Relationship Coaching Insitute (RCI) has partnered with the Western Institute for Social Research (WISR) to allow you to apply all RCI trainings toward a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Relationship Coaching, Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Relationship Coaching, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Social Change with an emphasis in Relationship Coaching.

The Western Institute for Social Research [ www.wisr.edu ], the Premiere Academic Institute for Social Change Since 1975, has offered California State Approved BA, MA and PhD degrees since 1977. WISR's distance learning program accepts students from all over the world.

Candidates for these degrees must enroll concurrently in WISR and RCI, participate in all RCI trainings, and work with WISR faculty in applying their trainings to their academic studies.

See below for complete details of both the MA and PhD programs.

Listen to a one hour conference call explaining the program here

BA Program Details

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY with an Emphasis in Relationship Coaching

The BA program consists of

• 20 units:  Eight RCI training classes, followed by completing 4 papers--reflective and practical written analyses growing out of those classes
• 4 units:  Readings in theories of social change, followed by a reflective paper on implications for the practice of relationship coaching
• 4 units:  Pursuit of readings chosen by the student and production of an annotated bibliography, highlighting several readings that are valued by the student in each of the following areas:  multiculturality, adult and/or higher education, theories of social change, methods of action-research, and at least two topics of special interest to the student relevant to relationship coaching.
• 4 units:  Readings and paper on a topic of interest to the student that involves study in the Humanities (e.g., literature, art, philosophy, religion, history).
• 4 units:  Readings and paper on a topic of interest to the student that involves study in the Natural Sciences (e.g., evolutionary theory, physiological psychology, topics in physics and chemistry, genetics, history of the universe, mind and matter, ideas about quantum physics, environmental sciences, among others).
• 16  units:  Study of qualitative research methods and participatory action-research methods, and applied in doing a practically oriented senior thesis on a topic of strong interest to the student and of significance to others.
• As many additional units as are needed:  Independent Study Projects designed by the student in areas of special interest to him/her, each culminating in a critically reflective and/or creative paper. 

ELIGIBILITY:   Applicants must possess a High School Diploma or have passed the GED exam, and otherwise show evidence that they can benefit from participation in this program--through submission of letters of recommendation and a pre-admission conversation or two.  Those accepted may enroll any month of the year.

Transfer of Credit:  WISR will transfer previous undergraduate credit—up to a maximum of 90 semester units—of work completed at a regionally or nationally accredited institution or California State approved institution.

124 semester units are required for graduation.

MA Program Details

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY with an emphasis in Relationship Coaching

The MA program consists of

• 20 units:  Eight RCI training classes, followed by completing 4 papers--reflective and practical written analyses growing out of those classes
• 4 units:  Readings in theories of social change, followed by a reflective paper on implications for the practice of relationship coaching
• 8 units:  Study of qualitative research methods and participatory action-research methods, and applied in doing a practically oriented thesis on a topic of strong interest to the student and of significance to others.

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree, and otherwise show evidence that they can benefit from participation in this program--through submission of letters of recommendation and a pre-admission conversation or two.  Those accepted may enroll any month of the year.

PhD Program Details

PH.D. IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE, with an Emphasis in Relationship Coaching:

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must possess a Master’s Degree, and otherwise show evidence that they can benefit from participation in this program--through submission of letters of recommendation and a pre-admission conversation or two.  Those accepted may enroll any month of the year.

This program consists of

• 20 units:  Eight RCI training classes, followed by completing 4 papers--reflective and practical written analyses growing out of those classes
• 4 units: Readings in theories of social change, followed by a reflective paper on implications for the practice of relationship coaching
• 4 units:  Pursuit of readings chosen by the student and production of an annotated bibliography, highlighting several readings that are valued by the student in each of the following areas:  multiculturality, adult and/or higher education, theories of social change, methods of action-research, and at least two topics of special interest to the student relevant to relationship coaching.
• 10 units:  Several independent study projects designed by the student in areas of special interest to him/her, each culminating in a critically reflective and/or creative paper. 
• 16  units: Study of qualitative research methods and participatory action-research methods, and applied in doing a practically oriented dissertation on a topic of strong interest to the student and of significance to others

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A. RCI TRAININGS INCLUDED

 Each student participates in about 150 hours of training through the Relationship Coaching Institute—taking classes conducted on a bridge phone line, employing a presentation followed by dialogue.  Each training class has co-instructor leading a lab section to help students apply what they’ve learned in each class.  The co-instructor is someone who has been through the training and is now working with several students as a mentor to help them with applications. 

