Groundbreakers.
Change agents.
Leaders in early childhood education.

We are groundbreakers in early childhood, impacting policy and change by training the leaders of tomorrow. With over 50 years of experience in early childhood education, our graduate degree programs and certificates will allow you to make an impact on the lives of young children.

Evolving family structures, the nation’s strong labor market, and growing research on the importance of brain development in early education are creating early childhood teacher shortages. Employment of early educators is projected to grow by double digits by 2026. Receive the training you need at Erikson Institute to fill these in-demand roles.

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Degree and Certificate, Endorsement & Licensure Programs

Erikson Institute offers a mix of degree and certificate programs online and on campus in Chicago focused on understanding the developmental needs of young children and families within the context of cultural, social, economic, and political circumstances including:

Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (IL Professional Educator License)

Early Childhood Education Endorsement

Post-Master’s Early Childhood Education Licensure

Online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (non-licensure)

Online Early Childhood Bilingual/ESL Graduate Certificate

Online Early Childhood Leadership & Advocacy Graduate Certificate

Online Early Childhood Special Education Graduate Certificate

You’ll experience a rigorous learning experience with high-quality faculty who are seasoned professionals in their area of expertise. Students have access to dedicated advisors, academic writing support, library, career services and student services.

Erikson by the Numbers

Over

1%

of Erikson students receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships or fellowships.

Over

$1

awarded in Erikson scholarships and grants each year to accepted students.

.

1%

of the 65 master’s degree students who graduated in 2019 and were seeking employment were working in their field six months following graduation.

A High-quality Education That Meets Your Needs

Financial Aid

Erikson participates in several federal and state financial aid programs.

Scholarships

Each year Erikson awards over $2 million in scholarships.

Program Flexibility

Attend full- or part-time; choose a program that reflects your interests.

Faculty Expertise

Our professors are scholars and advocates for the benefit of children and families.

Erikson Culture

Small class sizes and easy access to faculty foster strong learning relationships.

Accreditation

Erikson Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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What Our Students and Alumni Say

“I feel I’m being well prepared to step up as a true change-maker through Erikson’s varied educational fields of interest, platforms of diversity, and my ability to share my experiences free of judgement here. This reflects what I want to give back, too. It’s up to us to not just listen to children but, to instill growth in their every step.”
Cassandra Wooden-Seawood
MS Early Childhood Education ‘22
“After earning my undergraduate degree in special education and working in the field, I recognized there was a void around early childhood development that needed to be filled. I wanted to better serve my students by understanding the developmental stage they were preforming at regardless of their chronological age. My Erikson degree prepared me to support the growth and progress of each child on their own terms.”
Luis Bernard
Online MS Early Childhood Education ‘19
“Studying at Erikson is not just memorizing facts. It is a self-reflective and community-based education that will help stretch your worldview and you grow as a person. It is a high quality education that is immediately applicable to my work as a children’s librarian.”
Rebecca Ruidl
Online MS in Early Childhood Education ’20
“I learned so much at Erikson about the wholistic, interconnected nature of child development and early childhood education. A deep knowledge of best educational practices prepared me for my work in public schools. Today’s classrooms have never been more diverse.”
Evan Tracy
MS Early Childhood Education ‘13

The Erikson Approach

Knowledge

Learn how children develop and the complex contextual factors that shape their development.

Practice

Elevate and sharpen your skills that directly apply to your existing and future career positions.

Reflection

Develop your reflective practice skills in our Integrative Seminars and courses.

Get Started Today

Learn more about Erikson’s early childhood education graduate degree, certificate, licensure, and endorsement programs.

  • No GRE required

  • All experience levels welcome

  • Fast application process

  • Scholarships available

  • Multiple session start dates

It’s never been more important to have skilled teachers, educators, and school administrators in the world. You can be a change agent in education and help build a better learning environment for young children with a degree from Erikson Institute.

LEARN MORE TODAY
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