Saginaw Valley State University

What you'll study

This programme combines the foundation of a marketing degree with specialised topics relevant to the fashion and apparel industries operating in international markets. You will take core business and marketing courses alongside fashion-focused modules to build skills in product development, merchandising, retail operations and global marketing strategy.

• Core marketing principles: marketing management, consumer behaviour, marketing research and marketing analytics.
• Fashion and merchandising: merchandising and buying, product development for apparel, textiles and fabric science basics, seasonal planning and assortment strategy.
• International business and trade: global marketing, international trade and logistics, cross-cultural consumer behaviour, import/export regulations and supply chain management.
• Retail and e-commerce: retail operations, visual merchandising, omnichannel strategy, digital marketing for fashion, social media and influencer marketing.
• Practical and analytical skills: pricing strategy, brand management, forecasting and inventory control, marketing technology and analytics tools.
• Capstone and experiential learning: industry project or capstone course, internships with retailers or fashion brands, and opportunities for study abroad or exchange to gain international exposure.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a recognised secondary school completion certificate or equivalent. Typical admissions materials include an application form, official transcripts, and a personal statement outlining interest in marketing and fashion. Institutions commonly expect a competitive academic record and evidence of relevant extracurricular involvement or work experience where applicable.

• English language proficiency: International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements through recognised tests or prior education in English.
• Standardised tests: SAT or ACT may be considered where required, though specific requirements vary; check the university's admissions guidance.
• Additional materials: A resume and, for applicants with relevant experience, a short portfolio or examples of marketing/fashion work can strengthen an application but are not usually mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across fashion brands, retail organisations, suppliers and marketing agencies, often with an international dimension. The programme prepares students for both creative and analytical positions in the contemporary global fashion economy.

• Fashion buyer or merchandise planner
• Retail manager or visual merchandiser
• Brand or product manager for apparel labels
• Digital marketing or e-commerce manager specialising in fashion
• International sales or export coordinator
• Supply chain analyst or sourcing specialist for apparel
• Marketing analyst or market research specialist focusing on consumer trends

Why study at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers a personalised learning environment with smaller class sizes and direct access to faculty who bring industry and applied research experience to the classroom. The university’s location in Michigan provides proximity to regional retail and manufacturing centres, creating internship and employer engagement opportunities for fashion-marketing students.

• Hands-on learning: emphasis on internships, capstone projects and applied coursework connecting students with real-world fashion and retail employers.
• Support services: career services, resume and interview preparation, and alumni networks that help graduates transition into the workplace.
• Global perspective: opportunities for study abroad, international projects and coursework addressing cross-border trade and multicultural consumer markets.
• Transferable skills: balanced training in creative merchandising, data-driven marketing and supply chain fundamentals that employers in the fashion sector seek.