Specializing in Entrepreneurship Field of Study on Entrepreneurial Intentions of University Students

Abstract

Specializing in a certain field of study at university level is believed to have a direct effect to the specific graduates under consideration. It is trusted to create and bring competent professionals in the respective fields. Skepticism has always emerged on the relevance of specializing in entrepreneurship field of study; scholars and academicians question whether it will create future and competent entrepreneurs.  In this regard, this study evaluated the impact of specializing in entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions of university students. This was done by comparing students from specialization and non-specialization cohorts. This was achieved by comparing the level of enterprising tendency; intentions; and choice of intended careers of the two cohorts. A comparative-explanatory case study design was used by distributing the questionnaires to Marketing and Entrepreneurship students as (non-specialization and specialization cohorts respectively). Data from 62 respondents (i.e. response rate of 71%) were obtained. Mean, regression, independent sample tests and, ANOVA techniques were applied for data analysis.  The results of the study show that students from the specialization cohort have a significant higher enterprising tendency and perceived entrepreneurial intentions than their counterparts.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship Education, Entrepreneurial intentions, Specialization, Tanzania.