Influence.

With over 50 years of experience in child development and early childhood education, our degree programs will help you to make an even greater impact on the lives of children. Increase your understanding about the developmental needs of children within the context of cultural, social, economic, and political circumstances.

Now is the time.

We are pleased to waive the matriculation fee for new students starting the Online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education and the Master of Science in Child Development for Spring 2022 term. This is a value of $200*.

90% of Erikson's Masters students receive scholarships

Degree Programs

We offer degree programs focused on understanding the developmental needs of young children and families within the context of cultural, social, economic and political circumstances.

Master of Science in Child Development

Choose from seven concentrations: leadership and advocacy, child life, children with special needs and more
Extensive field work opportunities
Small class sizes, and easy access to faculty foster strong learning relationships.
Attend full or part-time; multiple start dates, fall and spring.
Career Options: Certified Child Life Specialist, Developmental Therapist, Policy Specialist and more

Online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education

Choose from seven concentrations: early childhood STEM, leadership and advocacy, special needs and more
Live, work and complete coursework from anywhere
Small class sizes, and easy access to faculty foster strong learning relationships.
Multiple session start dates: Fall and Spring
Career Options: Early Childhood Program Director, Curriculum Coordinator, Head of School, Director and more

What Our Alumni Say

“Working and being an Erikson student at the same time played a huge role in expanding my goals and vision for my profession. I took my newfound knowledge right into my workplace. Now, in addition to providing developmental therapy to children and their families, I’m excited to be developing a consulting practice to provide support and training for day care centers.”

Eunique Drinkard

Inclusion Consultant, MS Child Development 2017

“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

``I knew from my experience and overall beliefs about the importance of public education that I wanted to work for CPS after I graduated. It can be really challenging to find a job in CPS. Through a connection that one of my professors had, I found the position that I still have now (nearly 8 years later!) at a public school in Logan Square. I received a grant while at Erikson to receive my ESL endorsement. After graduating I studied Spanish intensely and a year later, I passed my bilingual test and achieved that goal.``

Evan Tracy

CPS Pre-School Teacher MS Early Childhood Education 2013

“Just a few months after graduating from Erikson Institute, I landed my dream job. My Erikson education with its multiple field work experiences had prepared me more than I realized. Three years later, I love what I do more than ever.”

Dana Thornquist

Certified Child Life Specialist, MSCD Child Development 2017

Erikson by the Numbers

Over

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

Over

awarded in Erikson scholarships each year to accepted students.

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

Get Started Today

Learn more about Erikson’s degree programs.

No GRE required
All experience levels welcome
Fast application process
Scholarships available
Multiple session start dates

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.

LEARN MORE TODAY

*Matriculation fee waiver is valued at $200 and applicable for Online Master of Early Childhood Education and Master of Science in Child Development only. Valid for new students starting in Spring 2022. Offer not valid on any other degree, certificate, endorsement, or licensure program. The waiver will be provided in the form of a one-time tuition credit to students who meet all admissions requirements and choose to enroll.