Introduction

The International Marketing Management major at Franklin prepares students to tackle today’s global business challenges with creativity, critical thinking, and a sustainable mindset. Through a liberal arts approach, students gain a strong foundation in marketing and management while exploring how consumer behavior, communications, and data-driven insights shape strategies across industries.

Majors

Rooted in Franklin’s liberal arts tradition, the International Marketing Management major equips students with the knowledge, tools, and perspective needed to navigate the rapidly evolving world of marketing. The curriculum blends innovative and fundamental courses—such as green marketing, digital marketing analytics, and brand management—with studies in management, communications, psychology, and statistics. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to understand consumer behavior and design strategies that create sustainable, long-term value for organizations.

Graduates are well-prepared for advanced study in MBA, MSc, or MA programs, as well as for diverse professional opportunities in roles such as brand manager, digital marketing manager, market research manager, and communications or advertising manager across a wide range of industries.

View requirements

International Marketing Management

The International Marketing Management major equips students with the knowledge, tools and mindset to deal with the challenges organizations are facing today. 

Rooted in Franklin’s liberal arts tradition, this major offers a curriculum that combines innovative and fundamental courses in marketing such as green marketing, digital marketing analytics, and brand management with courses in management, communications, psychology and statistics with the aim of enabling students to understand consumers and their behaviors and to help companies design activities that create sustainable long-term value.

In addition to graduate school opportunities such as MBA, MSc, and MA programs, possible career paths for International Marketing Management graduates include a wide range of roles in companies (brand manager, digital marketing manager, research manager, advertising and communication manager) across all industries.

Major Requirements (51 Credits)

Foundation Courses (15 credits)
BUS 115 Financial Accounting

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of financial accounting and provide them with a foundational understanding of financial accounting concepts from the perspectives of both internal and external users. A particular emphasis will be placed on GAAP accounting standards, the preparation of financial statements, and the application of accounting information for decision-making. Students will become familiar with financial statements such as the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows, as well as key accounting books and documents. They will also understand differences in accounting practices across various types of organizations and account for assets, liabilities, owners’ equity, revenues, expenses, and dividends.

BUS 135 International Business

This course introduces students to the field of international business with a twofold purpose. Firstly, it examines the external environment of international business, exploring how and why cultures, countries, and regions differ. It also addresses the economics and politics of international trade, while considering critical issues related to business ethics and sustainability in a global context. Secondly, it investigates the internal environment of international businesses, focusing on companies’ operations, the roles of various business functions and the analysis of their strategies and structures. Close attention is given to applying international business knowledge to practical problems and fostering ethical behavior and decision-making.

BUS 136 Marketing in a Global Context

This course is an introduction to the tools and concepts used in the marketing process for consumer and industrial products as well as for services. The focus is on the basic marketing concepts (product, place, price, promotion) as they relate to the field of global marketing. Emphasis is placed on the increasingly important role of interdisciplinary tools to analyze economic, cultural and structural differences across international markets. Specific consideration is given to the development of integrated marketing programs for a complex, global environment.

ECN 101 Principles of Microeconomics

This is an entry-level course in economics, covering fundamentals of microeconomics and aimed at students who choose it as an elective or plan to continue their studies in economics. This course helps students develop basic analytical skills in economics and microeconomics. It provides students with a basic understanding of the market system in advanced capitalist economies. It examines the logic of constrained choice with a focus on the economic behavior of individuals and organizations. After a theoretical analysis of the determinants and the interaction of supply and demand under competitive conditions, alternative market structures will be investigated, including monopolistic and oligopolistic forms. The course examines the conditions under which markets allocate resources efficiently and identifies causes of market failure and the appropriate government response. The introduction to the role of government includes its taxing and expenditure activities as well as regulatory policies.

