Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Economics

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Economics is a four-year degree programme that combines the study of spatial patterns and environmental processes with economic theory and analysis.

The curriculum covers physical geography, human geography, geomorphology, cartography, geographic information systems, microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic geography, population studies, environmental economics, development economics, statistics, research methods, and field techniques.

Students develop competencies in spatial analysis, economic analysis, GIS, data interpretation, statistical methods, field research, and policy evaluation. The programme combines theoretical study with practical fieldwork, laboratory sessions, and computational analysis.

Graduates pursue careers as economic planners, GIS analysts, researchers, teachers, policy analysts, consultancy officers, and development workers. They find employment in government ministries, county governments, planning departments, research institutions, NGOs, and private consultancies.

The programme is offered at Chuka University as a public university programme and Mount Kenya University as a private institution. Chuka University charges KSH 183,600 per year, while Mount Kenya University charges KSH 60,000 per semester.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Geography, C+ in Mathematics, or alternative qualifications including KACE with two principal passes or a relevant diploma.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 120,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Physical Geography
Human Geography
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Economic Geography
Cartography
Geographic Information Systems
Environmental Economics
Development Economics
Statistics

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Physical Geography
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational study of Earth's physical systems including lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
Principles of Microeconomics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to microeconomic theory including supply and demand, consumer behaviour, and market structures.
Introduction to Human Geography
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of human activities and their spatial distribution, including population and settlement patterns.
Principles of Macroeconomics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduction to macroeconomic theory including national income, inflation, unemployment, and fiscal policy.
Cartography
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Cartography: Principles and techniques of map design, production, and interpretation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Economic Geography
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Spatial distribution of economic activities and the geographical factors influencing economic development.
Geographic Information Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and applications of GIS technology for spatial data analysis and mapping.
Environmental Economics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Application of economic principles to environmental issues, including resource valuation and sustainability.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Practical attachment in an organisation requiring geographical and economic analysis skills.
Development Economics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of economic development processes, with emphasis on developing countries and regional disparities.
Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods for geographical and economic studies, including field techniques and statistical analysis.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project integrating geographical and economic analysis, involving field research and dissertation.

Specialisations

Economic Geography
Study of spatial distribution of economic activities and how geographical factors influence economic development.
Environmental Economics
Application of economic principles to environmental issues, including resource valuation and sustainability.
Development Economics
Study of economic development processes, with emphasis on developing countries and regional disparities.
GIS and Spatial Analysis
Application of GIS technology for spatial data analysis in economic and geographical contexts. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Urban and Regional Planning
Application of geographical and economic principles to urban development and regional planning. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day combines geographical and economic study. Morning sessions cover physical geography, microeconomics, or macroeconomics, while afternoons focus on GIS labs, statistics practicals, or fieldwork. Students analyse spatial data, interpret economic trends, and conduct field surveys. The interdisciplinary nature means students switch between map analysis and economic modelling, providing a unique perspective on development issues.

The trade offs

In its favour

Interdisciplinary combination provides versatile career options in both geographical and economic fields.
Programme equips graduates with both spatial analysis and economic modelling skills, a rare combination.
Devolution in Kenya creates demand for graduates who understand both spatial planning and economic development.
Chuka University offers flexible study modes including full-time, evening, and weekend options.

Against it

Programme is offered at only two universities, limiting institutional choice.
Covering two disciplines in four years means less depth in each compared to single-subject degrees.
Some employers may not fully understand the interdisciplinary qualification.
Balancing coursework from two distinct disciplines can be academically demanding.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 241 social sciences courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private120k to 120k

120k at Mount Kenya University120k at Mount Kenya University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 153,000/yr; UoN 189,004/yr; MKU 120,000/yr. Src: KUCCPS, studyinkenya. Zetech unverified.

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Some organisations offer scholarships for GIS and economics training.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Internal Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

University Internal Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) Training Scholarship
ScholarshipKenyan
Students in geospatial sciences, GIS and remote sensing

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KACE with two principal passes (one in Geography); OR a Diploma or HND in Geography, Economics, Environmental Studies, or a related discipline from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the University Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, practical assignments, GIS lab exercises, and economic problem sets during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering geographical and economic theory, methods, and applications.
Industrial Attachment Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of attachment performance in an organisation, including supervisor evaluation and report.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project integrating geographical and economic analysis, with field research and dissertation.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Economic Planning Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 110,000
Works in government or county planning departments, combining spatial and economic analysis for development planning.
GIS Analyst
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Creates and analyses spatial data using GIS software for organisations.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Conducts research on economic and geographical topics for research institutions or NGOs.
Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Teaches geography and economics at secondary schools, requiring additional teaching qualification.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 130,000
Analyses and develops policies combining spatial and economic perspectives for government or think tanks.
Development Worker
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 100,000
Works in NGOs or development agencies, applying geographical and economic knowledge to development projects.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as economic planners, GIS analysts, researchers, teachers, and policy analysts. The interdisciplinary combination provides versatile career opportunities in government, research, and private sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
Industry-standard GIS software for spatial analysis and mapping.
QGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis and mapping.
SPSS
Statistical analysisPrimary
Statistical analysis software for economic and geographical research data.
Microsoft Excel
Data analysis
Spreadsheet software for data management and economic analysis.
Stata
Statistical analysis
Statistical software widely used in economics for data analysis and modelling.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geography and Economics is just two separate degrees combined.
The programme is integrated, focusing on how geographical factors influence economic activities and development patterns.
The programme limits career options compared to pure economics or geography.
The interdisciplinary combination actually broadens career options, opening doors in both geographical and economic fields.
Geography and Economics is only for future teachers.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in planning, research, GIS analysis, policy, and consultancy beyond teaching.
The programme is less rigorous than pure economics.
Students complete full economics modules alongside geography, maintaining academic rigour in both disciplines.