Ferris State University

What you'll study

The curriculum blends foundational marketing and business courses with specialist modules that address the global fashion and apparel sector. You will study core marketing subjects such as marketing principles, consumer behaviour, marketing research, digital marketing, and international marketing alongside fashion-focused topics including fashion merchandising, retail buying, visual merchandising, trend analysis and global apparel supply chains.

• Core business and marketing: Principles of Marketing, Marketing Research, Consumer Behaviour, Brand Management, Digital and Social Media Marketing, International Marketing, Marketing Analytics.
• Fashion and retail specialisms: Fashion Merchandising, Retail Buying and Inventory Management, Visual Merchandising and Store Planning, Apparel Product Development, Trend Forecasting and Fashion Promotion.
• Supporting business skills: Accounting for Managers, Business Communication, Principles of Finance, Economics for Managers, Operations and Supply Chain Management.
• Practical learning: Internship/practicum in a fashion or retail setting, project-based capstone integrating marketing strategy and brand development for an international market, and applied labs in e-commerce and visual display.
• Electives and global perspective: Language options, international business law, cross-cultural negotiation, and elective modules on sustainability and ethical sourcing in fashion.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic achievement (grade point average or equivalent), a personal statement outlining interest in marketing and fashion, and any relevant extracurricular experience such as retail work, internships, or creative projects.

• Minimum academic credentials: secondary completion with satisfactory grades; specific GPA thresholds vary by applicant type.
• Standardised tests: where required, submission of SAT/ACT scores is considered; many applicants present a strong high-school record in place of test scores.
• International students: proof of English language proficiency is required (accepted tests include TOEFL or IELTS) unless coming from a recognised English-language secondary programme.
• Transfer applicants: transcripts from post-secondary institutions are reviewed; relevant college-level business or marketing coursework can be credited toward the degree.
• Other materials: a résumé and personal statement are normally requested; a design portfolio is optional and may strengthen an application for students with creative or apparel experience.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the fashion, retail and consumer goods sectors. The programme emphasises practical skills employers seek—brand strategy, merchandising, analytics, buying and digital commerce—preparing students for careers both domestically and internationally.

• Typical roles: fashion buyer, merchandise planner, brand manager, retail store manager, e-commerce manager, visual merchandiser, product developer, and marketing analyst.
• Industry pathways: global retail chains, apparel and footwear brands, luxury houses, wholesale distributors, online marketplaces, trend forecasting agencies, and marketing consultancies.
• Further study and professional development: many graduates pursue postgraduate qualifications in marketing, business administration, international business or specialised fashion and design programmes, or professional certifications in digital marketing and supply chain management.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State University is known for its applied, career-oriented approach to undergraduate education. The institution emphasises real-world learning through internships, practicum placements and close links with regional and national retail and fashion employers.

• Career focus: The programme is structured to deliver workplace-ready skills, with opportunities for internships and industry projects that connect students to employers.
• Smaller classes and faculty access: Students benefit from hands-on instruction and mentoring from faculty with industry and business experience.
• Regional industry connections: Proximity to major retail and manufacturing centres in the region supports networking, placement and part-time work opportunities while studying.
• Facilities and resources: Coursework includes practical labs for visual merchandising and e-commerce, plus support services for career planning, internships and employer engagement.