Health Coaching Certificate Program

About the Program

The Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching at the University of Delaware provides students and professionals with the knowledge and skills to facilitate positive behavior change, promoting health and reducing chronic disease risk and experience. Program training serves to develop health coaching skills that will:

• Help people clarify their health goals and implement and sustain behaviors, lifestyles, and attitudes that are conducive to optimal health
• Guide people in their self-care and health-maintenance activities
• Assist people in reducing the negative impact of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes

This graduate certificate program requires students to take graduate courses (7 credit hours) specializing in health coaching to enhance their academic and professional experience. Students can pursue the Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching while simultaneously working toward a master’s or doctoral degree. Others may enroll in the Grauate Certificate in Health Coaching solely for the purpose of personal and professional development. All students in the program must achieve a cumulative 3.0 (B) grade point average in each graduate certificate courseto successfully complete the graduate certificate.

Courses in the Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching program are in a variety of modalities and at different times to accommodate working professionals and students in other programs. The program takes place over the course of 9 months, two semesters, fall and spring. The practicum is only offered in the spring for one credit (50 hours).

Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching program, graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Certification as a Health & Wellness Coach.

Admission to the Health Coaching Certificate Program is determined by the satisfactory completion of the following:

• A health-related undergraduate degree from an accredited institute of higher education (e.g. behavioral health, nutrition, exercise science, nursing, or related discipline(s).
• Health professionals with master’s or doctoral degrees may choose to participate in this program. Individuals with a non-health-related undergraduate degree but with commensurate and demonstrable experience in behavioral health and/or health care are also eligible to apply.
• Successful completion of the University of Delaware Graduate College application, including official transcript(s), 3 letters of recommendation, and an application essay. Applications must be submitted by July 1 for fall admission. 

Acceptance into the program will be determined by a faculty committee. Qualifications of each applicant are assessed on the basis of a record of success in undergraduate work (or commensurate experience as previously indicated) and potential for success in graduate-level work or demonstrated success in graduate work. If academic deficiencies are identified, applicants may be required to take prerequisite courses prior to formal admission. Reviews of applications and admissions are conducted on a rolling basis.