Master of Professional Studies in Retail Design

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.

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 synchronously online.

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.

MPS in Retail Design FAQs:

What is a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree?

CCAD’s MPS programs are 30-credit, professionally focused, non-terminal master’s degrees. These accredited graduate degrees offer students the opportunity to efficiently up skill, whether independent of a CCAD undergraduate degree or as an extension to our BFA programs

How long does it take to earn this degree?

The MPS in UX is a 30-credit-hour program that can be completed in two years.

What skills will I walk away with?

CCAD prides itself on multidisciplinary education. Courses will cover visual design, analytics and trends in retail, presentation and storytelling, social theories and much more. Graduates will leave with a marketable understanding of retail design theory, research, and technical knowledge.

Are classes online or in person?

Classes are held online synchronously (at a specific day and time) during the week, with three to four in-person weekend workshops. Program structure is a mix of lectures, reading, design critiques, discussion, and hands-on activity.

What type of career can I get with an MPS in Retail Design?

Retail design is increasingly relevant in not just the clothing industry but nearly every industry. Our channel-agnostic approach to retail is one that only an art and design school can offer and helps to balance business acumen with innovation, inclusivity, and creativity to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Best of all, you’ll build your professional network and make meaningful mentorship connections in this growing field. Students graduating from our program will be poised to take on roles such as Omnichannel specialists, Environmental branders, Retail/interior designers, Entrepreneurs, Digital marketers, Brand consultants, Merchandisers, and more!

Can I attend CCAD’s MPS program while maintaining my full-time job?

Yes! In fact, it’s a perfect opportunity for working professionals to add timely and relevant expertise to their skillset. Classes are mostly online and offered in the evenings and weekends, and the curriculum provides your choice of a full- or part-time experience. Most working professionals who maintain their full-time careers will participate as part-time students, but it is not a requirement

What is the cost of tuition?

Tuition and Fees

Is the GRE or GMAT standardized test required?

These tests are not required for enrollment. View the application form for other requirements.

Home to retail

Columbus knows retail. As home to some of the country’s top retailers— 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

Learn more about key issues facing the retail sector from experts who shaped this program by watching our webinar series "CCAD Knows Retail."

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 [email protected] for more information.

Hear more from our experts

Meet the Advisory Board

Master of Professional Studies in Retail Design

CCAD’s MPS in Retail Design was created to give you the knowledge and tools you need to advance your career. Key to that is our MPS in Retail Advisory Board, whose members are here to help you make valuable connections as you build and expand your professional network.

Our MPS in Retail Design Advisory Board includes leading minds in the industry, representing such organizations as Bath & Body Works, Big Red Rooster, Chute Gerdeman, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, L Brands, Landor & Fitch, Procter & Gamble, Target, and TENFOLD. Their expertise and insight were key in developing the program curriculum, and members continue to play a valuable role by serving as faculty, as members of students’ individual advisory committees, and as key components of students’ professional networks.

In other words: Our board members are here to ensure that our curriculum meets industry demands and to provide a helping hand for students ready to take their careers to the next level.