CoachRICE: Level 1 is the premier coach education and 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 a practical coaching skill set, integrated with the rigorous academic standards of Rice University.
CoachRICE: Level 1 participants deep dive into the eight Core Competencies and gold-standard Code of Ethics on a path to becoming an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC). They graduate equipped with a strong foundation to develop individual leaders and team members within organizations across a variety of industries.
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Course Details
CoachRICE: Level 1 is a premier 80-hour coach education and training 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) is open. The deadline to apply is May 29, 2026.
This cohort begins in August 2026 and includes:
- Orientation.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0) assessment group debrief (virtual).
- Four two-day Learning Modules (in-person on the beautiful Rice University 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
Ready to take your coaching journey to the next level?
To get started, visit our application page and complete the online form by the posted deadline. Be sure to review the free-response questions in advance to prepare thoughtful responses, and take a moment to look over the program details to set yourself up for success. If you have questions, join one of our info sessions or reach out to our team—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Applications are reviewed in rounds, with decisions released on set dates throughout the cycle. We take a holistic approach, looking at your unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. Our goal is to build a diverse, dynamic cohort of aspiring coaches who are ready to grow together, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact in their communities and organizations.
For questions or application support, contact us at coachrice@rice.edu.
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
Register for Info Sessions Here
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.
Orientation
August 12, 2026 I 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Group EQ-i 2.0 Debrief (virtual)
August 19, 2026 I 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Module 1
August 27, 2026 I 12:00-5:00 p.m.
August 28, 2026 I 8:00 am- 1:00 p.m.
Module 2
September 24, 2026 I 12:00-5:00 p.m.
September 25, 2026 I 8:00 am- 1:00 p.m.
Module 3
October 22, 2026 I 12:00-5:00 p.m.
October 23, 2026 I 8:00 am- 1:00 p.m.
Module 4
November 19, 2026 I 12:00-5:00 p.m.
November 20, 2026 I 8:00 am- 1:00 p.m.
Observation Triad (virtual)
October 28, 2026 I 5:30-7:00pm
Observation Triad (virtual)
December 2, 2026 I 5:30-7:00pm
Mentor Coaching Session 1 (virtual)
December 9, 2026 I 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Mentor Coaching Session 2 (virtual)
January 6, 2027 I 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Mentor Coaching Session 3 (virtual)
January 27, 2027 I 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Mentor Coaching Session 4 (virtual)
February 17, 2026 I 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Mentor Coaching Session 5 (virtual)
March 17, 2027 I 5:30-7:00 p.m.
All Work Except Final Recordings Due
March 31, 2027
Final Recording Submission
April 30, 2027
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 | Foundation
This opening module lays the foundation for participants’ journey as coaches. Participants build connection within the cohort, co-create a psychologically safe learning space, and clarify what coaching is and is not. They explore the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, with a practical focus on Ethical Practice, Coaching Mindset, Trust and Safety, and Presence.
Module Two: A Working Alliance | Co-Creating the Relationship
This module focuses on the foundation of every effective coaching partnership: the relationship between coach and client. Participants will learn how to co-create clear agreements that establish trust, align expectations, and surface the client’s vision and values. Building on the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and ACC Minimum Skills Requirements, the module emphasizes active listening, evoking awareness, and using tools like powerful questioning, silence, and metaphor to deepen client insight and learning.
Module 3: Empowering Sustainable Progress | Cultivating Learning and Growth
In this module, participants build the skills to help clients turn insight into action. Through ICF Core Competency 8: Facilitates Client Growth, they will practice co-creating goals, action steps, and accountability while respecting client autonomy. The module also explores common barriers to growth and the role of assessments in leadership coaching, and the importance of emotional intelligence and coachability.
Module 4: Bringing it All Together
This final module weaves together the learning from the entire program while exploring key trends shaping the coaching profession. Participants will reflect on their development, clarify next steps for credentialing, and acknowledge their progress as they prepare to carry their coaching forward with confidence.
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.