Erikson Institute: Admissions, Programs & Student Housing Guide 2025
Turn Your Education Into Impact with Erikson!
Table of Content
- About Erikson Institute
- Erikson Institute Courses
- Graduate Programs
- Professional Programs
- Doctoral Programs
- Erikson Institute Admissions
- What is the Application Process at Erikson Institute?
- Erikson Institute Application Deadlines
- Tuition Fee at Erikson Institute
- Erikson Institute Scholarships
- Student Housing Near Erikson Institute
Erikson Institute is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, and is a renowned institution for higher education. The graduate school in child development has over 50 years of experience in training professionals to work with young children and their families.
Erikson Institute Chicago offers various child-focused graduate and academic programs to help professionals become early childhood leaders and enhance children’s well-being.
With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 96% employment rate for master’s degree students, the institute ensures personalized learning and strong career outcomes. If you want to accelerate change with one of the best child development degree programs, Erikson is an excellent choice.
About Erikson Institute
Established in 1966, the Erikson Institute in Chicago, United States is home to like-minded, passionate professionals dedicated to learning and advocating on behalf of children. The institute offers multiple types of fellowships, courses, seminars, and customizable programs where students and professionals can turn knowledge into action.
The institute ranks 201st in the “Social Work” category of the U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings. Currently, Erikson offers five master’s degree programs and three professional development programs. Over 356 students are enrolled across these programs. The institute also offers a doctoral program in child development and other relevant certifications.
Erikson Institute Courses
The Erikson Institute’s courses focus on practices related to early childhood development, early care, early education, developmental psychology, mental health, and social work.
Here’s an overview of the Erikson Institute certificate programs and other graduate courses:
Graduate Programs
Erikson offers advanced master’s degree programs with a community of child-focused experts to help students advance in their careers. These programs are:
Master of Child Development - Core
Master of Child Development - Child Life
Master of Early Child Education
Master of Science in Early Childhood Education - Early Intervention
Master of Social Work
Professional Programs
Erikson Institute offers a range of professional development programs designed for working educators, clinicians, and child-focused practitioners. These include:
Child Development Certificate
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate
Doctoral Programs
Erikson Institute’s programs provide targeted, flexible learning opportunities to help professionals deepen their expertise. These include:
PhD in Child Development
Erikson Institute Admissions
International students seeking admission to Erikson early childhood education programs must fulfill the admission requirements. Here’s an overview:
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 or a GPA score of 3.0/4.0 from a completed master’s degree
The latest copy of your résumé with the application
One program-specific and leadership-driven essay for master’s and certificate applications
Two letters of recommendation for master’s programs and one letter for certificate programs
A copy of official or unofficial transcripts from your bachelor’s degree or other relevant coursework
Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores as shown in the table below:
Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
TOEFL (Internet-based) | 80 |
| TOEFL (Computer-based) | 213 |
| TOEFL (Paper-based) | 550 |
| IELTS (Overall) | 6.5 |
| IELTS (Reading & Writing) | 6.0 (Academic sections only) |
| IELTS (General Training) | Not accepted |
What is the Application Process at Erikson Institute?
The steps to apply for any course at the Erikson Institute are straightforward. Follow this procedure to get started:
Step 1: Choose your desired program.
Step 2: Confirm the admission requirements for the Erikson academic calendar.
Step 3: Complete your application.
Step 4: Prove your proficiency in the English language like DET test, and provide the required documentation.
Erikson Institute Application Deadlines
International students seeking admission to the Erikson Institute must be aware of application deadlines to avoid missing out. The table below outlines the details:
Term Start | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline | Concentration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2025 | July 15, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | Core | Hybrid, Online |
| Fall 2025 | January 15, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | Child Life | Campus |
| Spring 2026 | November 15, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | Core | Hybrid, Online |
Tuition Fee at Erikson Institute
Erikson Institute’s Board of Trustees sets tuition and fees annually, typically announcing them in March for the upcoming academic year. Below is an overview of the current Erikson Institute tuition fees for several courses:
Program | Cost |
|---|---|
Master of Social Work | $1,030 |
| Other Master’s Degrees | $1,157 |
| PhD | $1,157 |
| Other Certificate, Endorsement & Licensure Programs | $775 |
*Tuition Fees are subject to change- might vary each year/intake
Erikson Institute Scholarships
International students may qualify for merit-based leadership scholarships at the Erikson Institute. Below are some common scholarship options available:
Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
Leadership scholarships | 20% of total tuition | Students in master’s or certificate programs |
| Affordability scholarships | 25% of total tuition | Determined by Student Aid Index (SAI) obtained from a completed FAFSA |
| Vital Beginnings/Harris Scholarship | 50-75% of total tuition | Students of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate Program |
| Amberscholar Scholarship | $2000-$6000 | Statement of purpose explaining why you deserve financial assistance |
Student Housing Near Erikson Institute
If you are an international student looking for housing options near Erikson Institute, you can easily find both on-campus and off-campus accommodations. The institute offers several housing options with amenities such as Wi-Fi, fully furnished rooms, study areas, and community spaces.
Affordable neighbourhoods in Chicago also offer a variety of student-friendly rental options, giving you flexibility based on your budget and lifestyle preferences.
You can explore nearby areas in Chicago if you want to live close to the institution. For more affordable apartments near campus, Amber can be a great resource!
Whether you're looking for a single room, shared living, or a private apartment, Amber acts as your personal student housing guide. Check out housing options like:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while studying at Erikson Institute as an international student?
Yes, international students with USA student visas can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic terms. For off-campus work opportunities such as CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training), students must receive prior authorization and meet eligibility requirements set by USCIS.
Does Erikson Institute provide any support for career placements after graduation?
Yes, Erikson Institute has a strong employment track record, with over 96% of master’s degree graduates securing jobs. The institute also offers dedicated career services, networking events, and mentorship opportunities to help students connect with professionals and employers in the early childhood development field.
What kind of student community and extracurricular activities does Erikson offer?
Erikson fosters a close-knit, diverse student community with opportunities to participate in advocacy groups, professional development events, and community service initiatives focused on children and families. Students also engage in seminars, workshops, and peer-led support circles aligned with their professional goals.
Are hybrid programs at Erikson synchronous or asynchronous?
Most hybrid programs at Erikson include a combination of synchronous (live) online sessions and asynchronous learning modules. This format allows students to balance coursework with personal or professional commitments while still engaging in real-time interaction with faculty and peers.
What kind of academic support is available to Erikson students?
Erikson provides various academic resources, including one-on-one faculty mentoring, writing assistance, research support, and access to a specialized library focused on child development. International students also receive tailored guidance better to understand academic expectations in the U.S. education system.