Find Out What You Need to Apply
Erikson Institute Admissions Requirements
Review these requirements prior to submitting your application.
You Belong At Erikson
With your Erikson Institute experience, you’ll be better prepared to support children and families in reaching their fullest potential. Join us in our mission and take the first step today.
Have a question about your application or the process?
No GRE Required
You are more than a number. We take a holistic view of every student’s story, helping more future early childhood leaders access the higher education they deserve.
Intellectual Curiosity
Erikson Institute promotes collaborative and creative thinking to create lasting change that empowers professionals and positively impacts children.
Commitment to Children and Families
Our graduate students are motivated to serve the children and families in their communities so they can achieve optimal educational, social, emotional, and physical well-being.
Graduate Application Requirements
Apply on a Rolling Basis or Before a Priority Application Deadline
We accept applications on a rolling basis. Applications are evaluated as they are completed for all open term starts. In some instances, a degree program may have a specific deadline not tied to an intended term start date.
Want to earn primary consideration for scholarship awards? Apply before our Priority Deadlines. Click on your program of interest below to find specific deadlines:
MS Early Childhood Education (Licensure) with Triple Endorsements
Graduate applicants interested in the fully-funded Educator Impact Grants are encouraged to complete their application by the priority deadline for highest consideration. Grants are limited and competitive, and an interview is required.
| Term Start | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline | 3 Embedded Endorsements | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | June 15, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | Early Childhood Education, ESL/Bilingual Education, Early Childhood Special Education/LBS1 | Online |
| Spring 2026 | October 15, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | Early Childhood Education, ESL/Bilingual Education, Early Childhood Special Education/LBS1 | Hybrid |
| Term Start | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline | Concentration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | July 15, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | Children, Adolescents and Adults Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Advanced Standing | Hybrid, Online Hybrid, Online Hybrid, Online |
| Spring 2026 | November 15, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | Children, Adolescents and Adults Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Advanced Standing | Hybrid, Online Hybrid, Online Hybrid, Online |
Admission for the PhD in Child Development is currently on hold. Please visit PhD in Child Development for more information.
Erikson Admissions Requirements
Master’s Degree, Licensure and Graduate Admissions Requirements
Have a question about any step of the process?
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.75/4.0 in the last 60 credit hours of the degree by the date of enrollment OR a 3.0/4.0 from an earned master’s degree at the time of application
Resume
Include the latest copy of your resume with your application, highlighting your most relevant experiences.
Master’s and certificate applications require two essays: one program-specific, and one leadership-driven.
Letters of Recommendation
Two professional/academic letters of recommendation for Master’s Degrees; One professional/academic letter of recommendation for Certificate Programs.
Transcripts
Copy of official or unofficial transcripts from the bachelor’s degree (earned or in-progress at the time of application) and for any courses taken beyond the bachelor’s degree, including any earned master’s degree or higher.
NOTE: Official transcripts will be required by the end of the first semester at Erikson.
TOEFL
Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if applicable, taken within two years at the time of your admission.
We Welcome International Students
Learn more about the additional requirements for international students and available scholarships.
More than 90% of Erikson Students Receive Financial Aid
As a premier graduate school for early childhood development, Erikson participates in several federal and state financial aid programs and awards over $2.5 million in scholarships each year.
Join Us at an Upcoming Admissions Event
Meet an alum or current student, and ask your biggest questions at our next Erikson event.
Further Your Education
Create a Better Future For Children While Building Yours
Embark on your early childhood graduate program path at Erikson Institute and start changing lives.