So you’ve decided to pursue your passion for art at university. That’s awesome! As an art student, the opportunities ahead of you are exciting and nearly endless. However, it’s important to think strategically about the courses you choose to study. Some paths may lead to more career opportunities and financial stability than others after you graduate.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of 12 of the best, most lucrative courses for art students to consider studying at the university. These courses provide a strong foundation in both practical skills and theoretical knowledge that will make you an attractive job candidate. And the good news is, with the right course of study, you can pursue your passion and still earn a good living.
12 Best Courses for Art Students to Study in the University
The art department offers a variety of programs for creative students. You’ll get hands-on experience and learn skills that will prepare you for your future career.
Some of the most lucrative majors are:
LAW
Law is one of the most lucrative and respected courses you can study in Nigeria. To become a lawyer, you’ll need a law degree from an accredited university.
Some of the best universities to study Law in Nigeria include;
- University of Lagos,
- Obafemi Awolowo University,
- University of Ibadan,
- Babcock University.
General requirements include having good grades, especially in English, Literature, and Social Sciences subjects. You’ll take courses like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, and Civil Procedure. After graduating, you can work as a barrister and solicitor in private practice, for companies as in-house counsel, or in government as a magistrate, judge, or legislator.
Lawyers in Nigeria earn well, around ₦300,000-₦1.5 million per month. With 6-10 years of experience, you can make ₦2.5 million or more. Some lawyers charge ₦50,000-₦200,000 per hour!
So if you have a passion for justice and argue your points well, studying law could lead to an exciting, high-paying career helping people solve important problems. Not a bad gig at all.
MASS COMMUNICATION
To pursue a career as an art student, consider studying Mass Communication. This interdisciplinary field provides practical skills for working in media, public relations, advertising, and marketing.
Mass Communication degrees usually require general education classes in writing, math, English, and literature. Core major classes cover topics like media writing, public speaking, marketing, and media ethics. Many schools offer concentrations in areas like public relations, digital media, or strategic communication.
Internships and work experience are strongly encouraged and can lead to jobs after graduation. Possible careers include public relations specialist, social media manager, writer, or marketing associate. Starting salaries average around 600,000 per year in Nigeria. Strong job growth is projected in PR, social media, and content creation roles.
Some of the best universities to study Mass Communication in Nigeria include;
- University Of Lagos,
- University Of Nigeria Nsukka,
- University Of Maiduguri,
- University Of Mkar, Gboko,
- University Of Uyo
A Mass Communication degree provides a solid, well-rounded education with opportunities to specialize in high-demand fields. With hard work and persistence, art students can find rewarding work that leverages their creative talents.
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Science opens up many career opportunities in Nigeria. With a degree in this field, you can work as a political scientist, policy analyst, legislative aide, political consultant, journalist, or professor.
Salaries for these roles range from ₦120,000 to ₦700,000 per month. To study Political Science at a university in Nigeria, you’ll need at least 5 credits in WAEC, including English Language, Government, and any other 3 related subjects.
Some of the best universities to study Political Science in Nigeria include;
- University of Ibadan,
- Obafemi Awolowo University,
- University of Nigeria,
- University of Lagos,
- Covenant University.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
International Relations is one of the most popular courses art students can study in Nigerian universities. As an IR student, you’ll gain knowledge about how countries interact and cooperate with each other on a global scale. Some of the general requirements to study IR include:
- 5 O’Level credits, including English, Maths, and Government
- Meet the UTME cut-off mark for your school of choice
- Some schools may require a pre-degree or diploma
With an IR degree, you can work in government agencies like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, or non-profits focused on global issues. You can also find work as a policy analyst, public affairs specialist, or journalist. According to recent surveys, IR graduates in Nigeria earn between ₦120,000 to ₦250,000 per month.
Some of the best universities to study International Relations in Nigeria include;
- University of Lagos,
- Obafemi Awolowo University,
- Covenant University,
- University of Ibadan,
- University of Benin.
THEATER ARTS
If acting is your passion, studying Theater Arts at university is a great choice. Theater Arts degrees provide practical experience in live performance, directing, and production.
With a Theater Arts degree, you’ll have many career opportunities, such as:
- Actor – Work in film, television, theater, or voice-over.