MAT 282 Intermediate Statistics
This computationally intensive course offers an in-depth exploration of the most commonly used statistical methods, emphasizing both manual calculations and R programming language to arrive at a thorough understanding of statistical formulas. Students will learn how to read and compute statistical formulas, grasp their applications and rationale, and develop proficiency in basic statistical coding and mathematical modelling. Topics include measures of central tendency and variability, probability fundamentals, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, t-tests, correlation, regression, ANOVA, chi-squared tests, and Bayes' Theorem. Students will work through statistical calculations, gaining a solid foundation in statistical reasoning and the skills necessary to perform statistical analyses and communicate results. This hands-on approach to learning statistics fosters a deeper understanding of concepts than MAT182 and prepares students to interpret and apply statistics in upper level and graduate courses. 
 
Management Required Courses (12 Credits)
BUS 226 Managerial Finance

Managerial Finance is an introductory course in corporate finance that teaches students the basic theoretical and practical foundations in financial decision-making. In particular, students will learn about concepts and tools needed for valuing investment projects. Topics covered include the time value of money, valuation of corporate investment projects, the risk/return relationship, capital budgeting, the cost of capital, developing appropriate selection criteria, and short- and long-term financial management. Throughout the course, real-world examples are used to link theory with practice. (This course was previously BUS 326. Students may not earn credit for both BUS 226 and BUS 326.)

BUS 256 Market Research Methods

This course introduces students to the most common qualitative and quantitative techniques for conducting market research with an emphasis on their application.  The definition of market research problems, the set-up of research plans, and the subsequent data collection and analysis are illustrated and applied by means of real world projects. Students are required to implement, in groups, the skills covered in class, and to prepare a final research report to discuss and present in class.

BUS 353 Strategic Management Theory

Strategic management is the study of firms and the political, economic, social and technological environments that affect their organization and strategic decisions. This course considers the external market environment in which firms operate, and provides theoretical foundations, focusing on economic and strategic theories of the firm and introducing key concepts of organizational theory. Practically, the course looks at the creation of competitive advantage of a firm in the global arena. The readings and class discussions include both theoretical concepts and practical case studies. (Junior status recommended)

BUS 397 Data Mining (Business Intelligence)

This course introduces the cutting-edge computing methods for the analysis of business and marketing big data which help in inferring and validating patterns, structures and relationships in data, as a tool to support decisions at all levels of management. Students learn key descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive data mining methods with both supervised and non-supervised machine learning algorithms, which produce information for non-structured and semi structured decision making. While the course introduces a systems approach to business data processing, emphasis will be given to empirical applications using modern software tools such as Data Mining in Solver-Analytics More specifically, students will become familiar with and demonstrate proficiency in applications such as Cluster Analysis, Market Basket Analysis. Logistic Regression, Naïve Bayes Classification, Entropy Calculation, Classification Trees. Engagement-based learning is provided by using real world cases as well as computer based hands-on for real data analysis. Ultimately, working in teams, students will make the month long projects in applying Data Mining analytical techniques on the real world business problems, and will make suggestions for improvement which will be backed by the new information, gained from DM. Projects are presented in groups. Research papers, which are based on the projects, are individual.

Marketing Required Courses (15 Credits)
BUS 274 Brand Management

The course focuses on how to build and manage a brand, based on the concept of Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE). The goal of the course is to expose students to the challenges that today brands face both from competitors' but also from consumers' points of view and to make students aware and to experience the potential tools companies can use to manage brands today.

BUS 342 Marketing for a Sustainable Society
Sustainability is a consolidated managerial approach that companies today embrace when managing their businesses. The course illustrates the main sustainability models in marketing employed by corporations across industries to operate in ways that respect both people and planet while still being profitable. Specific attention will be given to mechanisms that foster sustainable consumption through marketing communication campaigns aimed at customers and stakeholders in general.
BUS 383 Digital Marketing and Web Analytics

This course focuses on how Internet technology and its pervasiveness shapes the most common business and marketing practices today. This course outlines the impact of the digital revolution and how it has transformed decision-making processes in marketing including the development of relationships with clients, delivering the customer experience, the implementation of a communication campaign, and the evaluation of channel performances. Through discussion of cases and lectures, the course will provide students with the tools to interpret and forecast the ever-shifting digital environment for companies.

