Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The programme is built on a core business and marketing curriculum combined with specialised courses that address the fashion sector and international markets. You will study foundational subjects such as marketing principles, consumer behaviour, market research and digital marketing, alongside fashion-focused topics that explore merchandising, retail buying, visual merchandising and supply-chain considerations specific to apparel and accessories.

• Core marketing modules: Principles of Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Research, Brand Management, Digital and Social Media Marketing.
• International business and strategy: International Marketing, Cross-cultural Communication, Global Supply Chain Management, International Trade and Market Entry Strategies.
• Fashion-focused modules: Retail Merchandising and Buying, Visual Merchandising and Store Planning, Fashion Product Development, Textile and Materials Fundamentals, Trend Forecasting.
• Skills and methods: E‑commerce and omnichannel retail, pricing and promotion strategies, data analytics for marketing, negotiations and vendor management.
• Capstone and practical experience: A senior capstone or strategic marketing project plus an industry internship (domestic or international) are integral to the degree, giving real-world experience with retailers, brands or agencies.

Programme structure typically comprises general education requirements, a major core, emphasis electives in international fashion marketing, and opportunities for study abroad, short-term industry trips and applied projects with corporate partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate a strong academic record. Recommended preparatory subjects include mathematics (or quantitative reasoning) and English. Specific admissions considerations include overall GPA, coursework intensity and any relevant extracurricular experience.

The university accepts transfer students and awards credit for approved college-level coursework. Standard application materials include transcripts, a personal statement, and contact details for references; a portfolio is not normally required but can be helpful for fashion-related electives or to demonstrate prior creative work. International applicants should meet English-language proficiency requirements as set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across the global fashion and retail sectors as well as in broader marketing functions. Typical entry and mid-level roles include:

• Merchandiser or fashion buyer
• Brand or product manager
• Retail manager and store planning specialist
• E‑commerce and digital marketing specialist
• Visual merchandiser or window stylist
• International marketing coordinator or sourcing analyst
• Trend forecaster or product development assistant
• Entrepreneurship in fashion retail or direct-to-consumer brands

Graduates often pursue internships and placements in major fashion hubs and with online retailers, boutique brands, wholesale companies and marketing agencies. The mix of practical experience and international marketing knowledge supports careers that require managing cross-border product flows, building global brand strategies, or launching fashion ventures.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a personalised undergraduate environment with opportunities for experiential learning and close faculty mentorship. Students benefit from small-class instruction in business and marketing subjects, access to university career and internship services, and partnerships that help place students with retailers and brands for hands-on projects.

The university’s location supports a balanced campus life with connections to larger industry centres for internships and seasonal work. Study-abroad programmes and short-term international study options are available to strengthen global market understanding, and interdisciplinary collaboration with related departments allows students to tailor their profile toward areas such as sustainability, textiles, visual design and entrepreneurship.