Master’s in Psychology With Life Coaching Emphasis

Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Life Coaching

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Learn To Support Others With a Master’s in Psychology With Life Coaching Emphasis

A life coach is a guide who empowers clients to overcome obstacles, achieve goals, navigate transitions and reach their true potential in life. You can focus your career in psychology on this exciting subfield with the MS in psychology with life coaching emphasis from Grand Canyon University. The Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Life Coaching is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to individuals who desire to position themselves for possible professional advancement or continued academic exposure in the field.

Focus your studies on helping others lead full, productive lives. Learn the principles and theories of life coaching while acquiring fundamental coaching skills that can immediately be put to work in your practice. Explore models and techniques for creating a coaching alliance and developing a coaching plan. Students in the master’s degree in psychology with life coaching emphasis program will be taught how to work productively with either individuals or businesses and other organizations.

The Master of Science in psychology with life coaching emphasis, offered online by GCU, is a flexible learning path for modern learners. You can earn your MS while continuing to meet your current professional responsibilities. Benefit from lively discussions with peers who present a range of perspectives and learn from knowledgeable faculty.

You will study research-based theories, principles and methods of psychology. This firm foundation of scientific knowledge will give you the opportunity to thoroughly assess individuals, develop actionable recommendations and implement effective coaching plans. Enjoy personal and professional growth as you explore cognitive processes, thought patterns, behaviors and motivators.

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Course Topics in the Master’s in Psychology With Life Coach Emphasis

The master’s in life coaching follows a modern curriculum that can inspire you to become an innovative thinker, effective communicator and transformative leader. Some of the course topics you will cover in this MS program include:

  • Ethical and contemporary issues in psychology
  • Fundamentals of coaching
  • Individual, business and organizational coaching
  • Facilitation and assessment

You will delve into the details of coaching models and techniques, examining the formation of coaching alliances and the development of coaching plans. You will be taught how to differentiate between coaching, mentoring and consulting. The program examines key factors such as organizational climate, emotional intelligence, ethical issues pertaining to executive coaching and the interpretation of scientific assessments.

To further enhance career qualifications, graduates of this life coaching emphasis may choose to pursue additional certifications or a doctoral degree.

Career Opportunities for Master of Science in Psychology With Life Coaching Emphasis Graduates

A Master of Science in psychology with life coach emphasis can open the door to many career paths. Some life coaches specialize in working with organizations where they can provide consulting services to employers, coaching services to managers and mentoring to the company’s employees.

To further enhance career qualifications, graduates of this life coaching emphasis may choose to pursue additional certifications or a doctoral degree.

Master’s in Psychology With Life Coaching Emphasis FAQs

If helping others better their lives through coaching sounds like the perfect job for you, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about earning your MS in psychology with an emphasis in life coaching.

There are no specific pre-requisite courses required for the master’s in psychology with an emphasis in life coaching program at GCU. To come up with an academic plan and timeline on completing the program, fill out the form on this page to speak with a knowledgeable university counselor.

Psychology degrees provide aspiring life coaches with knowledge in exploring the areas of a person’s life that are likely to attribute to their current situation. While there is not a specific degree requirement as there might be for mental health therapist positions, you should plan to focus your studies toward the area of life coaching that you are interested in. An MS in psychology with an emphasis in life coaching can further develop your understanding of psychological studies while introducing courses in life coaching that could prove helpful to a career in the field.

Both life coaching and therapy are psychologically based careers, however their differences lie in the focus on the sessions with clients as well as the objectives of the sessions.

A therapist focuses on an individual’s thought patterns and behaviors, often revisiting past trauma and working to heal and understand the effect of their past on their current mental health.

Life coaches focus more on current problems in a person’s life, working to help the person understand their behavior and what changes need to occur to overcome their issues. They may touch on past experiences and trauma but will not explore it as in depth as a mental health therapist.

Additionally, therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapeutic mental health practices. Life coaches are not able to diagnose or treat mental health disorders but may refer them to someone who can if necessary.

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TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 36
Online: 8 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
TUITION RATE:
Online: $590 per credit
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Cost of Attendance

Course List

Major:
36 credits
Degree Requirements:
36 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.

Course Description

This course serves as the foundation for advanced graduate study in the field of psychology. Professional skill development, such as critical thinking, scholarly writing, and literature reviewing are covered, as well as contemporary ethical issues in the field of psychology, including issues in research, writing, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, and animal research.

Course Description

This course is a study of social, group, and multicultural factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, leadership roles, group thinking, sources of conflict, altruism, attraction, effects of competition and cooperation, analysis and evaluation of propaganda techniques, and the influence of mass communication on social awareness and control.

Course Description

This course covers the differences and similarities between coaching and other social services fields, such as counseling, psychology, or social work. Students learn the principal theories influencing the field of coaching as well as fundamental coaching skill.

Course Description

This course provides a deeper look into coaching for individuals. It covers skills, models, and techniques specific to working with individuals and competencies of coaching. Students learn the basics of developing a professional coaching plan and niche development. Prerequisite: PSY-610.

Course Description

This course provides a study of theories of probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data, and testing of statistical hypotheses. Practical experience is provided in the application of statistical methods. This course requires the use of SPSS software via the Citrix Workspace to complete assignments, please ensure your device is compatible with this software prior to the start of your course.

Course Description

This course emphasizes both the theoretical and applied aspects of experimental design and research methodology at the graduate level, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed designs. Prerequisite: PSY-520.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of executive coaching provided within the business/organization as well as the ethical considerations specific to this field. Prerequisite: PSY-610.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of assessments commonly used in the coaching field. Students will develop an understanding of administration and interpretation of assessments as well as how to provide professional feedback relevant for real life application. Prerequisite: PSY-610.

Course Description

This course prepares students to enter their prospective career and/or continue their education in psychology. Students will explore occupations and leaders in the various psychological fields, formulate and compile their experiences and achievements, and construct a roadmap for success. Original research ideas will be solidified and presented. Prerequisite: PSY-550.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
  • Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

GCU Evening Student


Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.