- Director – Oversee all aspects of theater production.
- Producer – Coordinate administrative and financial details of production.
- Set Designer – Design and construct the scenery for a production.
- Costume Designer – Design and create costumes for performances.
- Teacher – Share your passion for theater at high schools or universities.
The average pay for those with a Theater Arts degree in Nigeria is around ₦100,000 per month. But for people that have blown in the industry, they earn millions of naira depending on different factors like experience, job title, location, and employer. While the path may not always be easy, pursuing your dreams in Theater Arts can be very rewarding.
Some of the best universities to study Theater Arts in Nigeria include;
- University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
- University of Lagos, Akoka.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
- University of Benin, Ugbowo.
- University of Port-Harcourt, Choba.
MUSIC
When it comes to studying, there are several rewarding courses you can pursue, including one of the most popular Music. This versatile program provides a solid foundation in music performance, theory, and history. You’ll develop skills that apply to many music careers, like teaching, composing, and conducting.
Studying music in the university typically takes 3-4 years and covers topics such as:
- Music theory and ear training
- Music history spans from medieval to contemporary
- Primary instrument or vocal performance
- Music technology like recording, editing, and production
- Ensemble work like choir, orchestra, or band
- Optional concentrations in jazz, world music, music therapy, etc.
With a degree in this course, you’ll be well prepared for jobs as a music teacher, composer, performer, music director, and more. Experienced musicians that have blown in the Nigerian music industry earn millions to billions of naira.
Earning a degree in music can lead to a career as a professor of music, music therapist, or advanced performer.
Nigeria has many reputable schools to study music like;
- University of Jos (UNIJOS),
- Lagos State University (LASU),
- Mountain Top University (MTU),
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU),
- University of Lagos (UNILAG).
LINGUISTICS
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. As a linguistics student, you’ll analyze how languages work, how people learn and process languages, and how languages change over time.
Some of the most lucrative career paths for linguistics majors in Nigeria include:
- Translators: Translate between English and major Nigerian languages like Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Average monthly pay of ₦250,000.
- Interpreters: Help facilitate communication between English and Nigerian language speakers. Work for companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and as freelancers. The average pay of ₦350,000 per month.
- Speech Language Pathologists: Help treat language and speech disorders. Work in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and private practices. Typically earn ₦500,000-₦1 million per month.
- Foreign Service Officers: Represent Nigeria’s interests abroad. Strong communication skills and knowledge of languages and cultures are essential. Monthly salary around ₦700,000.
- Intelligence Analysts: Monitor communications and analyze data to uncover threats. A Linguistics background provides a foundation for learning regional languages and understanding cultural nuances. The average pay of ₦300,000 per month.
- Market Research Analysts: Analyze data on consumer preferences and buying habits to help companies market their products. Linguistics degree provides research and analytical skills. Average monthly pay of ₦350,000.
Some of the best universities to study Linguistics in Nigeria include;
- University of Ibadan. Nigeria | Ibadan.
- Obafemi Awolowo University.
- University of Nigeria.
- University of Lagos.
- University of Ilorin.
PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is one of the most popular courses of study for art students. A degree in Psychology can open up many career opportunities with lucrative pay. In Nigeria, Psychology degrees are offered at many top universities.
With a Psychology degree, you can work as a Counselor, helping others work through personal issues. You can also work as an Industrial or Organizational Psychologist, helping companies improve work environments and employee productivity. Other options include Social Workers, helping disadvantaged groups; Teachers, educating students in Psychology; and Researchers, expanding our knowledge of human thoughts and behaviors.
Salaries for Psychologists in Nigeria range from ₦120,000 to ₦700,000 per month, depending on experience and specialization. Private clinics and hospitals tend to pay the highest. A Psychology degree can open the door to a rewarding career helping others in your community.
Some of the best universities to study Psychology in Nigeria include;
- University of Lagos
- University of Ibadan
- Covenant University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Ahmadu Bello University
ECONOMICS
Whether you have a creative mind or just love art, studying Economics at university can open up many doors. Economics degrees are quite versatile and useful.
