Is Queens University of Charlotte accredited?
Yes. Queens is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The McColl School is among the elite business schools in the world who have achieved the AACSB International accreditation. Fewer than 5% have achieved this distinction. The McColl School is one of approximately 400 schools in the United States accredited by ACBSP. 

What experience does the McColl School of Business have in Executive Coaching?
Queen University of Charlotte (Queens) and the McColl School of Business (MSB) have been pioneers in Executive Coaching. Beginning in 2001, the MSB began having MBA students work with an executive coach as part of a required course in leadership. Since then, that program has expanded to include students enrolled in the MS in Organization Development (MSOD) program. In 2006, Queens added graduate level courses in coaching to the curriculum and offered a graduate certificate program. Today, those courses are part of the MSOD program.

Can I complete the Queens MSEC degree online?
No. Our curriculum is experiential and face-to-face. At the same time, we use an online platform as a means of preparing for class, accessing reading materials, carrying on discussions, and submitting final assignments.

Can I transfer course work from other institutions?
Because this is a cohort-based, experiential curriculum that flows in a planned sequence, we do not accept transfer credit from other institutions.

How much of this program is in the classroom and how much will be virtual?
The program applies adult learning approaches (andragogy). Each term (6 graduate credits) includes two (2) three- to three-and-a-half-day on-campus residency sessions. The residency component is approximately 25 contact hours per course per residency session, which is approximately 72% of the required 35 contact hours per course. The online portion may include teleconference calls with small groups and asynchronous discussions. 

Who will teach the courses?
We have assembled an internationally recognized faculty of scholars, scholar-practitioners, and practitioners.

How much time can I expect to devote to studies and the classroom?
This program involves two courses per term. While preparation time will vary from session to session for individual students, the average student will spend approximately 12-18 hours per week before and after the residency sessions on their studies in order to maintain satisfactory progress through the program. 

How much access will have I have to faculty?
Faculty members respond to your work throughout the course, bringing their extensive professional and academic backgrounds and understanding into the discussion of your particular topics. In addition to the intensive work you will do with faculty during the residency sessions, you will work with faculty via small group teleconferences, the online cohort community, and email. In addition, faculty members are available via email and scheduled one-on-one support calls.

What computer equipment do I need?
If purchased within the last 3 years, your current personal computer will probably be adequate for your Queens work. You will need internet connectivity and basic office software. Some students find it helpful to have a headset for their telecommunication service. As a student you will be assigned a Queens email account which must be used for all school-related email correspondence. 

How many times will I be on campus?
The low-residency cohort program was designed for students to meet in-person six times per academic year, for a total of twelve times during the 24-months study. Please refer to the curriculum section for up-to-date information of curriculum, residency sessions, and dates.

What can I expect during the residency sessions?
Residency sessions meet twice per term (May, August and January) for three- to three-and-a-half days. Sessions begin on Thursday morning and end the following Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon. Classes typically start at 8:30 AM and meet until 5:00 PM. There may be some evening class sessions that reconvene after a break for dinner. Prior to the first residency of each term, students receive pre-work for a 2-4-week-long period of reading, preparation and online work. Between residency sessions, students have independent and small group follow-up activities including preparation of a final project or paper.

Prior to beginning the program, is there anything I can do to prepare for graduate school?
Prior to beginning the program, you may find it useful to do the following:

• Make a commitment to the program of study.
• Create space (location, equipment, and supplies) that will support your learning.
• Ensure you have a support system that will foster your learning and development. This may include, for example, family, friends, and employer.
• Prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually for a 24-month, intensive program of study.
• Schedule the residency sessions on your calendar as well as time for study.
• Participate in the Program Orientation session conducted virtually approximately six weeks prior to the first residency session. 
  

What happens if I have to miss a residency session?
The schedule for each cohort will be available before you are admitted to the program. It is important that you record the scheduled dates that classes meet. If you know you will need to miss more than a half day of class for a given course, you will need to make special arrangements with the Program Director or arrange to take that course with another cohort. Please be aware that such changes can affect your financial aid and delay your graduation. Should you become ill or experience an unavoidable conflict that prevents your attendance during any part of a course, immediately inform your course instructor as well as the Program Director. S/he will work with you to determine the steps necessary to fulfill academic requirements and complete the course contact hours.

How does this program relate to the International Coach Federation (ICF) and Graduate School Alliance for Executive Coaching?
As an institution of higher education, Queens is committed to providing students with a balance of the theoretical foundation and practice skills to move learning to meaningful action. The MSEC curriculum was designed to help students gain the theory and practice required to function as coaches, human resource development professionals, and leaders in a variety of work settings. Furthermore, the curriculum was designed using the Core Competencies of coaches from the International Coach Federation (ICF), which are skill or practice oriented. In addition, the program was designed using the newly released Program Standards from the Graduate School Alliance for Executive Coaching (GSAEC), which is knowledge, skills, and abilities oriented as well as being focused on academic program design and management. Students may wish to complete the ICF's credentialing process to receive the Accredited Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), or Master Certified Coach (MCC) designation using the Portfolio Process defined by the ICF.

What is the grading scale and when will I receive grades?
Grades are on the traditional A-F scale. Only grades A, B, C, and F are used. No plus, minus or D grades are recorded. You must maintain a 3.0 (B) average to be in good standing for continuation in the program and eventual graduation. Earning more than two course grades of "C" or having your grade point average fall below 3.0 will result in Academic Probation. Specific requirements related to academic probation are available through the University Catalog. Our faculty members submit grades electronically upon completion of evaluating the final assignment. You will usually receive the grade within two weeks of the last assignment being submitted. Grades are available online.

What experience does Queens University of Charlotte have with adult students?
Queens has a long and successful history of responding to the unique needs of adult students. In 1979, the Hayworth College was established specifically to serve adult students. The McColl School of Business has offered the Professional MBA program an evening program for working managers and executives since 1980 and the Executive MBA, a weekend, cohort program for executives since the early 1990s. Today, approximately 50% of students enrolled in Queens degree programs are adults, and all graduate students in the McColl School are adults.

What is a cohort?
The program operates on the cohort model. Students enter as part of a class that takes the same courses together during the entire MSEC program. 

Does Queens offer career services to students and graduates?
Queens students and graduates have access to the Career Services Center. However, because of the specialized nature of coaching and the MSEC degree, we find that the best career preparation results from a multifaceted approach: building networks; talking with our faculty and many well-connected graduates; taking volunteer opportunities as they arise; and using the 2-year curriculum strategically to further define yourself and build your skills, knowledge and resume.

We refer all members of the MSB community to the MSB Alumni Association, Queens Alumni Association, LinkedIn, and to the OD Network, International Coach Federation, and Society for Human Resource Management where job notices are posted. We encourage students to write proposals for conference presentations and to volunteer their services at regional and national conferences as a means of professional socialization and networking.

What is the tuition for the program?
Tuition is determined for each cohort. Please refer to the tuition section for up to date tuition and fee information, as well as information on payment dates, and what is included in tuition.