Arkansas Tech University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in business and marketing before moving into fashion-specific and international topics. Early study includes core business modules such as accounting fundamentals, micro- and macro-economics, business statistics and introductory management alongside Principles of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour.

• Marketing core: Marketing research, marketing strategy, brand management, digital and social media marketing, pricing and promotion.
• Fashion and merchandising: Fashion merchandising and retailing, textile and apparel markets, product development and sourcing, visual merchandising and retail buying.
• International focus: International marketing, cross-cultural consumer behaviour, global supply chain and sourcing, trade and logistics for the apparel industry.
• Skills and practice: E-commerce and omni‑channel retailing, fashion forecasting, marketing analytics, negotiation and contract issues in sourcing, professional communication and portfolio development.
• Capstone and experience: A senior capstone or strategic marketing project, plus industry placement or internship to apply skills in a real-world fashion or retail environment.

Modules typically combine lectures, case studies, studio workshops for merchandising and visual presentation, group projects with industry briefs, and practical lab sessions where students create campaigns, merchandising plans and e-commerce strategies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Admissions consider academic achievement together with the strength of the overall application. Typical preparation includes study in mathematics and English at secondary level; experience or interest in fashion, retail or creative portfolios can strengthen an application but are not always mandatory.

• Successful completion of secondary education from an accredited school or equivalent.
• Demonstrable competence in written English and quantitative reasoning appropriate for undergraduate business study.
• Some programmes welcome a short statement of purpose, references and, for applicants with relevant experience, a portfolio or résumé showing retail, fashion or marketing activity.
• Applicants with previous college credit or international qualifications are assessed on comparable standards; mature students with relevant work experience are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across fashion, retail and international marketing. The combination of marketing skills and fashion industry knowledge opens paths in both creative and commercial roles.

• Marketing and brand management for fashion houses, consumer brands and design labels.
• Merchandising and buying roles in department stores, specialty retailers and e-commerce businesses.
• E-commerce and digital marketing positions, including social media management, content strategy and online merchandising.
• International sourcing and supply‑chain coordination for apparel and accessories, including quality control and vendor relations.
• Retail management, visual merchandising, product development and trend forecasting.
• Entrepreneurship and consultancy — launching fashion brands, boutique retail businesses or advising on market entry strategies.

Career services and internships emphasise employer connections, preparing students for entry-level to mid-level roles; many graduates move into regional and international positions as they gain industry experience.

Why study at Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and close access to faculty who bring practical industry experience into the classroom. The university’s business curriculum emphasises applied learning — combining marketing theory with studio‑based and project work relevant to fashion and retail.

• Hands-on learning through internships, industry projects and a capstone that connects students with real fashion and retail challenges.
• Access to campus career services and partnerships with regional retailers, manufacturers and e-commerce firms to support placements and graduate recruitment.
• Opportunities to develop a professional portfolio and practical skills in visual merchandising, digital marketing tools and marketing analytics.
• An inclusive campus community that supports leadership development, student organisations and extracurricular activities related to fashion, entrepreneurship and marketing.

Studying at Arkansas Tech equips students with the commercial understanding and practical skills needed for a career at the intersection of international markets and the fashion industry.