University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme delivers core marketing foundations alongside fashion-focused electives and applied project work. Core topics typically include international marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, digital marketing and marketing research methods. Fashion-focused subjects cover fashion merchandising and assortment planning, international sourcing and supply chain management for apparel, trend forecasting, retail strategy and visual merchandising.

Students also study cross-cutting themes such as sustainable and ethical fashion, brand management for fashion labels, and the impact of e-commerce and social media on global fashion distribution. Teaching methods combine seminars, case studies, guest lectures from industry professionals, and a capstone project or thesis that applies marketing tools to a real-world fashion business problem. Internship opportunities and collaborations with local retailers, designers and regional industry partners are commonly available to support practical learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution, typically in business, marketing, design, communications or a related discipline. Relevant professional experience in retail, fashion or marketing is advantageous and may be considered in lieu of some academic qualifications.

Required documentation generally includes academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and interest in international fashion marketing, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test or prior study in English. Some applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio that demonstrates industry-relevant work (for example merchandising plans, marketing campaign examples or design projects) if their background is design-oriented.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across the fashion and retail sectors, with a strong emphasis on international operations. Typical career paths include:

• Brand manager or brand strategist for fashion labels and lifestyle brands
• Merchandise planner or buyer for multi-channel retailers
• International marketing manager handling market entry and expansion in Asia-Pacific, North America and beyond
• E-commerce and digital marketing manager focusing on online sales channels and social commerce
• Supply chain and sourcing specialist for apparel production and logistics
• Trend forecaster or product developer within design and merchandising teams

Graduates also pursue consultancy, entrepreneurship (launching labels or D2C ventures), or further academic research in marketing and consumer studies.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Studying this programme at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers geographic and academic advantages for international fashion marketing. The university’s location in the Asia–Pacific basin provides convenient access to regional markets, distribution channels and cultural influences that shape contemporary fashion. Interdisciplinary links across business, arts and regional studies enable a curriculum that blends rigorous marketing practice with cultural and sustainability perspectives.

Students benefit from faculty with expertise in international marketing and consumer behaviour, local industry networks for internships and applied projects, and opportunities to study supply chains that span Asia and the Americas. The programme’s emphasis on hands-on learning, international outlook and sustainable practice prepares graduates for roles in global fashion companies, retail organisations and entrepreneurial ventures.