Ohio University

What you'll study

The programme builds from foundational marketing and business courses into fashion‑focused and international electives. Core study typically includes consumer behaviour, marketing research, brand management, digital marketing, pricing and retail strategy. Fashion‑specific modules focus on merchandising, product development and lifecycle, trend forecasting, fashion buying, visual merchandising and ethical/sustainable sourcing.

International and contextual subjects cover global supply chains, international trade and logistics, cross‑cultural marketing and global brand strategy. Practical learning is emphasised through modules on e‑commerce for fashion, social media strategy, analytics for retail, and a capstone project or internship where students apply marketing plans to real fashion brands or retailers.

• Principles of Marketing and Marketing Strategy
• Consumer Behaviour and Market Segmentation
• Fashion Merchandising and Product Development
• International Business and Global Supply Chains
• Digital and Social Media Marketing for Fashion
• Retail Buying, Pricing and Inventory Management
• Sustainability and Ethics in Fashion
• Marketing Research and Data Analytics
• Capstone project, industry placement or practicum

Structure and assessment

Students follow a mixture of lectures, seminars and studio or lab sessions. Assessment methods include individual and group projects, portfolio work, written examinations, presentations and employer‑assessed internships. Many students complement their studies with elective modules in apparel design, textiles, entrepreneurship or international studies to broaden practical and cultural knowledge.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to the US high school diploma with a strong academic record. Typical entry standards include good grades across a broad curriculum, and some familiarity with business, art or design subjects is advantageous but not mandatory. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests if their prior education was not in English.

Additional application strengths include a personal statement explaining interest in fashion and international marketing, evidence of creative or commercial experience (such as retail work, internships, or relevant extracurricular projects) and references that speak to academic potential and motivation. Some programmes may interview shortlisted candidates or ask for a portfolio of work if applying to a pathway with a stronger design or visual focus.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across fashion houses, retail groups, e‑commerce platforms, brands and agencies. Typical career paths include:

• Fashion buyer or merchandise planner
• Brand manager and product marketing specialist
• Retail manager and store operations lead
• Digital marketing and social media manager for fashion brands
• E‑commerce manager and online merchandising specialist
• Sourcing coordinator and supply chain analyst
• Retail analytics and customer insights analyst
• Public relations, showroom and wholesale account manager

With experience, graduates may move into senior commercial roles such as head of buying, international brand director, category director or start their own fashion label or retail venture. Practical experience gained through internships and industry projects is often decisive in securing entry‑level roles.

Why study at Ohio University

Ohio University offers a business education that combines theoretical grounding with applied, career‑focused learning and strong links to industry. Students benefit from small‑group teaching, access to faculty with marketing and international business expertise, and support services that help secure internships and employer projects. Cross‑college collaboration enables students to combine marketing study with electives in design, textiles or international studies, enriching understanding of the creative and cultural dimensions of fashion.

The university’s location and alumni networks provide regional and national internship opportunities across retail, consumer brands and creative agencies, and students are encouraged to take advantage of study abroad and exchange programmes to develop international awareness—an important asset for a career in global fashion marketing.