Master of Professional Studies in Retail Design | Columbus College of Art & Design

Priority deadline is Oct. 15.
Applications accepted through Nov. 15.

Retail is changing. Get ready to move into the future and define your path with Columbus College of Art & Design’s Master of Professional Studies in Retail Design. With CCAD's MPS program, you’ll experience a cutting-edge approach to learning with a rich mix of theory and practice in a curriculum developed and taught by retail experts. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how customers engage with brands and make purchase decisions—from e-commerce to brick and mortar, and everything in between.

This program intentionally aligns with the retail calendar. We are taking applications now for a January 2023 start date.

MPS FAQs

Can I enroll in the MPS program while maintaining my day job?

Yes. Classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends. Students may opt to pursue an MPS full- or part-time.

Is this a low residency program?

Low residency refers to a program that meets in compressed bursts in person, with longer stretches of individually mentored work. CCAD does not offer a low residency MPS. However, students may elect to enroll in the program synchronously online and remain in their current location while taking classes.

Can I start as a full-time MPS student and move to part-time? Can I start as a part-time MPS student and move to full-time?

Students may begin the program as full-time students and opt, by deadlines set internally, to scale back to part-time. Students cannot begin part-time and move to full-time.

What is the tuition?

Find details on tuition and fees here.

Are scholarships available?

A limited number of scholarships are available. See details here.

Who teaches the classes?

Because it is critical to the program that instructors are also practicing professionals in the field, instructors vary from term to term.

How many courses are there in a semester? What time are classes held?

Full-time students enroll in 12 credits (4 classes) in spring semester, 6 credits (two classes) in summer, and 12 (4 classes) in fall semester. Part-time students enroll in 6 credits (2 classes) in spring semester, 3 credits (1 class) in summer, and 6 credits (2 classes) in fall semester. Classes meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening, and on Saturday morning.

A program designed for…

Omnichannel specialists

Environmental branders

Retail/interior designers

Entrepreneurs

Digital marketers

Brand consultants

Merchandisers

And more...

Retail is detail

What sets our program apart? A channel-agnostic approach to retail that only an art and design school can offer, balancing business acumen with innovation, inclusivity, and creativity to meet the challenges of tomorrow. You'll gain a mastery of the retail landscape and industry connections that will put your career on the fast track.

A program that works for you

We get it. Your day job is demanding. Our MPS program is designed to fit your life with options to enroll full- or part-time and in-person or synchronously online.

The program begins in January 2022, aligned with Q 1 in the retail calendar. Classes are conveniently scheduled on evenings and weekends. You'll be able to earn your degree in 1 year full time or 2 years part time, including summers. No matter where you are, you'll get to meet and bond with your cohort during three in-person meetups in Columbus across the program.

Home to retail

Columbus knows retail. As home to some of the country’s top retailers—Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath & Body Works, Big Lots, and Hollister, to name just a few—you’ll have access to top talent, mentors, and loads of opportunities. Plus, you’ll work directly with one of those retail partners to define and conduct an immersive capstone project.

Get a taste of the program

Join us for our CCAD Knows Retail webinar series on key issues in retail led by experts who are shaping this program. Learn about our Fall 2021 webinars and register to attend.

Not ready to commit to a full degree program or looking to fill a specific skill gap? You can request to enroll in a select set of courses from the MPS. If, later on, you choose to apply to and are accepted to the program, these will count towards your graduation requirements. Email Jessi Walker, Director of Career Education, for more information.

First of its kind

At the International Retail Design Conference