BUS 385 Consumer Behavior in International Marketing

This course focuses on the understanding of the consumer as fundamental to marketing efforts. The course includes observational research in the community where students develop a greater understanding of consumers' consumption and decision-making behavior. Areas of focus include the consumer decision making process, research techniques, learning and motivation, segmentation and targeting, the impact of lifestyle and values, the role of society and culture in consumption, and ethical issues in consumer relationships.

ECN 319 Behavioral Economics
Why do individuals sometimes make seemingly irrational decisions? Do consumers always make choices that maximize their utility? This course capitalizes on students' basic knowledge of economic decision making to question some of the assumptions of mainstream economic models introduced in lower-level economics courses. 

Discovering the drivers of decision making that appears to deviate from full rationality is a relatively new field of study that integrates insight from psychology into traditional analysis of behavior and choice. Findings from behavioral economics have wide-ranging application in the professional world, spanning economic policy making, corporate management, marketing and finance. The analytical approach in this field breaks from the long-standing mainstream economics tradition of treating subjects as rational agents, effectively making use of available information to make rational decisions with the goal of maximizing personal utility. Analysis in the context of behavioral economics alters this approach by integrating biases, heuristic reasoning and social norms into models of human behavior with the scope of increasing explanatory and predictive power of theory.
 
Major Electives (6 credits)

Two of the following:

BUS 251 Sustainable Luxury Management
This course aims to bring clarity to the paradoxical nature of the luxury industry, where excess and indulgence stand in sharp contrast to the concept of sustainability. Students will be introduced to the peculiarities that make the luxury sector distinct from conventional management environments. Thus, the course will teach students about the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the luxury industry. Students will learn about the peculiar social and environmental challenges faced by luxury corporations due to their focus on experiential and hedonic products and services. Furthermore, the course teaches students how luxury corporations can effectively handle diverging stakeholder demands and create a long-term sustainability strategy. The course outlook spotlights cutting edge topics related to emerging industry trends. Luxury corporations are under pressure to meet expectations from younger consumer generations who prioritize social and environmental practices throughout supply chains and have different ideas about what luxury means in the digital age. To address this, the course outlook offers insights into the role of new technologies.
BUS 410 Organizational Behavior

This course introduces students to the field of organizational behavior (OB), the study of what people think, feel, and do in and around organizations. It discusses why organizational behavior knowledge is important for organizations, introduces students to the research methods used in the field, and emphasizes the necessity of multiple levels of analysis (individual, team, organization) in OB research. Topics covered in the course include individual differences; emotions, attitudes, and stress; motivation; team dynamics; power and influence; leadership; organizational structure; organizational culture. (Junior status recommended)

COM 105 Introduction to Communication and Media Studies in the Global Context

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of communication and media studies as they apply to the ever-increasing intercultural interactions of a contemporary world. In particular, students will learn the basics of intercultural/international communication processes, gaining a foundation for developing intercultural communication competence.

PSY 201 Social Psychology

Introduction to major theories and research findings of social psychology in order to provide an understanding of the roles of cognitive and motivational processes in social behavior. The focus of this course is on how people's behavior, feelings and thoughts are influenced through social environment.

SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology

What is ''society''? What does its structure look like and how does it work? How does it change? Why does it change? How do are individuals and society intertwined? This course provides students with the tools to answer these questions. Modern societies have experienced dramatic social changes with the emergence of individualism, new class structures, the development of urban life or changing relationships between individuals and their natural environments. Sociology provides an understanding of these changes by studying human interactions and forms of social organization. In this course, students will be introduced to major sociological thinkers, concepts and approaches.

Capstone Requirement (3 credits)
BUS 455 Advanced Topics in Management
This course is intended as a capstone for the International Management and International Marketing Management majors and should come after students have studied all basic aspects of management. Students will be challenged to think critically, strategically, creatively, collaboratively, and compassionately with the goal of working on a field project.

