State University of New York at New Paltz

What you'll study

The degree blends general marketing and business courses with specialised modules devoted to the fashion industry and international markets. Early years cover foundations: principles of marketing, microeconomics, accounting basics, business law, quantitative methods and communication skills. In later years you move into fashion‑specific and advanced marketing topics.

• Core marketing: Consumer behaviour, marketing research, brand management, advertising and promotion, digital and social media marketing, retail management.
• Fashion‑focused modules: Fashion merchandising, apparel product development, visual merchandising, fashion buying, fashion forecasting and trend analysis, textile fundamentals.
• International and strategic topics: International marketing, global supply chain and logistics for apparel, cross‑cultural marketing, global sourcing and ethics in fashion.
• Practical experience: Internship placement options, practicum projects with industry partners, a senior capstone or portfolio project that integrates marketing plans with merchandising or e‑commerce strategy.
• Electives and complementary study: Courses in entrepreneurship, sustainability in fashion, data analytics for marketing, and opportunities to take liberal arts electives to broaden cultural and communication skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions criteria include a strong academic record with solid preparation in English and mathematics; evidence of interest in business or fashion is desirable. SUNY applications may consider standardised test scores where submitted, but applicants should check current test‑policy details from the university. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and course descriptions for credit evaluation.

Additional points that can strengthen an application:

• Relevant extracurricular activities (retail work, fashion clubs, marketing projects)
• An organised portfolio or examples of merchandising, marketing work or creative projects (useful but not always required)
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining interest in marketing and fashion

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across fashion and consumer goods sectors, as well as in general marketing teams. Career paths commonly followed include:

• Fashion buyer or merchandise planner for department stores and specialty retailers
• Brand manager or marketing coordinator for apparel and lifestyle brands
• E‑commerce and digital marketing specialist, including social media and content roles
• Visual merchandiser and retail operations manager
• Product development assistant, sourcing coordinator or supply‑chain analyst
• Public relations and communications roles focused on fashion and lifestyle
• Entrepreneurship and small‑business development in fashion retail and private brands

Internships and the capstone project help students build industry contacts and practical experience valued by employers across New York City, regional retail hubs and international firms.

Why study at State University of New York at New Paltz

SUNY New Paltz offers a small‑campus environment with access to faculty who blend academic marketing expertise and industry experience. Its location within driving distance of New York City gives students strong internship and networking opportunities with fashion houses, retailers and media companies while allowing study in a residential liberal arts setting.

• Close industry links and internship pathways to the New York City fashion and retail market.
• Hands‑on learning through practicum projects, internships and a final capstone that emphasises real‑world marketing and merchandising challenges.
• Interdisciplinary options—students can combine business marketing study with creative and textile courses to develop both commercial and aesthetic skills.
• Dedicated career services and faculty advising to support job placement, portfolio development and graduate study preparation.