Program description
The complexities that society faces now, and in the future, will require new and different solutions. Leaders require conversations that will inspire hope and opportunities to engage in powerful visioning for desired and sustained change. The Master of Arts in Executive and Organizational Coaching brings together your passion for empowering others and the practical skills required to be a professional coach with the knowledge and theory necessary to offer depth and breadth to the profession.
This 2-year modular and flexible degree program starts with the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching and then transitions to advanced coaching courses where you’ll deepen your learning in areas such as psychology, ethics, and evaluation. You’ll have the opportunity to choose relevant electives and the option to do an applied project or a thesis.
You’ll learn from experienced faculty who are active and credentialed coaches, and from fellow coach practitioners who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the classroom.
You'll study through a combination of online courses and learning experiences on campus. This means that you can apply your learning, while balancing your studies with your career and life.
You can build to here
You can apply credits from the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching (or other approved Coaching programs) toward the Master of Arts in Executive and Organizational Coaching).
Program delivery
The Master of Arts in Executive and Organizational Coaching is a 36-credit program that's delivered through a blend of online learning and two on-campus residency intensives (each one week in duration). The first takes place at the beginning of the program in the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching (first module), and the second one happens when you transition to the next module and completion of the Master’s degree. Depending on elective courses, there may be other opportunities to gather for in-person learning.
Online courses
Online courses typically consist of assigned readings, asynchronous and synchronous dialogues, virtual webinars, interactive discussions, reflective journaling, guest speakers, and individual and team assignments. You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.
On Campus intensives
In-person sessions are intensive and highly relational. You'll get to build your learning community and engage in experiential learning activities designed to ignite your passion for the profession and set you up for success in the online learning space.
What you can expect
During the on campus intensives, you can expect to:
- attend classes full time (e.g., Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- complete homework and individual and team assignments both inside and outside of class hours
- engage in experiential learning activities that will foster new insights and activate transformative practices
Courses
Required courses
Complete the following three (3) courses from the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching (or equivalent accredited coaching program).
EXCH500
Best Practices in Executive Coaching
3.0 Credits
Blended, Online
EXCH508
Foundations of Executive Coaching
3.0 Credits
Online
EXCH509
Executive Coaching in Organizations
3.0 Credits
Online
Complete these additional required courses
ADVC665
Transformative Practice: Coaching for Global Impact
3.0 Credits
Blended
ADVC670
Ethics and the Coaching Profession
3.0 Credits
Online
ADVC660
The Psychology of Coaching
3.0 Credits
Online
ADVC612
Group and Team Coaching
3.0 Credits
Online
INDS510
Social Science Research Methods
3.0 Credits
Online
Applied Project track: Choose to complete the Applied Project and two (2) elective courses (12 credits).
ADVC635
Creating Coaching Cultures
3.0 Credits
Online
ADVC640
Applied Coaching Project
6.0 Credits
Directed, Field, Lab or Major Project
ADVC630
Somatic Coaching
3.0 Credits
Online
ADVC517
Directed Study
3.0 Credits
Thesis Track – Students apply to complete a Thesis (12 credits)
ADVC690
Thesis
12.0 Credits
Directed, Field, Lab or Major Project
Faculty
Transfer agreements
Refine results
Admission to this program is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all aspects of the applicant's work and life experience, volunteer and community activities, practical experience, related training and formal education.
*Applicants must have completed either the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching at Royal Roads University or equivalent coach training elsewhere.
Standard admission
- Completion of either an undergraduate four-year (or comparable) degree or a graduate degree in a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Normally, at least three years of relevant full-time experience.
Flexible admission
To be considered for Flexible Admission, applicants would normally require at least seven years of extensive relevant work experience and some post-secondary education.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
Additional recommendations
- Academic writing skills are required for success in this program. An English composition course at a recognized post-secondary institution that is focused on academic writing is therefore recommended. The Academic Writing and Critical Thinking course offered through Professional and Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University meets this recommendation.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them.
Official transcripts
In accordance with RRU's admissions policy and practices, applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, though exceptions may apply for some Master of Arts in Executive and Organizational Coaching applicants as outlined below:
- All applicants must declare all post-secondary studies (courses, programs, transfer credit, etc.) in their application.
- As part of the application process, applicants anticipating acceptance by standard admission will be required to provide an official transcript for the highest level, most relevant and/or most recent degree credential(s). Whenever possible, applicants are also encouraged to provide unofficial (or official) transcripts from all other institutions currently or previously attended. Additional documents may be requested at any time during the application process. Additionally, upon acceptance Admissions will determine which, if any, additional transcripts or documents will be required, and these requirements may be noted as a condition of admission.
- As part of the application process, applicants anticipating consideration under flexible admission must submit all official transcripts for all institutions currently or previously attended.
In all cases, applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts. Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Personal statement
The personal statement should be approximately one to two pages in length and outline your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. The statement should address the topic of how the Master of Arts in Executive and Organizational Coaching program that you are applying for will contribute to your future career. Relate this to who you are, what you feel you will gain from the program, and the strengths you feel you could bring to the program.
Résumé
A detailed résumé provides the Admissions Office with as much information about your work and life experiences as possible. We are interested in knowing where you have worked, for how long, and what you were responsible for in the positions you held. Provide as much information as possible, with special attention to the past ten years of your career. We would also like to see any professional development courses, volunteer positions, professional certification, association memberships or international experience that you may have acquired.
Two reference letters
These documents can be written in a variety of formats. In essence, we expect the writer to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for the program, explain why they believe you will succeed in such a program, and describe how the program will benefit you. The context in which the writer has come to know you should also be mentioned.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of both sides of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or international credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.
