Seattle University

What you'll study

The degree builds on core business and marketing foundations and then allows students to focus on the fashion sector and international markets. Core topics typically include principles of marketing, consumer behaviour, marketing research, brand management, digital marketing and marketing analytics. Fashion-focused and international modules commonly available as electives or special topics include fashion merchandising and retail management, sourcing and supply-chain practices for apparel, trend forecasting and product development, visual merchandising, e-commerce for fashion, sustainable and ethical fashion, global fashion marketing and international trade issues.

Programme structure usually mixes business core courses (accounting, finance, statistics, organisational behaviour), major requirements (marketing strategy, advertising, digital marketing, research methods), fashion-focused electives, and experiential learning. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship with a retailer, brand, wholesaler or fashion-tech company, and to participate in project-based courses or a marketing capstone that applies strategy to a real client brief. Opportunities to take language study, a minor (for example in international business or design) or a study-abroad term are often used to deepen international awareness.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements reflect standard undergraduate admissions: a recognised secondary-school completion with strong grades and evidence of readiness for business study. Applicants whose first language is not English normally need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or prior study in English. International applicants should provide full academic transcripts and any documentation required by the university admissions office.

For a fashion-focused pathway, relevant experience or interests — such as retail work, fashion internships, coursework in textiles or visual design, or a short portfolio of related work — can strengthen an application but are not usually strict requirements. Selection also considers extracurricular involvement, personal statement and references. Prospective students should consult the university’s admissions guidance for any specific prerequisites or recommendations.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across fashion, retail and international marketing. Typical career pathways include brand or product management, fashion buying and merchandising, retail management, digital and social-media marketing, e-commerce management, marketing analytics, sourcing and supply-chain coordination for apparel, visual merchandising and store planning, and roles in fashion PR and communications. The combination of international marketing knowledge and fashion-sector specialism also supports careers with global brands, import/export and distribution firms, wholesale houses, fashion start-ups and fashion-technology companies. Graduates frequently pursue internships that lead to entry-level positions and may later move into strategy, category leadership or entrepreneurship within the fashion ecosystem.

Why study at Seattle University

Seattle University’s location provides proximity to major retail and technology companies and an active regional fashion scene, offering strong internship and employer-connection opportunities. The Albers School of Business and Economics (the university’s business faculty) emphasises experiential learning, ethics and a global perspective—attributes useful for navigating international fashion markets. Small class sizes encourage close faculty mentorship and team-based projects that simulate industry practice.

Students can take advantage of cross-disciplinary resources at the university, local partnerships with retailers and brands, and Seattle’s broader creative and tech communities to develop both practical skills and professional networks. Study-abroad options, language study and internships support the international dimension that is central to a career in international fashion marketing.