University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme is built on a foundation of core marketing and business courses supplemented by fashion- and international-focused electives. You study principles of marketing, consumer behaviour, marketing research, digital marketing and brand management alongside subjects that apply these skills to apparel, retail and global trade.

• Core marketing and business: Principles of Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Research, Business Law, Financial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Strategic Management.
• Marketing specialisms: International Marketing, Brand Management, Retail Management, Digital and Social Media Marketing, E‑commerce, Pricing Strategy.
• Fashion- and apparel-focused electives: Fashion Merchandising and Buying, Textile Fundamentals, Visual Merchandising, Product Development and Sourcing, Sustainability in Fashion, Apparel Production and Quality.
• Cross-disciplinary and regional studies: Pacific and Asian markets, intercultural communication, global supply‑chain logistics and import/export practices relevant to apparel trade.
• Practical experience: Project-based courses, a marketing capstone or senior project, and recommended internships with retailers, brands or wholesalers in Hawaiʻi and the wider Asia‑Pacific region.

Programme structure typically spans four years with the first two years covering general education and business fundamentals and the latter years emphasising marketing electives, fashion subjects and a capstone project. Students are encouraged to tailor electives toward retail, sourcing, digital merchandising or sustainable fashion depending on career goals.

Entry requirements

Entry is through the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduate admissions processes. Typical entry requirements include a completed secondary school qualification equivalent to high school graduation, evidence of proficiency in English and a record of strong academic achievement. Applicants are normally expected to have completed preparatory work in English and mathematics.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating competitiveness in secondary school subjects.
• Proof of English language proficiency for non-native speakers (standardised test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS are commonly accepted).
• Prerequisite familiarity with quantitative reasoning or introductory business/mathematics is recommended.
• Relevant work experience, creative portfolios, or extracurricular involvement in fashion, retail or marketing can strengthen an application but are not usually mandatory.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may receive credit for prior business or fashion coursework; consult the admissions office for articulation details.

Career prospects

Graduates combine marketing competence with apparel industry knowledge and are prepared for roles across fashion, retail and related consumer industries. Common entry and mid‑career roles include:

• Merchandise planner or retail buyer
• Brand or product manager for apparel and lifestyle labels
• E‑commerce and digital marketing specialist
• Visual merchandiser or store operations manager
• Sourcing and supply‑chain coordinator for apparel imports/exports
• Fashion PR, retail marketing or wholesale account management
• Entrepreneurship and independent fashion business ownership

Graduates also move into roles that draw on quantitative skills such as marketing analytics, consumer insights and category management, and many pursue graduate study in business, international marketing or design management.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a distinctive location and network for international fashion marketing study: the campus sits at a Pacific crossroads with strong trade, tourism and cultural links across Asia and the Americas. Students benefit from access to the university’s business faculty and local industry contacts, internships in retail and tourism sectors, and opportunities for study abroad focused on Asia‑Pacific markets.

• Regional advantage: Proximity to major Pacific and Asian markets makes the programme particularly relevant for careers in international sourcing, retailing and brand expansion in the region.
• Interdisciplinary options: Ability to combine business courses with apparel, textiles and consumer sciences offerings for a bespoke skill set.
• Practical learning: Emphasis on applied projects, industry partnerships and internship opportunities with retailers, fashion brands and wholesalers operating in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
• Multicultural environment: A diverse student body and faculty with expertise in global markets and sustainability gives practical insight into cross‑cultural consumer behaviour.

Prospective students should contact the admissions office and the marketing or related departments to plan a pathway that best matches their professional ambitions in international fashion marketing.