University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

This programme blends core marketing concepts with fashion industry specialisms. You will study strategic marketing, consumer behaviour and brand management alongside fashion-focused modules such as international fashion marketing, retail and merchandising strategy, trend forecasting, sourcing and supply-chain considerations for apparel, and digital commerce for fashion. Coursework emphasises applied skills: market research and analytics, visual merchandising, pricing and product assortment, sustainability and ethics in fashion, and cross-cultural communication for global markets.

Programme structure typically includes a set of core marketing courses, elective fashion-oriented subjects, and a substantial applied component — either a practicum with a corporate or retail partner, a consulting capstone, or a research thesis. Students work on real-world briefs, build portfolios of marketing campaigns, and may complete internships to gain industry experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Admissions favour candidates with undergraduate study or professional experience in business, marketing, merchandising, fashion, design or related disciplines, though applicants from other backgrounds with relevant work experience are also considered. Typical application materials include transcripts, a CV or résumé, a personal statement outlining career goals and interest in international fashion marketing, and two references.

Where English is not the applicant’s first language, an approved English language qualification is required. Some applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio or examples of marketing/design work if their background is in creative fields. Standardised test requirements (e.g. GMAT/GRE) are determined by the school and can vary by applicant profile; check the programme’s admissions guidance for current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across global fashion and apparel organisations, retail, luxury brands, and service providers. Common career paths include:

• Brand manager or assistant brand manager for fashion and lifestyle labels
• International marketing manager or product marketing specialist
• Merchandise buyer/planner and assortment strategist for multi-channel retailers
• Digital commerce manager, e‑commerce strategist or social media lead focused on fashion
• Trend forecaster, consumer insight analyst or retail analyst using data to guide assortment and marketing
• Sustainable sourcing coordinator, supply-chain specialist or corporate social responsibility roles within apparel firms

The programme’s applied projects and local industry connections help graduates build a portfolio and professional network that support placement into internships and entry to mid-level positions in these areas.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a practical, career-focused environment with strengths in both business and design disciplines. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration between the business school and design programmes, access to experiential learning opportunities and corporate partnerships, and specialised centres that support marketing and brand research. The university’s emphasis on co‑operative education and industry projects gives students repeated chances to apply classroom learning to real fashion-market challenges.

Additionally, Cincinnati’s location provides proximity to consumer and retail companies, logistics and supply-chain networks, and regional design communities, giving students access to internships and employer connections. The programme’s combination of marketing rigour and fashion-specific practice is designed to equip graduates to take on international marketing roles across the rapidly changing fashion and apparel sector.