University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme is built on a foundation of core marketing principles and business fundamentals, then adds international business and fashion‑sector electives to create a vocationally focused pathway. Core marketing topics include consumer behaviour, marketing strategy, brand management, digital marketing and market research, taught alongside accounting, economics and business law. International elements cover global marketing strategy, cross‑cultural management, global supply chains and international trade.

• Core modules: Principles of Marketing; Consumer Behaviour; Marketing Research; Marketing Strategy; Digital and Social Media Marketing; Marketing Analytics.
• International business modules: International Marketing; Global Supply Chain and Logistics; Cross‑cultural Management; International Trade and Market Entry.
• Fashion‑focused modules and electives: Fashion Retailing and Merchandising; Brand and Product Management for Apparel; Visual Merchandising and Store Design; E‑commerce for Fashion; Sustainability and Ethics in Fashion.
• Capstone and practical learning: Industry projects, a marketing capstone course, and a sustained internship or practicum with a retailer, brand or agency. Opportunities for study abroad and exchange are encouraged to develop international experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions consider the overall academic record, preparation in mathematics and English, and evidence of interest in business or fashion (such as relevant extracurricular activity, work experience or a short portfolio for applicants with fashion design/visual merchandising background). International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English.

Transfer students with college credit are welcome; transferability and placement depend on course equivalence and departmental approval. Applicants may be advised to meet with an academic advisor to plan a sequence that balances marketing core courses, business prerequisites and fashion electives.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across the fashion and apparel value chain as well as broader international marketing functions. Typical entry and mid‑level job titles include fashion buyer, brand manager, retail merchandiser, e‑commerce specialist, visual merchandiser, marketing analyst, product manager, sourcing coordinator and international sales representative.

Alumni work for fashion houses, speciality and department stores, online retailers, marketing and branding agencies, sourcing and logistics firms, and in-house marketing teams at consumer goods companies. Many graduates also pursue further study in business, marketing or specialised fashion management programmes, or launch their own retail or direct‑to‑consumer ventures.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota’s business programmes combine practical, career‑oriented teaching with opportunities for hands‑on learning. The business school is an accredited programme emphasising experiential learning, internships and faculty research in marketing and international business. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalised advising, and access to campus career services that help secure internships and employer connections.

The university supports study abroad and exchange pathways that are particularly valuable for an international fashion focus, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across departments to develop skills in merchandising, visual communication and sustainability. Graduates leave with a balance of analytical marketing skills and sector‑specific knowledge suited to the global fashion industry.