The series of training classes are as follows:

I. Foundational Coach Training
CT-1-FT
This 60-hour certificate program is designed to teach professional coaching skills and to help new coaches master the 11 Core Coaching Competencies, as defined by the International Coach Federation (ICF) . Completion of this program meets the minimum coach training hours required by the ICF for certification as an ACC (Associate Certified Coach), via the ICF's portfolio process.

• 24 - 2 hour sessions
• 6 - 2 hour coaching practicums

II. Self-Discovery and Readiness Coaching for Singles
CD-1-SDR
This program focuses on the individual's journey to self-discovery and helps singles get ready for a love relationship. It includes work on limiting beliefs, values, life purpose, life vision and relationship requirements. At the end of the training, coaches will be able to help clients increase their level of self-awareness about what they want in all areas of their life, including love relationships. This program includes a Client Manual that can be used to coach clients, or to deliver Workshops and Tele-Seminars.

• # of weeks: 8-90 minute classes
• Supervised Lab: 7-90 minute labs with co-instructor in small group
• Materials: Conscious Dating Self-Discovery and Readiness manual and 2 Client workbooks
• Homework/supplementary reading: Approximately 12 hours
• Training Hours: 22.5
• Total time required to complete class: 34.5 hours

III. Attraction Coaching for Singles
CD-2-A
This program focuses on helping clients who are ready for a relationship, attract their life partner. Coaching focuses on helping the client develop action plans, define attraction venues, identify social networking opportunities and enhance their social, dating and intimacy skills. This program includes a Client Manual that can be used to coach clients, or to deliver Workshops and Tele-Seminars.

• Pre-Requisite: CD-1-SDR
• # of weeks: 5-90-minute classes
• Supervised Lab: 2-90 minute labs with co-instructor in small group
• Materials: Conscious Dating Attraction manual and Client workbooks included
• Supplementary recordings: 8 hours
• Homework/supplementary reading: 4 hours
• Training Hours: 10.5
• Total time required to complete class: 22.5 hours

IV. Couples Coaching Logistics
CRC-I-CL
This program is designed to provide the coaching practitioner with the tools and skills required to establish the coaching relationship with couples. It focuses on the business and coaching logistics of getting ready for, and setting up all aspects of the coach/client relationship, including client intake and assessments.

• # of weeks: 4-90 minute classes
• Materials: Coaching Logistics Manual in PDF format
• Supplementary recordings: 2 hours
• Homework/supplementary reading: 4 hours
• Training Hours: 6
• Total time required to complete class: 12 hours

V. Foundational Principles for Coaching Couples
CRC-2-FP
This program is designed to provide the coach with the foundational relationship coaching skills required to work with couples. It focuses on moving any couple into a functional state, where communications, conflict resolution and ownership of issues establishes the basis for a healthy relationship. This program includes a Client Manual that can be used to coach clients, or to deliver Workshops and Tele-Seminars.

• Pre-Requisite: CRC-I-CL
• # of weeks: 9-90 minute classes
• Supervised Lab: 7-90 minute labs with co-instructor in small group
• Materials: Conscious Relationship workbook in PDF format, 3 required texts
• Supplementary recordings: 2 hours
• Homework/supplementary reading: 8 hours
• Training Hours: 22.5
• Total time required to complete class: 32.5 hours

VI. Coaching Pre-Marital/Pre-Committed Couples
CRC-3-PM
This program provides specific coaching tools for working with pre-marital or pre-committed couples, focusing on issues that are specific to this demographic. This program includes a Client Manual that can be used to coach clients, or to deliver Workshops and Tele-Seminars.

• Pre-Requisite: CRC-2-FP
• # of weeks: 6-90 minute classes
• Materials: Pre-Marital/Pre-Commitment Couples workbook in PDF format
• Supplementary recordings: 2 hours
• Homework/supplementary reading: 10 hours
• Training Hours: 9
• Total time required to complete class: 21 hours

VII. Coaching Committed Couples
CRC-4-AP
This program provides specific coaching tools and skills required for working with functioning, committed couples who want to deepen their level of intimacy and connection, and co-create a blissful union. This program includes a Client Manual that can be used to coach clients, or to deliver Workshops and Tele-Seminars.

