Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

This programme blends a liberal-arts approach to business with concentrated coursework in fashion marketing and international trade. Students complete core marketing modules alongside fashion- and retail-focused classes, practical projects, and a capstone experience.

• Core marketing modules: Principles of Marketing; Consumer Behaviour; Marketing Research; Brand Management; Digital Marketing; Marketing Strategy.
• Fashion-focused modules: Fashion Merchandising and Retailing; Global Fashion Markets; Fashion Buying and Planning; Visual Merchandising; Product Development for Apparel; Sustainable and Ethical Fashion.
• International business modules: International Marketing; Global Supply Chain and Sourcing; Cross-cultural Communication; Trade, Tariffs and Retail Regulation.
• Practical skills and methods: E-commerce and Omnichannel Retailing; Fashion Forecasting and Trend Analysis; Pricing and Inventory Management; Adobe and digital content tools for fashion marketing.
• Experiential learning: Internship placements with retailers, fashion brands or marketing agencies; project-based courses with client briefs; a senior capstone integrating marketing research, merchandising strategy and an implementation plan.
• General education: The programme is delivered within Saint Mary’s liberal-arts curriculum, with requirements in communication, quantitative reasoning and ethics to support well-rounded decision-making.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a record of academic achievement. Typical entrants will have completed coursework in English and mathematics; portfolios are welcome but not required. Admission decisions are based on transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in marketing and fashion, and one or more academic or professional references.

For international applicants, proof of English proficiency is required according to the university’s standard requirements. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are considered through the same holistic review process.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of roles across the fashion and retail sectors, or for further study in business or design-related fields.

• Fashion buyer or merchandise planner for department stores and speciality retailers
• Brand manager or marketing coordinator within fashion houses and consumer brands
• Digital marketing specialist, social media manager or e-commerce merchandiser
• Retail manager, visual merchandiser or store operations lead
• Product development coordinator, sourcing analyst or supply-chain assistant
• International sales representative, trade development specialist or retail expansion planner
• Entrepreneurship—starting a fashion label, online retail business or consultancy

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers small class sizes and personalised faculty attention in a values-based educational setting. The university emphasises experiential learning, connecting students with internships and industry partners in the Twin Cities region and beyond, which is valuable for placements in retail and fashion businesses.

Students benefit from a liberal-arts approach that strengthens communication, critical thinking and ethical decision-making alongside technical marketing competencies. Dedicated career services support internship searches, resume development and employer networking, while study-abroad and international exchange options reinforce the programme’s global focus.

The programme is suited to students who want a practical, career-focused marketing degree that incorporates the specific skills required to operate in the international fashion marketplace.