Indiana University

What you'll study

The programme builds from a core marketing curriculum to specialised modules aimed at the fashion industry and international markets. Core topics typically include principles of marketing, consumer behaviour, marketing research, brand management, digital marketing and marketing analytics. Fashion-focused and international options commonly cover fashion merchandising and retailing, international marketing strategy, visual merchandising, product development and sourcing, fashion buying, trend forecasting, and e‑commerce for fashion.

Students combine classroom learning with practical project work: case studies with fashion brands, negotiation and licensing exercises, retail site visits, and capstone projects. Many students take electives or minors in areas such as supply chain management, entrepreneurship, international business, visual communication or textile studies to deepen industry-relevant skills. Study abroad and exchange options are often used to gain exposure to key fashion markets and supply chains abroad.

Entry requirements

Typical entry is to Indiana University’s undergraduate business school, which expects a strong secondary-school record and a background in mathematics and written communication. Admissions look for well-rounded applicants with evidence of academic achievement and extracurricular engagement. International applicants must hold an equivalent secondary-school qualification and demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or university-approved alternatives.

Successful applicants often have experience that demonstrates interest in fashion, retail or business—this might include retail work, internships, creative projects or relevant coursework—but a portfolio is not usually required. Transfer students are assessed on college-level coursework completed; prerequisites in introductory business or economics can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across the fashion and retail value chain, applying marketing expertise to consumer goods and apparel brands. Common entry and early-career roles include marketing coordinator, brand assistant, buyer or assistant buyer, retail manager, merchandising analyst, e‑commerce specialist, and social media or content manager focused on fashion audiences.

With experience, alumni progress to brand manager, category director, head of e‑commerce, sourcing and supply chain roles, or leadership positions in retail operations and international sales. The degree also prepares students for agency careers in fashion PR, creative strategy or digital advertising, and for entrepreneurial ventures launching direct‑to‑consumer fashion labels or lifestyle brands.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University’s undergraduate business education is delivered through a business school with strong marketing faculty and established industry links. Students benefit from experiential learning opportunities, industry-focused centres (including programmes that connect students with brand and product management practices), student marketing organisations and dedicated career services that place interns with fashion retailers, brands and agencies.

The campus environment and extensive alumni network provide local and global internship pipelines, and a range of study abroad programmes supports international market experience—useful for anyone targeting careers in global fashion hubs. The combination of a rigorous marketing foundation and access to fashion‑industry partnerships makes Indiana University a practical choice for students seeking to bridge business skills and creative fashion markets.