Introduction
Choosing a course of study is one of the most critical decisions a student will ever make. Unfortunately, many students rush into this decision due to pressure from parents, societal expectations, poor career guidance, low JAMB scores, or misinformation about job prospects. Years later, some graduates look back and realize that their chosen course did not align with their interests, abilities, or career goals.Across Nigeria and other parts of the world, many graduates struggle with unemployment, underemployment, or dissatisfaction, not because they are lazy or incompetent, but because they studied courses with limited opportunities, poor industry relevance, or unclear career pathways.This article explores 10 courses that students commonly regret studying, the reasons behind these regrets, and what prospective students should consider before choosing any course. The goal is not to condemn these courses, but to provide honest insight so students can make better-informed academic decisions.
1. Sociology
Why Students Choose Sociology
Many students choose Sociology because:
- It is perceived as easy
- It has low JAMB cut-off marks
- They are interested in social issues
- It is offered by many universities
Why Students Regret Studying Sociology
Despite its relevance to understanding society, many graduates regret studying Sociology because:
- Limited direct job opportunities
- Overcrowded graduate population
- Employers often prefer more specialized degrees
- Lack of practical, in-demand skills
In Nigeria, Sociology graduates often compete for the same jobs as Political Science, Psychology, and Public Administration graduates, making the job market extremely competitive.
Career Reality
Most Sociology graduates end up:
- Teaching
- Writing civil service exams
- Working in NGOs (limited slots)
- Switching careers entirely
Lesson for Students
If you love Sociology, combine it with practical certifications like data analysis, social research tools, project management, or HR training to improve employability.
2. Philosophy
Why Students Choose Philosophy
- Interest in deep thinking and logic
- Love for debating and argumentation
- Low admission competition
- Mistaken belief it guarantees law school success
Why Students Regret Studying Philosophy
Philosophy is intellectually rich but economically challenging. Many graduates regret it because:
- Very few direct job roles
- Not skill-based for the modern job market
- Employers don’t understand its relevance
- Requires further education to be useful
Career Reality
Most Philosophy graduates end up:
- Pursuing Law or postgraduate studies
- Teaching
- Working in unrelated fields
Lesson for Students
Philosophy works best when combined with Law, Ethics, AI policy, or Critical Thinking roles, but on its own, it often leads to regret.
3. History and International Studies
Why Students Choose It
- Love for history and global affairs
- Dream of becoming diplomats
- Assumption that international relations equals foreign jobs
Why Students Regret Studying It
- Very few diplomacy jobs available
- Nigerian Foreign Service is extremely competitive
- Most graduates end up unemployed or underemployed
- The course is largely theoretical
Career Reality
Graduates often:
- Write civil service exams
- Teach
- Switch to journalism or content creation
- Seek unrelated jobs
Lesson for Students
If diplomacy is your dream, pair this course with foreign languages, international certifications, or political strategy training.
4. Library and Information Science
Why Students Choose It
- Low cut-off marks
- Easy admission
- Belief that every school needs librarians
Why Students Regret Studying It
- Very limited job openings
- Poor salary structure
- Declining relevance due to digitalization
- Few private-sector opportunities
Career Reality
Most graduates:
- Struggle to find library jobs
- End up teaching
- Move into unrelated administrative roles
Lesson for Students
Library Science must be combined with ICT, data management, or digital archiving skills to remain relevant.
5. Mass Communication
Why Students Choose It
- Love for media and journalism
- Desire to be on TV or radio
- Popularity and prestige of the course
Why Students Regret Studying Mass Communication
- Media industry is oversaturated
- Jobs are poorly paid
- Practical skills matter more than degree
- Employers prioritize experience over certificates
Career Reality
Many graduates:
- Work as unpaid interns
- Become content creators
- Shift to PR, marketing, or digital media
- Leave the industry entirely
Lesson for Students
Mass Communication requires strong practical skills such as video editing, digital marketing, social media management, and storytelling.
6. Theatre Arts / Performing Arts
Why Students Choose It
- Passion for acting and performance
- Dream of becoming celebrities
- Talent in drama and stage performance
Why Students Regret Studying It
- Extremely competitive entertainment industry
- Fame is not guaranteed
- Income is unstable
- Few structured job opportunities
Career Reality
Graduates often:
- Struggle financially
- Depend on side hustles
- Leave the arts due to pressure
Lesson for Students
Theatre Arts should be pursued with strong personal branding, networking, and digital skills.
7. Political Science
Why Students Choose It
- Interest in politics
- Desire to become politicians or policymakers
- Common fallback course
Why Students Regret Studying Political Science
- Politics in Nigeria favors money and connections
- Limited career roles for graduates
- Overpopulation of graduates
- Few practical skills taught
Career Reality
Graduates typically:
- Seek civil service jobs
- Work as assistants or aides
- Switch careers
Lesson for Students
Political Science must be combined with policy analysis, public administration, law, or international development skills.
8. Education (Certain Specializations)
Why Students Choose Education
- Lower cut-off marks
- Scholarship opportunities
- Teaching job availability
Why Students Regret Studying Education
- Poor salary structure
- Lack of respect for teachers
- Delayed employment
- Limited growth opportunities
Career Reality
Graduates:
- Face delayed government employment
- Work in private schools with low pay
- Leave teaching entirely
Lesson for Students
Education graduates should add EdTech, curriculum design, or educational consulting skills.
9. Pure Biology / Zoology / Botany
Why Students Choose It
- Love for science
- Poor performance in physics or chemistry
- Hope of becoming researchers
Why Students Regret Studying It
- Limited job opportunities
- Research jobs require higher degrees
- Poor laboratory infrastructure
- Low demand in private sector
Career Reality
Graduates often:
- End up teaching
- Switch to health-related courses
- Pursue unrelated jobs
Lesson for Students
Pure science courses should be combined with biotechnology, data science, or medical-related certifications.
10. Religious Studies / Theology
Why Students Choose It
- Deep religious passion
- Family influence
- Low admission requirements
Why Students Regret Studying It
- Very limited career options
- Poor pay
- Dependence on religious institutions
- Not suitable for everyone
Career Reality
Graduates usually:
- Become clergy
- Teach religious studies
- Work in NGOs
Lesson for Students
This course should be chosen only by those fully committed to religious vocations.
Common Reasons Students Regret Their Courses
- Poor career guidance
- Parental pressure
- Choosing based on low cut-off marks
- Lack of market research
- Ignoring personal strengths
- Unrealistic expectations
- Overcrowded job markets
Courses Are Not Useless — Poor Planning Is
It is important to note that no course is completely useless. Regret often comes from:
- Lack of skills
- Failure to plan ahead
- Ignoring industry trends
- Not acquiring additional certifications
A graduate with the right skills, mindset, and adaptability can succeed from any course.
How Students Can Avoid Regret When Choosing a Course
- Research job prospects thoroughly
- Consider personal strengths and interests
- Study market demand
- Seek career counseling
- Add practical skills early
- Avoid choosing courses based on cut-off marks alone
- Think long-term, not short-term
Conclusion
Education should empower, not frustrate. While many students regret studying certain courses, the real issue is often lack of preparation and information rather than the course itself. With the right planning, skills, and adaptability, students can turn any degree into a successful career path.Before choosing a course, ask yourself:
- What skills will I gain?
- What problems can I solve?
- Where will I work after graduation?
A wise decision today can prevent years of regret tomorrow.
