Groundbreakers.

Change Agents.

Take the Next Steps to Advance Your Career.

As the premier graduate school for early childhood development, education, and social work, Erikson Institute prepares graduates who go on to change the world—one child at a time.

97% employment rate for master’s graduates

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About Erikson Institute

We are trailblazers in early childhood, shaping the future by training the next generation of leaders. With over 55 years of expertise, our graduate degree programs give you the tools to create real change in the lives of young children. Start your journey to making a lasting impact today.

Degree Programs

Master of Social Work

Master of Social Work

  • 60 Credit Hours
  • Hybrid or Online
  • 100+ Field Placement Opportunities
  • Advanced Standing
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Master of Child Development

Master of Child Development

  • 33-41 Credit Hours
  • Campus, Hybrid or Online
  • 200+ Chicago-based Internship Opportunities

 

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MS in Early Childhood Education — Triple Endorsement

MS in Early Childhood Education — Triple Endorsement

  • 36 Credit Hours
  • Hybrid or Online
  • Path to teacher licensure
  • 3 Embedded Endorsements
  • Initial teacher licensure in IL only
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MS in Early Childhood Education — Early Intervention

MS in Early Childhood Education Early Intervention

  • 36 Credit hours
  • Online
  • 240+ Internship hours over one year
  • Meets credential requirements in certain states*

 

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* MS in Early Childhood Education — Early Intervention potentially meets credentialing requirements in Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas. Students need to confirm their state’s requirements as they may change and are outside of the purview of Erikson.

A High-quality Education That Meets Your Needs

Personalized Experience

With faculty and staff who know your name and story, Erikson Institute delivers a personalized graduate school experience.

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).

Program Flexibility

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

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Erikson by the Numbers

1%

employment rate for master’s graduates

1:1

student faculty ratio

$1

awarded in Erikson scholarships and grants each year to accepted students

Career Opportunities

MSW

  • Child welfare supervisor
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Trauma-informed crisis counselor

MSECE — Triple Endorsement

  • Bilingual, ESL/ELL teacher
  • Early childhood special education teacher
  • Trauma-informed crisis counselor
  • Education coordinator

MSCD

  • Certified Child Life Specialist
  • Program director/administrator
  • Family/parent support specialist
  • Certified Child Life Specialist
  • Program director/administrator

MSECE — Early Intervention

  • Early Intervention specialist
  • Developmental specialist/therapist
  • Home visitor
  • Family support specialist
  • Child welfare worker

Job Placement for Students

working in their field 6 months after graduating

What Our Students and Alumni Say

“As a student at Erikson Institute, I have discovered a high-quality graduate program in social work and child development which has transformed my practice as an educational coach and developmental therapist.”
Nancy Carillo
MSW 2020
“I believe that teaching is very political work, and I firmly believe that Erikson, as an institution, recognizes the importance of educational access for all.”
Brianna Brown
MSECE Triple Endorsement, 2025
“I want to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and I believe that the skills, resources, and education I have obtained during my program at Erikson will help me do so.”
Lindsey Lose
MSW 2024
“I chose to attend Erikson because I wanted to switch careers — from working as a teacher to working in the Child Life field. My time at Erikson Institute gave me a deeper knowledge of child development. Now, I work as a Child Life Specialist in a healthcare setting where I apply the knowledge and skills I gained as an Erikson student to my clinical practice.”
Shreya Patel
MSCD Child Life, 2022

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Find your path at Erikson Institute.

  • No GRE required

  • Submit an online application, resume, letters of recommendation, essays, and transcripts.

  • A bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours

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