Marymount Manhattan College

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree blends core marketing theory with specialised courses in sales, merchandising and marketing operations. You will study consumer behaviour, retail buying and merchandising, visual merchandising, digital commerce, sales strategy, pricing and promotion, inventory management, supply chain fundamentals, analytics for marketing, and marketing technology platforms.

• Core marketing and business modules — principles of marketing, marketing research, brand management, market analytics and professional communication.
• Specialist sales and merchandising modules — retail buying, assortment planning, visual merchandising, sales management, negotiation and account management.
• Operations and technology — marketing operations, CRM systems, e‑commerce operations, inventory control, merchandising software and data visualisation for retail.
• Experiential learning — internships with NYC retailers and agencies, practicum projects with industry partners, and a capstone project that synthesises sales, merchandising and operational planning.
• Electives and liberal arts — electives across business, fashion studies, communication or digital media, plus liberal arts courses to develop critical thinking and writing.

The programme emphasises applied skills: students frequently work on live briefs from retailers, use industry tools and datasets, and complete a supervised internship to build professional experience. Small seminar classes and faculty mentoring are used to support practical learning and career preparation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Typical admissions requirements include a competitive high school transcript, a personal statement outlining interest in sales, merchandising and marketing operations, and at least one academic reference. Marymount Manhattan College considers the strength of coursework in relevant subjects, extracurricular experience and evidence of motivation.

• Academic record — satisfactory completion of secondary education with strong grades in relevant subjects where applicable.
• Supplementary materials — personal statement and recommendation(s); a portfolio is not usually required unless seeking entry with significant prior professional experience in retail or design.
• English language — for applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required in line with college policy (for example accepted scores on recognised English tests).
• Interview — some applicants may be invited to an interview, either in person or virtually, to discuss their interest and suitability for the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across retail, e‑commerce, brand and marketing operations. Typical entry and mid‑level positions include retail merchandiser, assistant buyer, account executive or sales representative, e‑commerce coordinator, marketing operations analyst, and visual merchandiser. With experience, alumni move into buyer, category manager, sales manager, e‑commerce manager, or operations leadership roles.

Because the programme combines practical skills, technology literacy and industry placements, graduates are attractive to retailers, wholesale distributors, online marketplaces, brand owners, marketing agencies and consultancy firms. The career services and internship networks at Marymount Manhattan help students secure city‑based placements that support professional development.

Why study at Marymount Manhattan College

Marymount Manhattan College offers a small‑college environment in the heart of New York City, giving students direct access to the retail, fashion and marketing industries. Class sizes tend to be small, allowing close faculty mentorship and collaborative project work. Faculty often bring professional experience and industry connections to classroom learning.

• Location advantage — proximity to leading retailers, designers, agencies and start‑ups in Manhattan supports internships and employer engagement.
• Hands‑on learning — curriculum designed around applied projects, internships and a capstone experience to build a professional portfolio.
• Career support — dedicated career services, internship placement assistance and alumni networks help students transition into relevant roles.
• Liberal arts foundation — a broad academic programme that develops communication, critical thinking and ethical reasoning alongside technical and commercial skills.

Overall, the degree is suited to students who want focused, practical preparation for careers at the intersection of sales, merchandising and marketing operations, with the advantage of studying and interning in one of the world’s major retail and marketing hubs.