Here are some of the top career paths for Economics majors:
Economist
Economists analyze economic issues and problems, develop and apply theories and concepts, and collect and analyze data to interpret economic trends. The job outlook is good, with an average salary of 80,000 naira.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate investments such as stocks, bonds, and businesses. They provide investment recommendations to businesses and individuals. The average pay is 900,000 naira per year.
Management Consultant
Management consultants help companies improve their performance and efficiency. They analyze the existing problems and offer solutions and strategies to fix them. The average salary for management consultants is 950,000 naira annually.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study market conditions to determine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products and services customers want, who will buy them, and at what price. The median pay is 700,000 naira per year.
Survey Researchers
Survey researchers design and conduct surveys to collect data on people and their preferences. They analyze and interpret the results to help companies and organizations better understand public opinions and trends. The median salary is 950,000 annually.
Some of the best universities to study Economics in Nigeria include;
- University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
- Bayero University, Kano.
- Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike.
- University Of Ilorin, Ilorin.
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
One of the most useful degrees you can pursue as an art student is foreign languages. Knowing a foreign language opens you up to many career opportunities.
Some of the top universities to study foreign languages in Nigeria are:
- University of Ibadan
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Lagos
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
To study foreign languages, you typically need a minimum of five credits at O’level, including English Language and Mathematics. Some schools may require a credit in a science subject.
With a degree in foreign languages, you can work as:
- A translator
- An interpreter
- A foreign language teacher
- A tourism officer
- A foreign affairs officer
- Work in international organizations like the UN, WHO, etc.
On average, you can earn between ₦150,000 to ₦500,000 per month, depending on your experience and language proficiency. Proficiency in multiple languages is especially useful and can increase your salary and job prospects.
CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES
Criminology and security studies teach you investigative and analytical skills useful for various careers. In Nigeria, this degree can lead to jobs in law enforcement, legal services, and private security.
Some career options include:
- Police officer: Help maintain law and order. Monthly pay of ₦50,000-₦200,000.
- Security manager: Oversee operations at corporations, schools, or events. Around ₦250,000 per month.
- Paralegal: Assist lawyers with research and organizing files. Earns ₦150,000-₦350,000 monthly.
- Probation officer: Monitor offenders serving probation sentences. Pay of ₦180,000-₦350,000 per month.
- Crime scene investigator: Collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. Monthly salary of ₦200,000-₦500,000.
- Private investigator: Conduct covert investigations for individuals or businesses. Pay varies, but you can earn ₦250,000-₦1 million per month.
With a degree in criminology and security studies, many opportunities await in Nigeria’s legal and law enforcement fields. The skills you gain will prepare you well for an exciting career promoting safety and justice.
Some of the best universities to study Criminology and security studies in Nigeria include;
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Federal University, Duste (FUD)
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
FINE & APPLIED ART
Fine and Applied Art program teaches skills used in creative industries. You’ll take courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, and more. A degree in this field can lead to jobs like:
- Graphic designer – Create visual designs for websites, books, product packaging, etc. Median pay in Nigeria is ₦150,000 per month.
- Art teacher – Teach art classes at an elementary, middle, or high school. Pay varies but averages ₦100,000 per month.
- Art therapist – Use art to help people express emotions and improve mental health. Pay is around ₦100,000 per month.
- Interior designer – Design interior spaces like homes and offices. Median pay is ₦450,000 per month in Nigeria.
- Art curator – Acquire and manage art for museums and gallery exhibits. Salaries average ₦350,000 monthly but can go much higher for senior roles.
Some of the best universities to study Fine and Applied Art in Nigeria include;
- University of Benin
- University of Nigeria, UNN Nsukka
- Niger Delta University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- University of Ilorin
The program provides a strong foundation in techniques and theory. You’ll build a portfolio to showcase your skills. Career options are many, with the potential for a high salary and job security. A degree in Fine and Applied Arts opens you up to various lucrative opportunities.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 12 of the Best Courses for Art Students to Study in the University. The world needs more creative thinkers and talented artists, so pursue your passion at the university and get the skills and knowledge needed to turn that passion into a successful career. Who knows, with hard work and an arts degree under your belt, you could become the next artistic superstar! The possibilities are endless.