Joohyung Park, Ph.D.
Master of Retail Innovation Program Director
Associate Professor
Department of Retailing
The University of South Carolina’s Department of Retailing has expanded, offering a new program beginning this semester. The Master of Retail Innovation degree is designed to prepare graduate students to advance their careers as leaders of the industry.
The new master’s degree can be completed in just one year (two years for a thesis track), and offers a flexible format with both in person and online options.
Developed by the Department of Retailing faculty with input from industry leaders, the new program focuses on strategic leadership, emerging retail technologies and data analytics. It includes a solid foundation in business management and in-depth analysis of the forces driving the industry.
“The program offers a rigorous curriculum that cultivates future retail leaders who can integrate strategic thinking, cutting-edge retail technology, and data-driven consumer insights to drive innovation in the retail and service-oriented industries,” says Master of Retail Innovation Program Director Joohyung Park, an associate professor in the Department of Retailing.
Students may choose from a professional track, a professional track with a directed work study experience, or a thesis track. Courses include leadership, social media and data analytics, retail logistics, research and statistical methods, category management, finance, and retail law related to entrepreneurship and e-commerce.
Combining our faculty expertise in technology with innovative coursework will strengthen student learning outcomes and better prepare them for the jobs ahead which require analytical thought and creative solutions.
Lauren Cole earned her bachelor’s degree from South Carolina in May, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Retailing with a concentration in Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations. She chose to continue her education as one of the first Master of Retail Innovation students.
“Although the program has just started, I am already really excited about some of the research opportunities I may be involved in. There’s an amazing group of professors helping facilitate the program, and they’ve already impacted me a great deal,” Cole says. “I think this program is a great way to learn about how new technology is impacting retail and gain a deeper understanding of innovation within the retail industry.”
Students in the U.S. may apply now through Nov. 15 to begin the Master of Retail Innovation program in the spring 2025 semester. The application deadline for those wishing to start in fall 2025 is July 1. Deadlines are one month earlier for international students. A GRE/GMAT waiver is available for qualified applicants.
Students enrolling for the fall semester can choose the professional, professional with directed study, or thesis tracks. Spring semester enrollees can only choose the professional track.
“We are excited to offer this unique program, in collaboration with our industry partners who value the importance of retailing education in a highly technological world,” says Department of Retailing Chair Jeff Campbell. “Combining our faculty expertise in technology with innovative coursework will strengthen student learning outcomes and better prepare them for the jobs ahead which require analytical thought and creative solutions.”
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