This study investigates the factors influencing specialization choices among art and design students in Nigerian universities. Specialization is a critical phase in students' academic and professional development, with options including painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, graphic design, and art history. The study was guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), which emphasizes self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and personal goals. The study aims to identify the major triggers shaping these choices. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 167 students in 200-level courses and above through a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Descriptive analysis revealed that self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and personal goals influence specialization decisions. Hypothesis testing further showed that gender has a significant relationship with specialization choice, indicating that culturally shaped gender norms influence how students align with particular disciplines. ANOVA results indicated that students' perceptions of financial stability significantly influence their specialization choices, affirming financial expectations as a critical decision-making factor. Contextual influences such as departmental orientation, parental guidance, lecturer preference, and learning experiences had minimal impact. The study concludes that specialization choices are shaped by intrinsic motivations, perceived career prospects, and demographic influences and recommends enhanced career guidance and entrepreneurship-focused curriculum development in art and design programs.
ADELOYE et al. (Tue,) studied this question.