Wellness Coaching is an emerging profession that has roots in applied behavioral science and adult development, and more recently has embraced positive psychology. Behavioral scientists have shown that one-on-one coaching is among the most effective approaches to helping people make and sustain improvements in their lives.

The relationship between a coach and client offers a profound level of support, guidance, and encouragement to making changes, without being judgmental. A coach enables change by focusing on a client's stated needs, values, vision, and goals and helping to bring out his/her personal best. (Per the International Coaching Federation (ICF) website).

Download the Wellness Coaching flyer [PDF]

Expert faculty from these five academic disciplines at U of L collaborated to create the Wellness Coaching Minor:

• Health and Sports Sciences
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Human Resource Development
• Public Health Advocacy

We are interdisciplinary - doing together what none of us can do separately.

Program Objectives

• Develop International Coaching Federation (ICF) core coaching competencies.
• Practice and refine wellness coaching skills using best practice standards incorporating evidence-based research.
• Prepare for the Wellcoaches/ACSM® course and certification
• Increase marketable skill sets and competitive edge to meet workplace demands.

Media

UofL's Interdisciplinary Wellness Coaching Minor was featured in the October 2011 edition of the Wellcoaches Newsletter. View the excerpt. [JPG]

Margaret Moore, Wellcoaches Corporation

"I had the great privilege of interacting with several undergraduate wellness coaching students at a Wellcoaches workshop held at the University of Louisville in 2011; I was thrilled with the engagement and caliber of these students! I am impressed with not only the Interdisciplinary Wellness Coaching Minor curriculum, but also with the expert team of interdisciplinary faculty (Health & Sport Science, Social Work, Psychology, Human Resource Development, and Public Health Advocacy) involved with the Wellness Coaching Minor, and the corporate partnerships U of L is creating to increase job placement for its wellness coaching graduates.

"Students are engaged in improving their critical thinking skills and translating science into coaching practices. Embracing the application of science in helping coaching clients improve their mindsets is a unique aspect of the program, one that strongly links the university's academic mission with the Wellcoaches mission and contribution. The University of Louisville is at the cutting edge in teaching wellness coaching at the undergraduate level."

Margaret Moore
Founder & CEO, Wellcoaches Corporation
Co-Director, Institute of Coaching, McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School

The Wellness Coaching Minor requires 18 credit hours (12 core and 6 elective). Course Curriculum [PDF]

For details about program curriculum, visit the Undergraduate Catalog.

How to Apply

Entrance Requirements -- Declared major in HSS, PSYCH, Social Work, or Nursing.

Next Steps

1. Contact Paula Kommor, M.Ed. to initiate the application process.
2. Apply to Minor in Wellness Coaching by completing the online application.
3. You will receive an e-mail confirming admission to the minor from the Education Advising and Student Services.

Exit Requirements

2.50 GPA is required in the Wellness Minor. Only one "D" will be accepted in HSS Courses.

Additional Stipulations

No double counting courses for Major and Minor for HSS Majors.

Primary Contact

Department of Health & Sport Sciences

Paula Kommor, MEd
Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Science, Room 119
502-819-8005

Department of Leadership, Foundations & Human Resource Education

Ann Herd, PhD
College of Education and Human Resource Development, Room 328
502-852-0606

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Paul Salmon PhD
Lutz Hall, Room 320
502-852-1366

Kent School of Social Work

Noell Rowan PhD
Oppenheimer Hall, Room 207
502-852-1964

Special Programs in Campus Health Services

Sharon Larue, M.A. LPAT
502-852-7014

UofL's Get Healthy Now –Health Management Program

Patricia Benson, MEd
Human Resources Building
502-852-1907

Stephanie Tabb
Human Resources Building
502-852-6549

Past wellness coaching interns hired by:

• Baptist East Milestone Wellness Center
• Louisville Metro Parks
• Norton Healthcare
• Norton Fitness Center
• SHPS—Carewise Health
• University of Louisville
• UPS

Wellness coaching skills give students a marketable edge when entering the work force--leading to a multitude of career opportunities.

A few of the types of organizations that are now hiring wellness coaches are: corporations, physician's offices, health management companies, wellness centers, and fitness facilities.

Wellness coaching students will be capable of working in the following capacities:

• Ready to coach in one-on-one, in person and via telephone.
• Proficient at guiding client’s development of vision and goals by utilizing accepted coaching standards and guidelines.
• Able to empower clients to establish a higher level of wellness than they can do alone.

Financial Aid

In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about financial aid.

Scholarship Opportunities

An Ideas to Action (i2a) Sun Grant provides exceptional students with scholarship opportunities to attend Wellcoaches® workshops, coaching certification classes, and mentoring.