• Pre-Requisite: CRC-2-FP
• # of weeks: 4-90 minute classes
• Supervised Lab: 3-90 minute labs with co-instructor in small group
• Materials: Advanced Partnerships Workbook in PDF format, 3 required texts
• Supplementary recordings: 2 hours
• Homework/supplementary reading: 10 hours
• Training Hours: 10.5
• Total time required to complete class: 22.5 hours

VIII. Practice Issues for Relationship Coaching
Coaching is an unregulated profession and there are few laws and regulations covering the legal and ethical practice of coaching.  Do you need liability insurance? Can you enter a personal relationship with your client? If you're a therapist, can you do coaching and therapy with the same client? This program provides the information and guidance needed to conduct a professional private practice as a relationship coach.

• # of weeks: 4-90 minute classes
• Total time required to complete class: 6 hours

OPTIONAL (FOR EXTRA CREDIT):
IX. Building a Successful Relationship Coaching Practice
PPMSM
This six module, 32-hour program is designed to help coaches design, build, and launch their ideal practice and prepare to fill it with ideal clients.

• Module One: Preparing to Play Large: Creating Your Blueprint for the Practice of Your Dreams
• Module Two: Owning Your Niche: Your Uniqueness as Your Greatest Asset
• Module Three: Pioneering Your Practice: Nuts and Bolts of Building a Profitable Business That Fits YOU
• Module Four: Private Practice Marketing: Packaging Your Expertise to Attract Unlimited Prospects
• Module Five: Relationship Building: Leveraging Your Strengths to Create an Effortless Stream of Referrals
• Module Six: Getting Hired: Converting Prospects to Clients - The Key to Private Practice Success
• Training Hours: 32

Students work with WISR core faculty and with RCI training faculty in writing papers that engage each student in applying what they’ve learned to those topics and issues that are of most concern and interest to them.  The following are just a few examples of the kinds of papers that students might write:

• Envisioning methods and scenarios of applying these strategies to particular client populations (e.g., particular cultural groups, couples in need of education on parenting strategies, individuals in need of education on conflict resolution, lesbian or gay couples, etc.)
• Comparing the strengths and limitations of various coaching strategies, as applied to certain situations or certain types of clients.
• Identifying questions and issues for further study, as well as articulating the highlights of what one has learned and understands.
• Applying the lessons from one or more training sessions to one’s everyday work situation, or personal life.

Faculty support students in their writing efforts and help them to become comfortable in writing in their own voice.  Papers are typically around 10 to 12 pages in length, but they may sometimes be longer or shorter than this.   Students submit one rough draft, and then based on faculty suggestions, make some improvements in that draft, and submit the final draft for course credit.

Students write four papers to critically reflect on their learning in the above training sessions and to help them apply what they’ve learned to one or more topics of strong personal interest:

• One paper on Training Courses I – III
• One paper on Training Courses IV-V
• One paper on Training Courses VI-VII
• One paper on Training Course VIII

C. COURSE CREDIT FOR THE TRAINING PROGRAM AND ANALYTICAL PAPERS

Each student will receive at least 20 semester units for completing the above mentioned work (parts A and B).  Those students who put substantially extra effort into the above areas of study, may receive some additional academic credit.

If students participate in Optional Training Course IX:  Building a Successful Relationship Coaching Practice, and write a reflective paper on that experience, they will receive at least two additional semester units of credit.

D. THEORIES OF SOCIAL CHANGE

Like all WISR students, students in this program are given assistance in identifying several readings on several different theories and/or strategic frameworks for social change.  Each student is expected to do such reading and then write a critically reflective paper, examining the strengths and limitations of each theory, as it is applied to one or more areas of strong practical interest to the student.  For example, what practical insights can be obtained from the theories of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire (Pedagogy of the Oppressed)—that could then be used by someone coaching couples who are experiencing difficulties resolving their conflicts?  Students will receive four semester units for completing this area of study.

E. WISR’s PERSONALIZED, COACHING OF STUDENTS

Throughout every phase of the student’s studies in this MA program, they will have access to regular, one-on-one advising and coaching sessions with WISR faculty—to help facilitate their learning from the RCI training, the writing of reflective papers, and the pursuit of readings and the MA thesis.  WISR faculty are experienced with and committed to helping each student carve out their own distinctive areas of specialization, and to pursue the interests, questions and topics of strong personal concern.  WISR faculty are also experienced in helping students overcome any obstacles they may encounter, including such challenges as time management, writing difficulties, problems in understanding content, uncertainties about their own personal goals and directions and how those uncertainties impact on the decisions they make during their academic studies. 

F. THESIS AND ACTION-RESEARCH METHODS

All WISR students are required to participate in several seminars (in person and/or via phone) to learn about qualitative research and participatory action-research methods.  Students also expected to read about these approaches to research.  Such methods include, for example, using interviews, informal conversations, personal observations and experiences as important sources of data and information when conducting practical studies on topics of importance to oneself and others.  WISR students are expected to use some action-research methods in a practical study, most usually in their thesis.

The Master’s thesis involves investigating some questions of great importance to the student and of possible significance to others.  These questions need not be definitively answered, but the student is expected to not only review some literature/research by others, but also to gather some of their own information—often through some in-depth interviews with others and/or by drawing on some of their own first-hand observations.  The theses pursued by WISR students are usually action-oriented or practical in nature.  WISR faculty are very supportive and help each student to break the research and writing for the thesis down into manageable chunks.  This helps to make the experience of doing a thesis confidence-building rather than intimidating. 

Students receive a minimum of 8 semester units of credit for doing thesis and for studying action-research methods. 

G. COST AND OTHER DETAILS

This MA program in Psychology with a specialization in Relationship Coaching falls within the guidelines of WISR’s individualized MA degree programs.  The program can be started any month, and ends any month, and is at least 15 months in length, and seldom longer than 24 months in length.  Students meeting the above requirements totaling at least 32 semester units, gain approval from their Graduation Review Board to graduate.  Each student writes a narrative transcript summarizing their studies, with assistance and guidance from WISR’s President.  WISR’s policies (which are available in hard copy and online at www.wisr.edu ) for admission, leaves of absence, withdrawal and re-enrollment, and for academic standards and graduation apply to this program as well, but have been summarized above for the convenience of those  interested in this program.

15% Discount When Enrolling in Combined RCI and WISR Program

WISR Tuition Cost.  As of March 2010, WISR’s tuition is $6,600/year ($550/month).  Sometimes WISR’s Board of Trustees announces a very modest tuition increase in May of a given year, to take effect in July.  Such increases are in the range of $25/month to $50/month rather than be larger as is the case with many other institutions.  There is also a $600/month enrollment fee.  However, students participating in this program will receive a discount from WISR, since they will also be paying some training fees to RCI.  The $600 enrollment fee will be waived, and the last two months tuition (currently costing a total of $1,100) will be waived.  This means that a student taking 20 months (a good, ballpark average) to complete this program will pay $9,900 total tuition instead of $11,600.  Those students who pay 6 or 12 months in advance can get additional discounts of $150/6 months or $450/year.  Tuition may be paid by check or via paypal by check or credit card.

RCI Training Cost.  For students seeking the extensive, comprehensive training provided by RCI for this MA degree program, the best value is RCI’s Life and Relationship Training Track with a Lifetime Membership.  The cost for this is typically $9,980, but for those participating in this program, the total cost is discounted by 15% ($1497), or a total fee of $8,483.   This one-time fee provides continuing access to lifetime training and support from RCI for those serious about entering or advancing in the coaching profession. A Payment plan is available; 12 payments of $732.00 (includes a $25 administration fee per each payment).

Total Cost.  The total cost of WISR’s personalized, coaching approach to academic instruction and the RCI training is only $18,383 for a 20 month period of study at WISR.  For those students who finish two or three months faster, the cost is a little bit less, and for those who choose to proceed at a somewhat more leisurely pace, the cost will be a little bit more (since WISR’s tuition is $550/month). 

H. MORE INFORMATION AND ADMISSIONS

To qualify for a Master's degree you must have a qualifying Bachelor's degree. To qualify for the PhD you must have a qualifying Master's degree.

For more information about academic requirements please contact WISR faculty John Bilorusky or Larry Loebig at 510-655-2830 or e-mail at mail@wisr.edu

To enroll in RCI click here or contact us here

Listen to a one hour conference call explaining the program here