn and practice the concept of coaching presence and how to cultivate it for optimal impact in coaching sessions.
3. Communicating effectively
Explore methods to communicate with clarity and purpose, ensuring understanding and meaning. Learn various tools that can support new insight and awareness in others.
4. Cultivating learning & growth
Learn ways to support a client in moving from reflection to insight to action.
5. Integration
Integrate coaching knowledge with coaching practice. Practice full-length coaching conversations with peers to move toward proficiency.
Class Schedule
All classes are held Central Time via Zoom.
|
UWCAC |
Date |
Time |
|
Orientation |
Wed. Aug. 26, 2026 |
9 am–10 am |
|
Class |
||
|
1 |
Wed. Sept. 9, 2026 |
9 am–3:30 pm |
|
2 |
Wed. Sept. 23, 2026 |
9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
|
3 |
Wed. Oct. 7, 2026 |
9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
|
4 |
Wed. Oct. 21, 2026 |
9 am–12:30 pm |
|
5 |
Wed. Nov. 4, 2026 |
9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
|
6 |
Wed. Nov. 18, 2026 |
9 am–12:30 pm |
|
7 |
Wed. Dec. 2, 2026 |
9 am–12:30 pm |
|
8 |
Wed. Dec. 16, 2026 |
9 am–3:30 pm |
All classes are held in Central Time via Zoom
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this certificate program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in the eight core competencies and related behaviors of a professional coach, outlined by the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Provide holistic coaching in an ICF-aligned, professional manner
- Demonstrate a coaching mindset that is open, flexible, grounded and curious
- Facilitate successful coaching sessions and relationships from start to finish
- Participate in productive coaching conversations that create conditions for trust and safety
- Collaborate as an equal with a coachee to support reflection, evoke awareness and facilitate next steps
Prerequisites
The following prerequisites ensure a diverse and rich classroom experience for all learners:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred; no specific undergraduate degree is required
- Willingness to engage in self-reflection and self-examination
- Openness to feedback from the instructional team and peers
Who Should Attend
Anyone interested in executive coaching, leadership coaching, career coaching, life vision coaching, health and wellness coaching, team coaching or any form of professional coaching.
We seek applicants who bring diverse experiences, a desire to learn, an ability to self-reflect and the commitment and time for their own transformational learning.
How to Apply
The UWCAC is a new program; we strongly encourage you to submit your application materials early. Applications are reviewed once all materials are received.
A complete application includes:
- Online application questionnaire
- Current resume or CV
- One letter of recommendation written by a personal or professional reference who can speak to your character and capabilities
The last day to apply to the UWCAC program is July 30, 2026.