Environmental Science

Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Management

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Management is a four-year degree programme that combines the study of geographical processes with environmental management principles. The curriculum covers physical geography, human geography, geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, environmental conservation and management, natural resource management, cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, environmental impact assessment, research methods, and field techniques. Students develop competencies in spatial analysis, GIS and remote sensing, environmental assessment, resource management planning, field research, data analysis, and environmental reporting.

The programme combines theoretical study with practical fieldwork, laboratory sessions, and geospatial technology training. Graduates pursue careers as environmental officers, GIS analysts, natural resource managers, conservation officers, urban planners, researchers, and consultancy officers. They find employment in government ministries, NEMA, county governments, environmental agencies, NGOs, and private consultancies.

The programme is offered at Maseno University and Tom Mboya University, combining geography with natural resource management and IT skills. Maseno University charges KSH 224,000 per year for the programme. Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in Geography and C in Mathematics, following KUCCPS cluster requirements for geography-related programmes. Skills RequiredSpatial analysisGIS and remote sensingEnvironmental assessmentResource management planningField researchCartographyData analysisEnvironmental reportingKey SubjectsPhysical GeographyHuman GeographyGeomorphologyClimatologyEnvironmental Conservation and ManagementNatural Resource ManagementCartographyGeographic Information SystemsRemote SensingEnvironmental Impact AssessmentCertificationsEsri Technical Certification (GIS)Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Associate NEMA CertificationSpecializationsPhysical GeographyStudy of natural Earth systems including geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, and hydrology.

Environmental ManagementApplication of geographical knowledge to environmental conservation, resource management, and sustainability.

Natural Resource ManagementSustainable management of natural resources including water, land, forests, and minerals. GIS and Remote SensingApplication of geospatial technologies for environmental monitoring and resource mapping.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
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
Geomorphology
Climatology
Environmental Conservation and Management
Natural Resource Management
Cartography
Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing
Environmental Impact Assessment

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Physical Geography
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational study of Earth's physical systems including lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
Introduction to Human Geography
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of human activities and their spatial distribution, including population, settlement, and economic patterns.
Geography of Kenya
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of Kenya's physical and human geography, including climate, landforms, population, and economic activities.
Principles of Environmental Conservation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Fundamental principles of environmental conservation and management, including ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Cartography and Surveying
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and techniques of map design, surveying, and spatial data representation.
Natural Resources Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Sustainable management of natural resources including water, land, forests, and minerals.
Geographic Information Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and applications of GIS technology for spatial data capture, analysis, and visualisation in environmental management.
Remote Sensing
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and applications of satellite and aerial remote sensing for environmental monitoring and resource mapping.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Practical attachment in an environmental agency, planning department, GIS consultancy, or conservation organisation.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Methods and procedures for assessing environmental impacts of development projects and preparing environmental reports.
Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods for geographical and environmental studies, including field techniques, data collection, and analysis.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a geography and environmental management topic, involving field research and dissertation.

Specialisations

Physical Geography
Study of natural Earth systems including geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, and hydrology. 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.
Environmental Management
Application of geographical knowledge to environmental conservation, resource management, and sustainability.
Natural Resource Management
Sustainable management of natural resources including water, land, forests, and minerals. 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.
GIS and Remote Sensing
Application of geospatial technologies for environmental monitoring and resource mapping. 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.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Assessment of environmental impacts of development projects and preparation of environmental reports.

A day as a student

A typical day combines classroom learning with practical geospatial and environmental work. Morning sessions cover physical geography, environmental management, or natural resource studies, while afternoons focus on GIS labs, fieldwork, or environmental assessment practicals. Students use GIS software, analyse satellite imagery, conduct environmental surveys, and develop resource management plans. Field trips to study landforms, environmental issues, and resource management practices are integral to the programme.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines geography with environmental management, providing versatile skills for multiple sectors.
IT integration enhances graduates' competitiveness in geospatial technology fields.
Growing environmental regulations in Kenya create demand for environmental management graduates.
Maseno University's School of Arts and Social Sciences provides a multidisciplinary environment.

Against it

Programme is offered at only two universities, limiting institutional choice.
Higher fees compared to plain BA Geography programmes at other universities.
Some employers may not distinguish between this and general geography or environmental science degrees.
Fieldwork can be physically demanding and may require travel to remote areas.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 181 environmental science courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

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 (KUCCPS). Private unverified. Src: KU website, KUCCPS

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Some environmental organisations offer internship stipends.

Funding options

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

Scholarships

5 recorded

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
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.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: Credit pass at Ordinary Diploma in Environmental Science or related courses from a recognised institution; OR KACE with two principal passes; 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 field reports during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering geographical theory, environmental management, and applications.
Industrial Attachment Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of attachment performance in an environmental or geographical organisation, including supervisor evaluation and report.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project involving field research, spatial analysis, and a written 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

Environmental Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Monitors and manages environmental issues, conducts assessments, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
GIS Analyst
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Creates and analyses spatial data using GIS software for environmental and resource management applications.
Natural Resource Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 95,000
Manages natural resources including water, land, and forests for government agencies or conservation organisations.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 75,000
Conducts geographical and environmental research for academic institutions, NGOs, or research organisations.
Conservation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 85,000
Works on conservation projects, managing protected areas and biodiversity for government or NGOs.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provides environmental consulting services, including impact assessments and compliance audits, for private firms.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as environmental officers, GIS analysts, natural resource managers, and conservation officers. Demand is moderate with growing opportunities in environmental regulation and sustainable development.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
Industry-standard GIS software for spatial analysis, mapping, and environmental data management.
QGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis and environmental mapping.
Google Earth Engine
Remote sensing
Cloud-based platform for satellite imagery analysis and environmental monitoring.
Microsoft Excel
Data analysis
Spreadsheet software for environmental data management and analysis.
SPSS
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis software for environmental and geographical research data.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geography and Environmental Management is just about planting trees.
The programme involves rigorous scientific study of environmental systems, geospatial analysis, resource management planning, and environmental policy.
Environmental management graduates can only work for NGOs.
Graduates find employment in government agencies, county governments, private consultancies, research institutions, and international organisations.
The programme is less technical than pure science degrees.
Students learn advanced GIS, remote sensing, statistical analysis, and environmental modelling technologies.
Environmental management is a soft career path.
Graduates work on critical issues including climate change, resource depletion, environmental compliance, and sustainable development planning.