Education

Bachelor of Arts (Science with Education)

The Bachelor of Science with Education is a four-year degree that combines science subjects with education and pedagogy, preparing graduates for careers as secondary school science teachers and education professionals. Students study two teaching subjects from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, and Geography, alongside education courses including curriculum development, educational psychology, assessment and evaluation, teaching methods, and educational research.

Graduates find opportunities in secondary schools, teacher training colleges, educational administration, curriculum development, and educational publishing. The programme is delivered over eight semesters at Moi University, Karatina University, and University of Eldoret, all CUE-accredited public universities.

Teaching methods include lectures, science laboratory practicals, teaching practice, micro-teaching, and school-based attachments. Graduates work as secondary school science teachers, education officers, curriculum developers, and education administrators.

TSC teachers start at Grade C2 (KES 41,400–57,200/month), with progression to higher grades based on experience and qualifications. This programme suits students with strong science aptitude, passion for teaching, and desire to shape the next generation of scientists.

Science teachers are in high demand in Kenya's secondary education system, particularly in STEM subjects. Skills RequiredScience Content Knowledge (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)Teaching Methodology and PedagogyCurriculum Development and PlanningEducational Psychology and AssessmentScience Laboratory ManagementLesson Planning and Instructional DesignEducational Research MethodsClassroom Management and Student EngagementAssessment and Evaluation TechniquesICT Integration in Science EducationKey SubjectsMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyComputer StudiesEducational PsychologyCurriculum DevelopmentTeaching Methods and PedagogyAssessment and EvaluationEducational ResearchCertificationsTeachers Service Commission (TSC) RegistrationKenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) CertificationKenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) MembershipSpecializationsMathematics and Physics EducationFocus on teaching Mathematics and Physics in secondary schools, developing pedagogical content knowledge for these subjects and preparing for TSC deployment as a maths/physics teacher.

Chemistry and Biology EducationFocus on teaching Chemistry and Biology in secondary schools, with laboratory management skills and pedagogical strategies for science instruction. Mathematics and Computer Studies EducationFocus on teaching Mathematics and Computer Studies, integrating ICT in education and preparing for digital literacy instruction in secondary schools.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 286,620
Private, up to: Ksh 257,800
Job market: Very high

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Computer Studies
Educational Psychology
Curriculum Development
Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Assessment and Evaluation
Educational Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Foundations of Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to education theory, history of education, philosophy of education, and the Kenyan education system — providing the foundation for professional teacher development.
Educational Psychology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Psychological principles applied to education including learning theories, cognitive development, motivation, individual differences, and classroom behaviour management.
Science Subject I — Content and Methodology
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Advanced content study in the first teaching subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology) combined with subject-specific teaching methodology and instructional strategies.
Science Subject II — Content and Methodology
Year 2Semester 24 creditsCore
Advanced content study in the second teaching subject combined with subject-specific teaching methodology, laboratory management, and instructional design.
Curriculum Development and Design
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of curriculum development, curriculum design models, the Kenyan secondary school curriculum, and competency-based curriculum (CBC) implementation.
Teaching Methods and Micro-Teaching
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical teaching skills including lesson planning, instructional strategies, micro-teaching sessions, peer teaching, and feedback for developing classroom teaching competence.
Assessment and Evaluation in Education
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of educational assessment, test construction, formative and summative evaluation, KCSE examination practices, and data-driven assessment strategies.
Science Laboratory Management and Safety
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Management of science laboratories including equipment handling, chemical safety, laboratory organisation, experiment preparation, and safety protocols for school labs.
ICT Integration in Science Education
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Integration of ICT in science teaching including educational technology tools, digital simulations, online resources, and e-learning platforms for science instruction.
Educational Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methodology in education including qualitative and quantitative methods, action research, classroom-based research, and research ethics for educational studies.
Teaching Practice
Year 4Semester 212 creditsCore
Supervised teaching practice in a secondary school, applying pedagogical skills in real classroom settings, with observation, assessment, and feedback from university supervisors and school mentors.
Special Needs and Inclusive Education
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of inclusive education, special needs education, differentiated instruction, and strategies for teaching science to diverse learners including those with disabilities.

Specialisations

Mathematics and Physics Education
Focus on teaching Mathematics and Physics in secondary schools, developing pedagogical content knowledge for these subjects and preparing for TSC deployment as a maths/physics teacher.
Chemistry and Biology Education
Focus on teaching Chemistry and Biology in secondary schools, with laboratory management skills and pedagogical strategies for science instruction.
Mathematics and Computer Studies Education
Focus on teaching Mathematics and Computer Studies, integrating ICT in education and preparing for digital literacy instruction in secondary schools.
Physics and Chemistry Education
Focus on teaching Physics and Chemistry, with emphasis on experimental methods, laboratory safety, and scientific inquiry pedagogy.
Biology and Geography Education
Focus on teaching Biology and Geography, combining life sciences with earth sciences for environmental and field-based education.
Educational Administration and Policy
Focus on education management, school administration, education policy, and leadership for careers beyond classroom teaching in the education sector.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning science lectures and laboratory practicals with afternoon education and pedagogy courses. Students conduct chemistry experiments, solve mathematics problems, practise micro-teaching, develop lesson plans, and study educational psychology. Evenings involve preparing teaching aids, writing lesson plans, and reviewing science content for teaching practice.

