The knowledge you’ll gain at Erikson is extraordinary, but what really sets our programs apart is how we prepare you to put this knowledge into practice.

Cohort structure
To give you the advantages of belonging to a small community of learners, all of our master’s programs use the cohort system. You will take most of your classes in either the morning or evening with the same group of students. Specific program requirements do lead to some variations, so it’s important to note that the cohort model does not guarantee that you will take every course with the same group of people or in the same time slot.

Program length
Master’s program students may also choose to enroll as a two- or a three-year student. Dual-degree students may complete their program in three or four years. You must complete all your degree requirements within five years of matriculation. You should consult with the admissions office and/or your faculty interviewer to determine which study option best meets your needs.

Internship
You’ll complete a year-long, closely supervised internship that complements your course work and sharpens your skills. You will spend a minimum of 15 hours a week working in a setting that complements your program and career goals; child care center, school, hospital, therapeutic program, parent-child center, government bureau, or social agency. Students in the early childhood education master’s program complete their internship in a classroom.

Tutorials
You’ll amplify the lessons of your internship experiences in concurrent one-on-one faculty tutorials and small group sessions known as integrative seminars. These sessions are the bridge between theory and practice. They are opportunities to move beyond technique, to discuss, question, reflect on, and fine-tune your practice. You’ll acquire the habit of self-reflection, a critical professional competency every student is asked to master. It’s the extra element that enriches your experience and makes you a more effective professional.

Comprehensive exams
In addition to successfully completing all course work, an internship, and a tutorial, you must pass a written comprehensive examination covering the major areas in child development and/or early childhood education.

Writing Program
Some students need a hand strengthening the writing skills necessary to succeed in our master’s degree programs. Erikson offers an important academic resource for those students: the Kathy and Grant Pick Writing Program. Erikson assesses the writing of all students master's students before enrollment and provides support if needed.