Life Coaching – Human Services Degree Online

Do you aspire to see others thrive on all levels of their life? IWU’s Bachelor of Human Services online with a life coaching specialization gives you the keys to empower others to excel personally and professionally, as well as advocate for the success of individuals and groups through program and resource development within communities. Plus, take advantage of flexible, online coursework enhanced by onsite intensives that help you develop a supportive and engaged peer network for your learning and beyond.

Why Pursue My Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services at IWU?

From onsite intensives to better prepare you to become a certified life coach to offering our life coach degree online and onsite in a hybrid format to balance flexibility with in-person learning and career benefits, IWU has aimed for the highest caliber of a university education experience for more than a century—and online education for more than a quarter century. Today, we are proud to offer the support you need to make a positive impact on overall outlook for others—through faculty who bring a practitioner-centered approach to your learning and curriculum aligned to industry standards and best practices. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. Additionally, your tuition rates are locked in the moment you start. You will experience no tuition hikes for the duration of your program.

What Will I Learn in a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Program?

This human services degree online program equips you to help others achieve a better all-around outlook in their lives. Our comprehensive curriculum includes motivational interviewing basics and strengths-based coaching approaches that empower clients to reach their full potential. You'll master goal setting and accountability techniques along with positive psychology coaching tools that form the foundation of effective life coaching programs.

Prepare to approach others where they are through an understanding of serving those from diverse backgrounds. You'll learn to apply the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics and build out the relevant expertise for certification under the ICF. The program also covers essential skills in crisis intervention and de-escalation, preparing you for real-world challenges in human services and coaching settings. You'll also develop advanced communication and critical thinking skills vital in several settings—from social services to life coaching to community support services and much more.

Program FAQs

IWU’s Human Services faculty bring extensive real-world and academic expertise to the classroom. Dr. Mark Berry holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and has deep experience in pastoral counseling, conflict management, and ministry leadership. Dr. Margaret Bryce specializes in coaching, burnout prevention, and leadership development, and is an ICF-accredited coach who works with professionals in high-demand service roles. Dr. Jenny McGill brings global experience in intercultural engagement and international education, having worked with students from more than 60 countries and conducted research at the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. Together, faculty combine academic rigor with practical experience to prepare students for impactful careers in human services.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office by phone or email or access support through their student portal. Most inquiries receive a response within a few business days, though timelines may vary during peak enrollment periods.

IWU’s Human Services program is designed for working adults and combines theory with real-world application. Courses are delivered in accelerated 5–6 week formats and focus on areas such as crisis intervention, advocacy, interviewing skills, and program planning. Assignments emphasize real-world scenarios, allowing students to immediately apply what they learn in professional settings.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of human services careers, including social and community service management, case management, substance abuse counseling support roles, youth services coordination, behavioral health support, family services coordination, victim advocacy, and gerontology services. The program equips students with skills in communication, ethical decision-making, and program development, making them valuable in nonprofit, healthcare, government, and community-based organizations.

Key courses include Leading Change in Human Services, Program Planning and Evaluation in Human Services, and Interview Skills in Human Services. These courses develop leadership, program development, and interpersonal communication skills essential for success in the field.

Many graduates advance in their current roles or transition into new positions within human services. Others pursue graduate education in fields such as social work, psychology, or public administration.

This program is primarily coursework-based and does not include traditional clinical or student teaching requirements. However, students complete applied projects and case-based assignments that connect learning to real-world human services work.

Yes. IWU’s Human Services programs are fully online with no required in-person residencies. Courses are asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule, with optional live sessions for additional engagement.

Most courses run 5–6 weeks in an accelerated format.

Students may take one course at a time or multiple courses depending on their schedule. The flexible format allows working adults to balance education with other responsibilities.

Students progress independently but engage with peers through discussions, group work, and networking opportunities within each course.

Courses are primarily asynchronous, with optional synchronous opportunities for engagement.

Students should expect to dedicate several hours per week per course to readings, discussions, and assignments.

Completion time varies by program level and transfer credits. Many students complete undergraduate programs in approximately two to four years.

Yes. IWU offers multiple start dates throughout the year.

Students receive onboarding instructions, access to the learning platform, and support from advising and student services.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, technical support, and career development services.

No formal internships are required, though applied learning opportunities are embedded in coursework.

Yes. Up to 75% of undergraduate requirements and 50% of major coursework may be transferred, subject to evaluation.

Yes. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) may allow students to earn credit for relevant professional experience.

Yes. Students complete a capstone project focused on career planning, leadership, and applied human services strategies.

IWU integrates a Christ-centered perspective with practical, career-focused learning in a flexible online format designed for adult learners.

Self-motivated students, working adults, and those passionate about service and leadership excel in this program.

Students benefit from a structured yet flexible online environment, peer interaction, and strong support services.

Yes. Faith is integrated throughout the curriculum, particularly in discussions of ethics, service, and leadership.

How does this program integrate life coaching within human services contexts?

This program integrates life coaching with human services by teaching students how to support individuals in achieving personal and professional goals. Students learn strengths-based coaching techniques, goal setting, and behavior change strategies while applying human services principles such as ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and resource navigation.

Students are introduced to widely used coaching frameworks, including the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics, the GROW model, solution-focused coaching, and strengths-based approaches. Coursework also integrates human services ethical standards to ensure responsible and effective practice.

While the program does not directly provide certification, it builds foundational knowledge and skills that support pathways toward professional coaching credentials such as those offered by the ICF or the Board Certified Coach (BCC).

Graduates serve a wide range of populations, including individuals in career transitions, college students, families and caregivers, faith-based communities, and individuals seeking support in areas such as employment, education, and personal development. The program prepares students to work in non-clinical coaching and support roles within human services settings.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Proof of high school graduation or GED certification.
Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Prior completion of at least 60 transferable credit hours is required before the student is eligible to start a bachelor core program.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of 120 semester hours.
Overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Completion of the required core courses with a GPA of 2.25 or higher.
Completion of 30 hours of general education as specified in IWU Catalog (General Education Requirements).
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Additional Requirements

BS Human Services – Life Coaching - Licensure Disclosure

The Bachelors of Science Degree with a major in Human Services (with a Specialization in Life Coaching) program at Indiana Wesleyan University seeks to prepare program graduates for certification and service in the Life Coaching profession. Certification per the International Coaching Federation (ICF) does not vary by state. To be eligible to participate in the credentialing process, the graduate must

complete a minimum of 100 client hours (75 paid coaching hours)
25 of the 100 coaching hours must take place within 18 months of submitting the application for the credentialing process
coaching must involve at least eight clients
successful completion of ICF Credentialing examination

Students receive certification after successfully completing the above requirements and after passing the ICF Credentialing exam.

Requirements do not vary by state. Life Coaching Certifications granted by the International Coaching Federation are recognized nationally and internationally.

Accreditation

BS Human Services – Life Coaching - Licensure Disclosure

complete a minimum of 100 client hours (75 paid coaching hours)
25 of the 100 coaching hours must take place within 18 months of submitting the application for the credentialing process
coaching must involve at least eight clients
successful completion of ICF Credentialing examination

Students receive certification after successfully completing the above requirements and after passing the ICF Credentialing exam.

Requirements do not vary by state. Life Coaching Certifications granted by the International Coaching Federation are recognized nationally and internationally.

Life Coaching – Human Services Bachelor Degree Online