Technology

Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology is a degree programme that focuses on the integration, design, deployment and management of computing and telecommunication resources and services. The programme is offered at United States International University Africa, equipping graduates with skills in information technology infrastructure, software development and technology management.

The curriculum covers programming fundamentals, data structures and algorithms, database systems, computer networks, software engineering, web development, operating systems, computer architecture, information security, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, network administration, systems analysis, IT project management and technology entrepreneurship. Students develop competencies in both hardware and software aspects of computing.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, design projects, industrial attachment and a capstone project or internship. The practical approach ensures graduates can design technology infrastructures, develop software solutions, manage network systems and support users in modern computing environments.

The programme emphasises the interdisciplinary nature of information technology, recognising that computing solutions must address needs across all sectors of the economy. Students learn about needs assessment, technology transfer, user support and the integration of computing and telecommunication services in organisational settings.

Graduates are equipped to work in technology companies, telecommunications firms, financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, non-governmental organisations and any organisation requiring IT infrastructure management. They contribute to technology deployment, system administration, software development and IT service management.

Career opportunities exist in technology companies, telecommunications firms, banks, government agencies, consulting firms and NGOs. Graduates work as IT support specialists, network administrators, systems analysts, software developers and technology consultants across diverse sectors requiring computing and telecommunication expertise.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 306,000
Private, up to: Ksh 441,500
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Programming Fundamentals
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems
Computer Networks
Software Engineering
Web Development
Operating Systems
Computer Architecture
Information Security
Artificial Intelligence

Modules

12 in the programme

Programming Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to programming concepts, algorithms and problem-solving using a high-level language.
Computer Architecture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer hardware architecture, processor design, memory systems and input/output organisation.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Data organisation, algorithms, complexity analysis and algorithm design techniques.
Database Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Database Systems: Relational database design, SQL, normalisation and database management systems. Covers data modelling, query optimisation, storage structures, and information retrieval.
Computer Networks
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Network protocols, architectures, routing, switching and network security fundamentals.
Software Engineering
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Software development lifecycle, design patterns, testing and project management methodologies.
Web Development
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Web Development: Web technologies, front-end and back-end development, web frameworks and APIs. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Operating Systems
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Operating system concepts, process management, memory management and file systems.
Information Security
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Security threats, cryptography, access control, security policies and risk management.
Cloud Computing
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Cloud service models, virtualisation, cloud infrastructure and deployment strategies.
IT Project Management
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Project planning, risk management, agile methodologies and IT service management.
Capstone Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year project integrating knowledge from the programme to solve a real-world IT problem.

Specialisations

Network Administration and Security
Focus on computer network design, administration, security and telecommunications infrastructure management.
Software Development
Specialisation in software engineering, application development and programming. 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.
Database Management
Concentration on database design, administration and data management systems. 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.
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Focus on cloud infrastructure, virtualisation technologies and cloud service management. 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.
IT Management and Entrepreneurship
Specialisation in IT project management, technology entrepreneurship and IT service management. 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 involves attending lectures on network architecture and database systems, working on programming assignments in the computer lab, collaborating on group software development projects and researching emerging technologies in cloud computing and AI.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for IT professionals across all sectors of the economy.
Comprehensive curriculum covering both hardware and software aspects of computing.
Programme includes capstone project and internship for practical experience.

Against it

Only offered at USIU-Africa, a private university with higher tuition fees.
Not available through KUCCPS placement, requiring direct admission.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public265k to 306k

265k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University

Private111k to 442k

111k at Mount Kenya University442k at USIU-Africa

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 306K/yr, UoN 264.5K/yr. USIU 441.5K/yr (official), MKU 111K/yr (prospectus).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, USIU-Africa work study program and county government bursaries.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
USIU-Africa Work Study Program
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

USIU-Africa Work Study Program
SponsorshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
USIU-Africa students demonstrating financial need. Campus-based work opportunities that partly finance the programme.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in IT, Computer Science or related fields from recognised institutions may also apply. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through TOEFL or equivalent.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, programming assignments, lab practicals and project submissions throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering programming, networking, databases and IT management.
Capstone Project or Internship
Project10% of the mark
Final-year capstone project or supervised internship, assessed through project report and presentation.
Laboratory Practicals
Practical10% of the mark
Hands-on laboratory assessments covering programming, network configuration and database management.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at United States International University Africa.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. This programme must be offered by a CUE-accredited university.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

IT Support Specialist
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides technical support, manages IT infrastructure and resolves hardware and software issues in organisations.
Network Administrator
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Designs, configures and maintains computer networks and telecommunications infrastructure.
Systems Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 130,000
Analyses organisational IT needs, designs system solutions and oversees technology implementation.
Software Developer
Very high demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Develops software applications, web platforms and mobile solutions for organisations and clients.
Technology Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 160,000
Advises organisations on technology strategy, IT infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as IT support specialists, network administrators, systems analysts, software developers and technology consultants in technology companies, telecommunications firms, banks and consulting firms.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
Programming languagePrimary
Versatile programming language for software development, data analysis and automation.
Java
Programming languagePrimary
Object-oriented programming language for enterprise applications and Android development.
Cisco Packet Tracer
Software
Network simulation tool for designing and configuring computer networks.
MySQL
Software
Relational database management system for data storage and retrieval.
Git
Software
Version control system for collaborative software development.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied Computer Technology is just about repairing computers.
The programme covers software development, network design, database management, cloud computing and IT infrastructure management.
Graduates only work as IT support technicians.
Graduates work as network administrators, systems analysts, software developers, technology consultants and IT project managers.
The programme is the same as Computer Science.
Applied Computer Technology focuses on the integration and management of computing resources and services, while Computer Science is more theoretical and algorithm-focused.
The programme is only available at public universities.
The programme is offered at USIU-Africa, a private university, and is not available through KUCCPS placement.