Tennessee Technological University

What you'll study

The degree builds a foundation in general business and marketing before focusing on international fashion applications. Typical first‑ and second‑year work covers general education plus core business modules such as Principles of Marketing, Accounting for Business, Business Statistics and Microeconomics. Major study then progresses to marketing essentials including Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Research, Advertising and Promotion, Digital Marketing and Brand Management.

Fashion‑focused and international modules commonly available as part of the emphasis include Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, Apparel Sourcing and Supply Chains, Visual Merchandising, Trend Forecasting, International Marketing and Global Trade Practices. Students complete practical coursework in areas such as e‑commerce for fashion, pricing and assortment planning, and sustainability in apparel.

The programme typically culminates in experiential components: a marketing capstone or senior project, an industry internship, and opportunities for study abroad or short‑term international field experiences that expose students to global sourcing, retail markets and fashion capitals.

Entry requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record. Admissions consider overall GPA, the strength of high‑school coursework and a personal statement describing interest in marketing and fashion.
• Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on institutional policy; candidates should check current admissions guidance.
• Recommended background: courses in mathematics (algebra), English and, where available, business or visual arts/fashion‑related classes. Portfolios are not generally required for the marketing major but may strengthen applications for fashion‑related electives or internships.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and will usually need to meet minimum credit requirements for junior standing in the major.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or institutional pathways; additional documentation for visa purposes will be required.

Career prospects

Graduates combine marketing expertise with fashion industry knowledge and are prepared for roles across retail, brand and global supply chains. Typical entry and mid‑level careers include:

• Fashion buyer or merchandise planner
• Brand or product manager for apparel and lifestyle brands
• E‑commerce manager or digital marketing specialist for fashion retailers
• Retail operations manager and visual merchandiser
• Apparel sourcing coordinator, supply‑chain analyst or import/export specialist
• Marketing analyst, social media specialist or public relations coordinator focused on fashion markets

Graduates also progress into postgraduate study in marketing, international business, fashion management or related fields, and many build careers that span merchandising, marketing analytics and international business development.

Why study at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University provides a business education with an emphasis on experiential learning, small class sizes and close access to faculty. Marketing students benefit from the College of Business's applied teaching approach, internship and co‑op opportunities, and links with regional retail and manufacturing hubs. Proximity to cities with active fashion and retail sectors offers practical placements and networking opportunities, while university career services and student organisations such as the American Marketing Association support professional development.

Students pursuing an international fashion marketing emphasis can take advantage of interdisciplinary elective options, faculty mentoring, industry guest lectures and study abroad programmes that develop cross‑cultural competence and global supply‑chain understanding — key skills for success in the international fashion marketplace.