Students’ Motivation in Choosing Entrepreneurship as an Optional Course

This study aims to explore the reasons why students choose Entrepreneurship as an optional course and to analyze their motivation using the framework of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). This research employed a descriptive qualitative design. The participants were seven students of the English Education Department who had taken the Entrepreneurship course. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.The findings show that students chose the course for several reasons. The most dominant reason was future career and financial considerations, as students viewed entrepreneurship as an alternative or complementary career option besides becoming a teacher. Other reasons included personal interest in entrepreneurship, opportunities for skill development, and situational factors such as course availability and schedule.In terms of motivation, competence emerged as the most prominent psychological need, as students expected to develop practical skills and reported increased confidence after completing the course. Autonomy was reflected in students’ personal initiative in choosing the course, while relatedness appeared through peer influence and classroom interaction. The findings also indicate the presence of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among the participants. Overall, the Entrepreneurship course provides valuable learning experiences that support students’ motivation and broaden their perspectives on future career opportunities.