Widener University

What you'll study

This degree blends foundational marketing courses with specialised modules tailored to the fashion sector and international trade. You will study core business and marketing subjects such as consumer behaviour, marketing research, brand management, digital marketing, and marketing strategy alongside fashion-specific topics including global fashion supply chains, apparel merchandising, trend forecasting, retail buying, and fashion communications.

• Core marketing modules: Principles of marketing, marketing research, consumer behaviour, brand and product management, digital and social media marketing, pricing and distribution strategy.
• Fashion and international modules: International fashion marketing, apparel merchandising, global sourcing and production, retail management for fashion, trend analysis and forecasting, cross-cultural fashion communications.
• Practical and experiential learning: Internship or cooperative placements with fashion retailers, brands or agencies; merchandising labs; digital portfolio development; case studies and live client projects.
• Capstone and electives: A final-year capstone project or consultancy practicum focused on a real-world fashion marketing problem, with elective options such as sustainable fashion, luxury brand management, or e-commerce for fashion.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical academic expectations include satisfactory grades in previous studies and a background that demonstrates aptitude for business or creative disciplines. Widener considers the whole application, so evidence of relevant experience — such as retail work, internships, extracurricular involvement in fashion or business clubs, or a digital portfolio — can strengthen an application.

For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required; accepted tests and minimum scores follow Widener University's standard admissions policy. Mature applicants and transfer students are considered on an individual basis, with transfer credit evaluated against the programme curriculum.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the global fashion and retail industries. The combination of marketing skills and fashion knowledge prepares students for positions in brand management, retail buying and merchandising, product development, e-commerce and digital marketing, visual merchandising, fashion public relations, trend forecasting and sourcing. Others pursue work with fashion wholesalers, luxury brands, fast-fashion retailers, ecommerce platforms or marketing agencies, or choose to continue to postgraduate study or professional qualifications.

The programme’s emphasis on internships and industry projects is designed to help students build a professional network and a practical portfolio that employers value in the competitive fashion market.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and direct access to faculty who combine academic expertise with industry experience. The university’s location provides proximity to major East Coast fashion and retail hubs, enabling internship and networking opportunities in nearby cities.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning—through internships, capstones and client-based projects—so students graduate with practical skills and a professional portfolio. Career services and alumni networks support students in securing placements and transitioning into industry roles. Additionally, opportunities for study abroad, elective specialisms and interdisciplinary collaboration across business, communications and design departments allow students to tailor their education to specific international fashion careers.