Purpose
The Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching):

• Sets international academic standards for experienced business coaches through a master's degree, and clearly identifies these standards for buyers of business coaching
• Provides a fully accredited, rigorous assessment process that recognizes education, professional development and research in business coaching at the master's level
• Promotes the highest-caliber research and leadership in business coaching practice for the benefit of the public and coaching clients
• Contributes to the definition, development and self-regulation of the business coaching profession

Overview
The Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) is offered in collaboration with the Professional Development Foundation (PDF) and Middlesex University, both in the UK. This fully accredited master's degree is open to anyone who holds WABC's Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) or the WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) designation. The ChBC automatically provides half the credit required for the degree. CMBC holders complete a conversion module to achieve the same level of credit. The remainder of the credit for both ChBC and CMBC candidates comes from undertaking a work-based research program. Candidates design their own program, select their research area and complete a work-based project of their choosing.

Granting institution
The Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) is offered and delivered by PDF, an academic partner of Middlesex University, based in the UK. The degree is validated and awarded by Middlesex University. There are no residency requirements for this degree program.

How to obtain the Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) degree
You are an ideal candidate for the MA degree if you actively practice as a master-level business coach. Specifically, you must meet these general requirements

• Must be a WABC Full Member in good standing;
• Must hold WABC's ChBC or CMBC; and
• Must successfully complete the Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) program.

How to list the Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) degree
Graduates of this program may list the degree in full as Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching). They may list it by initials as MA or MA in Professional Development (Business Coaching).

Candidates in this program may list their candidacy as Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) Candidate, MA in Professional Development (Business Coaching) Candidate, MA Candidate, or Master's Student.

Please Note: WABC members who hold any educational degrees, or any professional designations from organizations other than WABC, must have these credentials (now and in the future) verified by WABC if they wish to list them in any materials that display WABC trademarks (e.g., WABC name, logo, designations). This requirement applies to members' own materials (e.g., marketing and promotional material, résumés, business cards, website, email signature block) that contain WABC trademarks as well as to WABC materials (e.g., website, member correspondence). For full details, refer to our Use of Designations Policy, Trademarks and Logo Use Policy and Logos and Guidelines.

How to maintain the Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) degree
There are no requirements to maintain this degree.

Can the Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) degree be revoked?
No.

What's your next step?
Learn more. Get more details in the Fast Track to an MA brochure.
Get in touch. Contact WABC.

What others say
Here's what some of our MA graduates have to say.

More information

*Is Middlesex University accredited?
Yes. Based in the United Kingdom, Middlesex University was created through the amalgamation of a number of long-established colleges. It has approximately 22,000 candidates studying on campus and around the world, and 2500 staff. Middlesex is the largest provider of programs for international candidates in the UK.

All universities in the UK are accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Middlesex University is regularly assessed by this body and must carefully monitor and manage the standards of all its departments, programs and courses.

You can view the QAA review and audit reports on the QAA website.

Is the Professional Development Foundation accredited?
Yes. PDF, an academic partner of Middlesex University, is accredited by Middlesex to offer and deliver the Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) program. The MA degree is validated and awarded by Middlesex University.

Other WABC programs
Credentials for Business Coaches

WABC, PDF and Middlesex University reserve all rights in connection with the Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) degree, including the right to change the requirements of the MA degree, and to replace the MA degree.