Boise State University

What you'll study

The programme is built on Boise State University's established marketing curriculum and is delivered through the College of Business. You will take core marketing courses that establish essential skills in market research, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, marketing analytics and brand strategy, and then tailor your study with international business and fashion-focused electives. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, group projects, applied client briefs and internships.

• Core marketing modules – principles of marketing, marketing research, consumer behaviour, digital and social media marketing, marketing communications, and marketing strategy.
• International and business foundations – international marketing, global supply chain basics, cross-cultural management and international business law to prepare you for operating across markets.
• Fashion-related and creative electives – courses that develop retailing and merchandising knowledge, visual merchandising and promotion, retail buying and assortment planning, and e-commerce for fashion. Electives are chosen from business departments and relevant arts/communications offerings to build practical fashion-sector skills.
• Data and analytics – marketing analytics, consumer data interpretation and performance measurement so you can make evidence-based decisions for brands and retailers.
• Capstone and experiential learning – a senior capstone project or practicum working with industry partners, plus internship opportunities with retailers, brands, agencies or wholesalers to apply classroom learning to real commercial situations.

Entry requirements

Applicants should meet Boise State University’s general undergraduate admission requirements. Typical expectations include a completed secondary education credential with a competitive academic record and required coursework in English and mathematics. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifying programmes. Specific transfer students will need to show college-level work in business or related subjects if applicable.

While a portfolio is not usually required, applicants with past retail, design, marketing or business experience (including internships, extracurricular projects or independent selling/design work) strengthen their application. Applicants should check with the College of Business for any programme-specific advising or prerequisite requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across the fashion and lifestyle value chain. Typical entry-level positions include retail buyer, merchandise planner, e-commerce coordinator, social media or digital marketing specialist, brand assistant, visual merchandiser, and sales account executive. With experience, alumni move into roles such as brand manager, category manager, head of e-commerce, international business development manager or product line director.

Graduates also find opportunities in fashion-focused agencies, buying offices, wholesale companies, fashion tech startups, and global apparel brands. The combination of marketing analytics and international business coursework supports careers that require cross-border market planning, sourcing knowledge and omnichannel retail strategy.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers a practical, career-oriented business education with strong industry links in the regional retail and outdoor/apparel sectors. The College of Business emphasises experiential learning—students regularly engage in client projects, internships and applied capstones that connect classroom theory to employer needs. Smaller class sizes in upper-level courses provide access to faculty with business and applied research experience.

Students benefit from Boise’s growing commercial scene and proximity to brands and independent retailers in the Mountain West, which supports internship placements and networking. The university also provides resources to support international study and internships, equipping students with the global perspective needed for international fashion marketing careers.