What question did this study set out to answer?

The study investigates factors motivating and threatening career choices in mass communication among students.

June 19, 2026

Motivation and Threats to Career Choice of Mass Communication Students in Two Nigerian Universities

Puntos clave

The study investigates factors motivating and threatening career choices in mass communication among students.
215 students surveyed using systematic and purposive sampling techniques.
Focus on career opportunities, personal ambition, and family influence as motivational factors.
Analyzed perceived threats to specialisation within the discipline.
Personal ambition and career opportunities are primary motivators for students.
Threats such as dwindling professionalism impact specialisation choices.
Recommendation for integrating journalism into mass communication curricula to enhance student appreciation of ethical standards.

Resumen

Abstract Evolving media technologies and innovations have significantly expanded career opportunities in mass communication. However, issues of professionalism and dwindling ethical standards have been constant threats to the prestige of the profession. This study examines the factors motivating and threatening the discipline. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the social responsibility theories provided theoretical justification for the study. Using the systematic and purposive sampling techniques, 215 students participated in a field and opinion survey. Findings revealed that personal ambition, career opportunities, prestige, family influence are some of the factors motivating the choice of mass communication as a career. However, respondents’ choice of specialisation was moderated by the perceived threats within the areas of specialisation. The study thus concludes that there is the need for mass communication trainers to include journalism as an important aspect of mass communication discipline in order to bridge the gap observed in the specialisations offered in the selected institutions. Trainers need to engage in a reorientation exercise targeted at helping students appreciate the high professional standards guiding the journalism profession. Key Words: Career Motivation, Mass Communication, Professionalism, Students, Nigerian Universities * Mofoluke Ibidunni Akoja, Ph.D. is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria ** Helen Odunola Adekoya Ph.D. is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 9, No. 2, October 2017, 142 – 148

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