3-YEARS BACHELOR OPTION

This major is also offered as a 3-year accelerated bachelor’s degree, designed for students with specific high school academic credentials who are admitted to Franklin with advanced standing credit, equivalent to 30 US credits. This option grants students a jump start on their introductory level University courses. Learn more about the 3-year bachelor’s degree at Franklin or contact the Office of Admission.

YEAR ONE - SAMPLE CURRICULUM

Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year Seminar in BUS BUS 136T
Marketing in a Global Context (Academic Travel class)
POL 112
Markets, Policy and Administration
MAT 201
Introduction to Statistics
BUS 115
Financial Accounting
BUS 135
Introduction to Business Systems
MAT 103
College Algebra
WTG 150
Academic Writing: Crossing Borders 
TVL
(Choose a BUS academic travel class)
Intercultural Competencies core
(Choose a class)

YEAR TWO - SAMPLE CURRICULUM

Fall Semester Spring Semester
BUS 226
Managerial Finance
BUS 353
Strategic Management Theory
BUS 256
Marketing Research Methods
BUS 306
Quantitative Methods and Dynamic Forecasting
TVL
(Choose a BUS academic travel class)
BUS 285
Integrated Marketing Communications
BUS 274
Brand Management

BUS 342W
Green Marketing and CSR, writing intensive

Modern Language 100 Modern Language 200

YEAR THREE - SAMPLE CURRICULUM

Fall Semester Spring Semester
BUS 410W
Organizational Behavior and Leadership, writing intensive
BUS 455W
Global Strategic Management, writing intensive
BUS 385
Consumer Behavior in International Marketing
BUS 383
Digital Marketing and Web Analytics
BUS ELEC
(Choose a BUS elective)
BUS 397
Data Mining (Business Intelligence)
Intercultural Competencies elective  
Social Responsibility elective  

LEARN MORE

Faculty

Associate Professor, Marketing

Ph.D. in Marketing, University of Grenoble, France

Office: Kaletsch Campus, Office 2
Email: nalbert@fus.edu

Noel Albert

Chair of the Academic Division of Business and Economics
Assistant Professor of Finance

Ph.D. in Finance, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA
M.S. in Finance, Baton Rouge, USA
B.S. in International Economics and Management, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy

Office: Kaletsch Campus, Office 2
Phone: +41 91 986 53 24
Email: dsuleiman@fus.edu

David Suleiman

Assistant Professor, International Management

Ph.D. Communication Sciences, Specialization in Corporate Social Responsibility, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland
M.Sc. Business Administration, Specialization in International Management, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
B.Sc. International Business Administration, University of Vienna, Austria

Office: Kaletsch Campus, Office 5
Phone: +41 91 985 22 77
Email: mschultz@fus.edu

Mario Schultz

Assistant Professor, Economics

Ph.D. in Monetary Economics, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
M.Sc. in European Political Economy, London School of Economics, United Kingdom

Office: Kaletsch Campus, Office 9
Phone: +41 91 986 53 41
Email: vdianova@fus.edu

Vera Dianova

Associate Professor, Data Science 

PhD Geography and Earth Science, McMaster University 
MA Political Science, University of Windsor 
BA Environmental Studies, Bishops University

Office: North Campus Villa Loft, Office 14
Phone: +41 78 249 2293
Email: cburke@fus.edu

Charles Burke

Assistant Professor, International Management

Ph.D. in Business Administration and Management, Bocconi University, Italy

Office: Kaletsch Campus, Office 5
Phone: +41 91 986 53 42
Email: tbalushkina@fus.edu

Tatiana Balushkina

Adjunct Professor, Marketing

PhD, University of Valencia
MPA, Bocconi University
B.Sc. Massachusetts State University

Office: Kaletsch Campus, Faculty Office 2
Phone: +41 91 985 22 60 
Email: pmion@fus.edu

Piergiacomo Mion Dalle Carbonare
IS FRANKLIN
THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
DISCOVER IT IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES