Child Development Degree Programs
Online Graduate & Academic Programs in Early Childhood
Enrich and improve the lives of children and families with 100% online early childhood, social work, and child development graduate programs at Erikson Institute.
Take the Next Step to Advance Children’s Wellbeing
Every child deserves the expertise early childhood specialists offer.
As early childhood experts, our graduates go on to change the world, one child at a time. Our comprehensive online child development master’s degree programs and graduate certificates give working professionals the tailored, evidence-based training they need to advance their careers and create lasting change in their communities and child care environments. Our online MSW programs are designed specifically for working professionals seeking to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
Flexible Programs Built for Busy Lives
Earn your degree or certificate and advance your career without putting your life on hold.
Same Accredited Credentials
Earn the same degree or certification as in-person students
Master’s Programs
Choose your pace – complete in 16-40 months with part-time and full-time options
Certificate Programs
Focused, specialized training completed in 10-20 months
Work-Life Integration
Join the 90% of students who successfully balance study with full- or part-time jobs while advancing their expertise in child care leadership
Seamless & Interactive Virtual Classrooms
Designed for busy professionals near or far, Erikson’s online early childhood courses offer the practice, feedback, and community you need. While specific details vary by program, many online classes include the types of learning experiences below.
Regular Live Sessions
Expect weekly or regularly scheduled live meetings (via Zoom or a similar platform) for lectures, case discussions, and supervisor check-ins. These sessions create space for guided instruction and immediate feedback across all our online child development classes.
Meaningful Peer Collaboration
Classes often use small-group breakouts, collaborative projects, and discussion boards so you can build long-lasting professional relationships and learn from your peers.
Direct Access to Faculty and Advisors
Connect with nationally recognized faculty every week in class and maintain ongoing support through email communication. Your professors, advisors, and career services team are readily available to guide your academic journey.
Practicum and Fieldwork Coordination
When required, gain real-world experience through locally supervised, in-person practicums. Our placement team sets your weekly hours across semesters and coordinates the virtual and on-site supervision and observations required for program completion and licensure in diverse childcare environments.
Accelerate Change with Online, Child-Focused Graduate Programs
Erikson’s online degree and certificate programs equip working educators with the child-development lens to inspire meaningful change in the lives of children and families. Through live virtual classes, credential-ready coursework, and locally coordinated field placements, our graduate programs in early childhood education, child development, social work and related fields gives you the knowledge and hands-on experience to lead with confidence in your field.
Impact child-focused fields with a research-based child development program. Our Online Master’s in Child Development program provides comprehensive training for professionals seeking advanced expertise in developmental psychology and child care leadership.
Prepare to teach every child that walks through your classroom door in this Early Childhood Education Online Degree Program that combines multiple endorsements with practical application in diverse childcare settings with endorsements in Special Education, Billingual, and Early Childhood Education.
Address early developmental challenges in infants and toddlers aged birth to 5 in this mental health-informed program.
Master of Science in Early Childhood Education – Early Intervention
Serve children and help them overcome obstacles by earning your MSW degree. Our online social work programs emphasize trauma-informed care and family-centered practice.
In this advanced certificate program, you will learn to support parent-child relationships through promotion, prevention, intervention, or consultation services in various child care and clinical settings.
Learn skills and techniques for children who have experienced trauma and/or stress in Pre-K through eighth grade.
A Supportive Environment for Early Childhood Leaders
Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of applicants who complete the FAFSA are eligible for scholarships.
Learn more about financial aid opportunities at Erikson Institute.
Expert Faculty. Exceptional Oppurtunites.
Network with leaders and experts in your field.
At Erikson Institute, you’ll work alongside leaders in the field of child and adolescent development. Find out how experts in the field research and advocate on behalf of children throughout Chicago and around the world.
Our Students…
Your Future Starts Here
Learn about admission requirements for our online graduate programs, find out what you need to submit your application, and discover the wealth of resources and support available to current and prospective students.
Start gathering the documentation you need for your application to our early childhood graduate and certificate programs.
Learn more about how Erikson supports students and prepares you for your career in child care leadership.
Discover how to bring your story to Erikson and review our international requirements.
Where Community & Leadership Thrive
What makes an Erikson Institute student?
At Erikson, you get more than a degree or credential. You’ll grow as an educator, strengthen your expertise in child development, and make a lasting impact in your community, with a network of likeminded child-focused experts, resources, and opportunities to advance your career and advocate for children everywhere across child care, education, and social work settings.
Attend an Online Program Information Session
Meet an alum or current student, and ask your biggest questions at our next Erikson event.
Online Child Development Graduate Studies
Find Your Path at Erikson Institute
Take charge of your career and transform your practice with an online early childhood graduate degree from Erikson.