The trade offs

In its favour

Science teachers are in very high demand in Kenya — TSC consistently recruits STEM teachers, making this one of the most employable education degrees.
TSC employment provides job security, structured salary progression, allowances, pension benefits, and career advancement opportunities in school administration.
The programme combines science content with pedagogy, producing graduates who can both understand and effectively teach science — a dual skill set valued in education.
Offered at three public universities with identical fees, providing geographic choice for prospective students across different regions of Kenya.

Against it

Teaching practice is demanding — students spend a full term in a secondary school, requiring relocation and full-time teaching commitment during that period.
Starting salary for TSC teachers at Grade C2 (KES 41,400–57,200/month) is modest compared to private sector science careers, though benefits and job security are strong.
The programme requires strong science aptitude — students must maintain competence in two science subjects alongside education coursework, which can be challenging.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 education courses

Public245k to 287k

245k at Moi University287k at Karatina University

Private191k to 258k

191k at Kabarak University258k at Daystar 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

Moi BEd Sci 244,800; Karatina 286,620/yr. Kabarak ~191,100; Daystar BEd 257,800/yr. Src: educationnewshub KUCCPS, Kabarak PDF

Students can access HELB loans, county government bursaries, TSC teacher training scholarships, and university-specific bursaries.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
County Government Bursaries
TSC Teacher Training Scholarships

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Students from the respective county, applied through county education offices.
TSC Teacher Training Support
BursaryKsh 25,000Kenyan
Students pursuing teacher training in shortage subjects (sciences and mathematics), applied through TSC and university financial aid offices.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students placed through KUCCPS in public universities.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with a KNEC Diploma in Science, Applied Sciences, Education, or a related field from a recognised institution. KACE with two principal passes and one subsidiary pass in science subjects.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework25% of the mark
Written tests covering science content and education theory, assessed through mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations in both subject and education courses.
Science Laboratory Practicals
Coursework20% of the mark
Laboratory experiments, practical examinations, and demonstration of scientific techniques in physics, chemistry, and biology — assessed through practical sessions.
Micro-Teaching and Lesson Planning
Coursework25% of the mark
Micro-teaching presentations, lesson plan submissions, teaching aid development, and peer teaching assessments — developing practical teaching competence.
Teaching Practice and Final Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Supervised teaching practice assessment in secondary schools and end-of-programme written examinations covering science content and education theory.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Moi University, Karatina University, and University of Eldoret, all CUE-accredited public universities. Graduates qualify for Teachers Service Commission (TSC) registration as secondary school science teachers.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Secondary School Science Teacher (TSC Grade C2)
Very high demandKsh 41,400 to Ksh 57,200
Teaches science subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Computer Studies) in secondary schools under TSC employment, delivering curriculum and preparing students for KCSE examinations.
Education Officer (CSG 9)
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 80,000
Works in the Ministry of Education or county education offices handling education administration, quality assurance, curriculum support, and school supervision.
Curriculum Developer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 75,000
Develops and reviews science curricula at KICD or educational publishing houses, creating teaching materials, textbooks, and digital learning resources for science education.
Science Laboratory Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 65,000
Manages science laboratories in secondary schools or colleges, overseeing equipment, chemical safety, experiment preparation, and supporting science practical lessons.
Civil Service Officer (CSG 10)
High demandKsh 42,970 to Ksh 59,120
Entry-level government position in education-related ministries handling administrative duties, education policy implementation, and school support services.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as secondary school science teachers, education officers, curriculum developers, and education administrators in schools, TSC, KICD, and the Ministry of Education.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Office Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Productivity tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access for lesson planning, assessment data management, presentations, and professional communication.
Google Workspace
SoftwarePrimary
Collaboration and productivity tools for lesson preparation, classroom management, student communication, and educational resource sharing.
GeoGebra
Software
Interactive mathematics software for teaching geometry, algebra, calculus, and statistics — widely used in secondary school mathematics education.
PhET Interactive Simulations
Software
Free interactive science simulations for teaching physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics — developed by the University of Colorado for science education.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for educational research, assessment data analysis, and classroom-based research projects — useful for the research component of the programme.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Science with Education is easier than a pure science degree.
Students study the same science content as pure science degrees, plus education courses — the workload is comparable, with additional pedagogy and teaching practice requirements.
This degree only leads to classroom teaching.
While teaching is the primary career, graduates work in curriculum development, educational administration, publishing, research, policy, and training — the skills are transferable across the education sector.
Science teachers are not in demand in Kenya.
STEM teachers are among the most sought-after in Kenya's secondary schools, with TSC consistently recruiting science and mathematics teachers to address shortages.
Teaching is not a well-paying career.
TSC teachers have stable employment with structured salary scales, allowances, and pension benefits. Experienced teachers and school administrators earn competitive salaries with job security.
You need to be brilliant in all sciences to study this programme.
Students specialise in two teaching subjects, so you focus on areas of strength — for example, Mathematics and Physics, or Biology and Chemistry, rather than all sciences.