CoachRICE is a premier coach training program offered by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders — a university-wide leader development enterprise at Rice University.
This 80-hour Level 1 accredited program with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) applies a variety of teaching and learning methodologies to give participants an immersive experience and practical coaching skill set integrated with the rigorous academic standards of Rice University.
CoachRICE participants deep dive into the eight ICF Core Competencies and gold standard Code of Ethics on a path to becoming an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) equipped with a strong foundation to develop individual leaders and team members across a variety of industries in organizations big and small.
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Course Details
CoachRICE is a 80-hour premier Coach Education program.
The program is delivered through a combination of real-time discussions, instruction, dyads, observational triads, coaching demonstrations, coaching practice, exercises, mentoring, and other interactive methods. Asynchronous learning includes outside reading, writing, reflection, journaling, experimentation, additional coaching practice, and independent studies.
Fall 2026 Hybrid Cohort > The application cycle for the Fall 2026 Hybrid Cohort at Rice University (Houston, TX) will begin on October 1, 2025. This cohort begins in August 2026 and includes:
- Orientation (virtual).
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0) assessment debrief session (virtual).
- Four two-day Learning Modules (on campus, August 2026 to November 2026).
- Mentor Coaching and additional coaching experiences (virtual).
Benefits
CoachRICE offers numerous benefits for individuals looking to advance their careers, enhance their leadership abilities, and develop others through coaching. Here are the key benefits:
- Internationally Recognized Credential
CoachRICE provides the education, training, and hours needed to pursue an International Coaching Federation (ICF) credential, a gold standard in the coaching profession.
. - Evidence-Based Curriculum
Learn coaching techniques grounded in research and proven methodologies, designed to empower clients and drive results.
- Skill Development for Leadership and Coaching
Gain practical coaching tools to enhance your leadership, communication, and listening skills. Learn how to foster self-awareness, resilience, and goal-setting in others.
- Hands-On Experience
Engage in observed coaching practice with real clients to build confidence and expertise. Receive constructive feedback from experienced, ICF-credentialed coaches.
- Expanded Career Opportunities: Position yourself as a credentialed coach in a growing field with diverse opportunities. Bring coaching expertise to your current role, start your own coaching business, or enhance your career prospects in leadership development, HR, or consulting.
- Professional Network
Join a community of like-minded professionals, including participants and facilitators, who are passionate about coaching and leadership. Build connections that can support your growth long after the program ends.
- Hybrid Format
Designed for busy professionals, CoachRICE offers a schedule to better fit your work and personal commitments.
- Enhance Your Credibility
Stand out as a leader or professional by earning a credential that signals excellence, expertise, and commitment to personal and professional growth.
- Personalized Support
Benefit from a small cohort structure that ensures individualized attention and feedback from facilitators.
Key Takeaways
- Professional coaching skills you can apply immediately
- Tools and insights to build trust and strengthen your relationships
- A theoretical foundation for understanding coaching effectiveness
- A transformative cohort-based experience
- Meaningful networking for personal and professional growth
- Practical engagement with the eight ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics
- World-class Mentor Coaching to hone your coaching skills
- An ICF Level 1 Certificate of Completion toward an ACC Credential
- Ability to stand out in a crowded market and increase your earning potential
Is CoachRICE right for you?
CoachRICE is the ideal program for:
- Managers to senior leaders who wish to add coaching to their portfolio
- Practicing coaches (internal/external) seeking formal training toward an ICF credential
- Professionals looking to make a career change to professional coaching
- Professionals in allied fields who want to add coaching skills to their practice and resume
- Human resource and organizational development professionals who want to advance their career with this specialized skill set
Minimum education prerequisite: Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Admission Process
The application cycle for the Fall 2026 Hybrid Cohort will open on October 1, 2025.
Fall 2026 Application Dates and Deadlines
Info Sessions:
Info Session 1
February 10, 2026
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. CST
Info Session 2
March 18, 2026
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. CST
Info Session 3
April 2, 2026
1:00 - 1:45 p.m. CST
Application Deadline I Friday, May 29, 2026
Final Date for Admissions Decisions I Friday, June 12, 2026
$500 deposit due within one week of acceptance
First half of payment due | Thursday, June 25, 2026
Balance payment due | Monday, July 13, 2026
Program Schedule
All Modules are delivered in Standard English (U.S.). Participants must be able to fully commit to the program schedule. If any portion of the program is missed, participants are required to attend a future portion that corresponds to the missed content (e.g., Module 2, Day 2) and will be charged a make-up fee of $50.
2026 Fall Hybrid Cohort dates and times will be announced in October 2026.
To view a sample schedule, please download our CoachRICE Information Packet here.
Curriculum
All CoachRICE content is created by Doerr Institute professionals using an evidence-based approach grounded in learning science and supported with research-validated outcomes in alignment with the current ICF Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics, and R.I.C.E. values.
Module One: Introduction to Leadership Coaching
Introduction to Coaching will provide an engaging overview of the practice and key theoretical foundations of professional coaching. Topics will include self-awareness and personal development as a coach, emotional intelligence for leaders, and core competencies such as coaching presence and establishing agreements.
Module Two: Essential Tools and Methodologies for Coaching
This Module focuses on the process of coaching and examines various models that support a coaching conversation. Participants will practice the foundational listening and communication skills necessary for cultivating trust and evoking awareness with a client.
Module Three: Facilitating Client Growth
This Module focuses on goal creation, accountability, and managing progress with a client. Participants will explore the common barriers, challenges, and mindsets encountered in leadership coaching.
Module Four: Intercultural and Ethical Practices in Coaching
This Module is designed to increase coaches’ intercultural competency and examine the importance and application of the ICF Code of Ethics. Participants will be evaluated on all ICF core competencies and provided with an overview of the ICF-credentialing process.
Each Module includes opportunities to practice, reflect, and receive feedback on your growth and development across all ICF Core Competencies and skills introduced in prior Modules.
All content is created by Doerr Institute professionals using evidence-based techniques and is supported with research-validated outcomes. This program is offered in English.