John Hopkins University

What you'll study

This specialised master's blends core marketing principles with fashion-sector modules and practical industry experience. The curriculum typically combines required core courses in marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, brand management and marketing analytics with fashion-focused subjects such as international fashion marketing, luxury brand management, retail and merchandising strategy, digital and social commerce for fashion, and sustainable practices in fashion supply chains.

Students follow a modular structure that includes:

• Core marketing foundations: marketing strategy, consumer insight, pricing and channels.
• Fashion-specific electives: trend forecasting, luxury and lifestyle brand management, visual merchandising, fashion retail operations and sourcing.
• Technical skills: digital marketing, e-commerce, data analytics and CRM applied to fashion businesses.
• Practical learning: industry practicum or internship with fashion brands, a live consultancy project with a retail client, and a capstone project or thesis addressing an international fashion-marketing challenge.
• Cross-disciplinary options: elective courses from related departments such as entrepreneurship, communications, or sustainability to tailor the degree to individual career goals.

Typical programme structure

The programme is delivered full-time over the equivalent of one to two academic years with a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies and applied projects. Many students undertake at least one placement or practicum with an industry partner and produce a final capstone that demonstrates strategic and analytical competence in an international fashion context.

Entry requirements

Admissions look for evidence of academic ability, motivation for a career in fashion marketing and potential for graduate-level study. Typical requirements include:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (usually a 2:1 honours or equivalent). Degrees in business, marketing, communications, design, economics or related fields are commonly accepted.
• Relevant professional experience is valued, particularly roles in retail, brand, buying, merchandising, digital marketing or fashion operations; some applicants are accepted directly from undergraduate study.
• Quantitative readiness demonstrated through prior coursework or professional experience; applicants may be asked to show competency in basic statistics or analytics.
• International applicants normally must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test unless exempt.
• A personal statement outlining career goals in international fashion marketing, and one or two academic or professional references. A portfolio or examples of previous marketing or creative work can strengthen an application but is not always mandatory.
• Standardised tests such as the GMAT or GRE may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; check the school for current testing policy.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across the fashion and luxury value chain where marketing, brand and commercial skills are in demand. Typical job titles include brand manager, product or category manager, buyer, merchandising manager, retail operations manager, digital and social media manager, e-commerce manager, and marketing analyst. Alumni also move into specialist areas such as luxury communications, public relations, trend forecasting, sustainability roles within fashion supply chains, and consultancy positions supporting fashion retailers or brands.

The programme’s practical projects and industry placements are designed to build employer connections and a portfolio of work that supports entry into international fashion hubs, global retail groups, boutique luxury houses and start-up fashion ventures.

Why study at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers a multidisciplinary environment that pairs rigorous marketing training with strengths in analytics, entrepreneurship and public engagement. Students benefit from the Carey Business School’s focus on data-informed strategy alongside access to university-wide resources in communications, design and sustainability. The institution’s practitioner-led seminars, career services and alumni network provide routes into internships and employer partnerships in the region and internationally.

Studying here gives students a research-led foundation, opportunities for applied industry projects and the capacity to tailor learning across departments to reflect the international, digital and sustainability challenges that define contemporary fashion marketing.