Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines the core marketing and business foundations of a Bachelor of Business Administration with fashion‑focused modules and international perspectives. Typical core modules include Principles of Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Research, Brand Management, Digital Marketing and International Marketing. Fashion and retail specific modules commonly offered include Fashion Merchandising, Retail Strategy, Visual Merchandising, Luxury and Fashion Brand Management, Trend Forecasting and E‑commerce for Fashion.

Students also gain practical skills through courses in supply chain and inventory management, pricing and promotion, and analytics for marketing. Many programmes emphasise experiential learning — projects with industry partners, case studies on global brands, and a capstone or practicum that applies marketing strategy to a fashion client.

Language study and courses in cross‑cultural communication are encouraged for the international marketing emphasis, and students typically complete at least one professional internship to develop workplace experience in merchandising, buying, brand management or digital retail.

Entry requirements

• Completion of secondary education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, course rigor and extracurricular engagement.
• Standardised test policies vary; check the university for current guidance. Strong performance in quantitative and written subjects is recommended.
• Evidence of interest in fashion and marketing — such as relevant coursework, internships, portfolios of creative work or involvement in retail/fashion organisations — strengthens an application but is not always mandatory.
• Proficiency in English is required for non‑native speakers; demonstration via recognised English tests or exemptions according to university policy is typical.
• For the international focus, study of a second language and international experience (study abroad, exchange, or relevant travel/work experience) is an advantage.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across the fashion and retail ecosystem as well as broader marketing careers. Typical entry and mid‑level roles include:

• Brand or product manager for fashion and lifestyle labels
• Merchandise planner, buyer or category manager for retailers
• Digital marketing and e‑commerce manager, including social media and performance marketing roles
• Visual merchandiser and retail operations manager
• Wholesale and international sales manager
• Fashion PR, communications and content strategist
• Market research analyst or trend forecaster for fashion businesses

With experience, graduates often progress to leadership roles in brand management, retail strategy or international business development, or move into entrepreneurship by launching fashion labels, direct‑to‑consumer brands or consultancy practices.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

Studying at Southern Methodist University gives students access to a business school environment with close links to a major retail and fashion market. SMU’s industry connections and career services help students secure internships and employer projects with retailers, brands and agencies based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and beyond.

The campus offers opportunities for experiential learning, including industry projects, networking events, and study abroad or exchange programmes that support the international marketing dimension. Small class sizes and an active alumni community provide mentoring and recruitment pathways into fashion, retail and marketing roles.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances analytical marketing skills with creative and commercial fashion knowledge, preparing graduates to work across global supply chains, digital commerce and brand management in the fashion sector.