Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals
Preparing school leaders
The EPPSP Program is designed to incorporate all aspects of the principalship training model into a six-semester experience, allowing you to work in a cohort group environment.
Where Leadership Meets Practice
The Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) is a nationally recognized master’s degree program that prepares future school leaders to navigate the complex challenges facing today’s schools. Designed around hands-on, experiential learning, the program enables students to apply theory in real-world settings by demonstrating proficiency in course content and leadership skills directly within their schools. EPPSP is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
EPPSP students complete a two-year, 36-hour intensive master of science degree program. Students must stay active in the program each consecutive semester and summer until completion. Students can earn 6 credit hours in each of the classes. Classes meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening during 7:00–9:30 PM.
- An experiential design that integrates every aspect of principal training into a comprehensive, six-semester sequence
- A powerful cohort experience, providing a professional support network that extends beyond graduation
- Two-year, 36-credit-hour Master of Science in Education degree
- Six consecutive semesters, including summers
- Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00–9:30 PM
Spring Semester 1: ED 557 School Principalship – Phase 1
Phase I of the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) places emphasis on a vision of learning, collaboration with families and community, school and community relations, and leadership. Participants explore leadership styles through the use of several inventories and self-assessment instruments.
Summer Semester 1: ED 562 School Principalship – Transition 1
Transition I of the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) places emphasis on internship and proficiency development, research, school reform, current issues in education, understanding, responding to and influencing the political, social, cultural, economic, and legal context.
Fall Semester 1: ED 558 School Principalship – Phase 2
Phase II of the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) places emphasis on the school culture and instructional program. This course is focused on curriculum, instructional practices, success for all students, school improvement, professional development, and teacher evaluation.
Spring Semester 2: ED 559 School Principalship – Phase 3
Phase III of the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) places an emphasis on school law, negotiations and collective bargaining, due process, rules and regulations, ethics, student diversity, cultural competency, and meeting the needs of special populations
Summer Semester 2: ED 563 School Principalship – Transition 2
Transition II of the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) places an emphasis on research, internship and proficiency development, and experiential activities designed to prepare future school principals in authentic learning.
Fall Semester 1: ED 561 School Principalship – Phase 4
Phase IV of the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) places emphasis on organizational management. Focus is given to policy and administrative guidelines, school safety, facilities, budget, data management technologies, models of organizational change, effective change strategies, team development, and conflict management.
Butler University Graduate tuition schedule
Hours required for degree: 36 hours
Cost per credit hour: $580
Total tuition: $20,880
This program may be eligible for scholarships or federal direct loans. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn more. You may contact them at finaid@butler.edu or 317-940-8200.
With the assistance of a Lilly Endowment grant, Dr. Joe Nygaard introduced EPPSP in 1982 as a new and radically different program for preparing school administrators. In 1998, the program became a Master of Science in Education degree. EPPSP is a leading principal preparation program with graduates throughout Indiana and the United States.
South Campus
4250 Haughey Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46208