Students talking to John Townsend Students talking to John Townsend

Become a Transformational Leader

Gain career-advancing skills in your field through the Townsend Institute’s life-changing counseling and leadership programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Explore Our Degree and Certificate Programs

  • Leadership and counseling programs. The Townsend Institute offers bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., and certificate programs in Organizational Leadership, Executive Coaching and Consulting, and Counseling.
  • Flexible online learning. Programs are offered fully online and in accelerated formats, so you can earn your degree or certificate while balancing work and family life.
  • Advance your career. Gain in-demand expertise and strengthen your leadership skills as you prepare to do meaningful work in your field.
  • Engage with world-class Christian thought leaders. Personally learn from Dr. John Townsend and master teachers who have decades of real-world experience.

Why choose the Townsend Institute?

A different approach to learning. We focus on relational learning, addressing the head and the heart through competence, character, and connection.

Founded on experience and research. Dr. John Townsend is a New York Times bestselling author, leadership consultant, psychologist and relationship expert. He has written 35 books, selling 10 million copies, including the top-selling "Boundaries" series.

A strong partnership. The Townsend Institute is housed within Concordia University Irvine. Centered on a Lutheran Christian worldview, Concordia is home to a thoughtful and caring community of learners.

CUI campus CUI campus
The Townsend Institute had such an immediate, positive impact on my character development and my interactions with others, my manager asked what I was doing differently. I shared it was the Townsend Institute. My manager was so impressed with the results of this program that I was reimbursed for the entire cost!

Cheryl Todd
M.A. Organizational Leadership, 2018

I Want to Learn More

Member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
Member of the Concordia University System
WASC | Senior College and University Commission
NCAA Division II
Yellow Ribbon Program

Concordia University Irvine is a private, Christian university that is ranked nationally among the "Top Performers on Social Mobility" universities by U.S. News & World Report. Concordia is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and serves over 5,000 students annually.