Science

Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics and Economics

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics and Economics is a degree programme that combines statistical methods with economic theory to prepare graduates for careers in data analysis, economic research and policy development. The programme is offered at The Co-operative University of Kenya, equipping graduates with skills in statistical analysis, economic modelling and data-driven decision-making.

The curriculum covers probability theory, statistical inference, regression analysis, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, time series analysis, statistical computing, research methods, economic policy, financial statistics, sampling methods, data visualisation and operations research. Students develop competencies in both statistical methods and economic analysis.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, data analysis projects, economic research assignments, industrial attachment and a research project. The practical approach ensures graduates can analyse economic data, build statistical models and apply economic theory to real-world policy and business challenges.

The programme emphasises the intersection of statistics and economics, recognising that organisations increasingly require professionals who can combine quantitative analysis with economic understanding. Students learn about econometric modelling, economic forecasting, policy analysis and the application of statistical techniques to economic problems.

Graduates are equipped to work in government agencies, financial institutions, research organisations, central banks, insurance companies, consulting firms, international organisations and non-governmental organisations. They contribute to economic analysis, statistical modelling, policy research and data-driven strategy development.

Career opportunities exist in government ministries, the Central Bank of Kenya, commercial banks, insurance companies, research institutions, consulting firms and international organisations. Graduates work as statistical analysts, economic analysts, research analysts, data analysts and policy analysts across sectors requiring quantitative and economic expertise.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 307,000
Private, up to: Ksh 188,700
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: 45 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Probability Theory
Statistical Inference
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Econometrics
Time Series Analysis
Statistical Computing
Research Methods
Sampling Methods
Economic Policy

Modules

10 in the programme

Cell Biology and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Cell structure, function, division, DNA replication, gene expression, and inheritance.
General Chemistry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, and chemical reactions.
Mathematics for Sciences
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Mathematics for Sciences: Calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and statistical methods for science students. Covers theoretical foundations, problem-solving techniques, and practical applications.
Physics for Sciences
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Mechanics, waves, electricity, optics, and modern physics for science programmes.
Microbiology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, cultivation, and applied microbiology.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Research Methods and Statistics: Scientific research methodology, experimental design, and statistical analysis. Covers quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis, and repor...
Laboratory Techniques and Safety
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Laboratory Techniques and Safety: Laboratory procedures, instrumentation, safety protocols, and quality control. Covers safety regulations, risk assessment, and workplace hazard management.
Environmental Science
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental Science: Ecosystems, biodiversity, environmental pollution, and conservation. Covers ecosystem dynamics, conservation principles, and environmental management practices.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Industrial Attachment: Supervised attachment at research institutions, laboratories, or industry. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research Project: Independent research project culminating in a defended report. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.

Specialisations

Econometrics
Focus on statistical methods for economic data analysis, forecasting and model building. 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.
Economic Policy Analysis
Specialisation in applying statistical techniques to evaluate and develop economic policy. 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.
Financial Statistics
Concentration on financial data analysis, risk modelling and monetary statistics. 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.
Business Analytics
Focus on applying statistical methods to business problems, market analysis and decision support. 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.
Development Economics and Statistics
Specialisation in economic development research, poverty analysis and social statistics. 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 econometrics and macroeconomics, using R or Stata for statistical analysis of economic data, working on regression modelling assignments and discussing economic policy implications of statistical findings.

The trade offs

In its favour

Combines statistics with economics, providing versatile quantitative and analytical skills.
High demand for graduates with both statistical and economic analysis skills.
Strong foundation for postgraduate study in economics, statistics or data science.

Against it

Only offered at one university in Kenya, limiting institution choice.
Requires strong mathematical aptitude and analytical thinking.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public184k to 307k

184k at Kenyatta University307k at University of Nairobi

Private189k to 189k

189k at Kabarak University189k at Kabarak 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 Econ&Stats 183.6K/yr (mawese). UoN ~307K/yr. Kabarak Econ&Stats 188.7K/yr (businessradar).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships and county government bursaries.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.

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: A-level with two principal passes in Mathematics and one other relevant subject, or a relevant Diploma from an institution recognised by the University Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, data analysis assignments, statistical computing practicals and research assignments throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering statistics theory, econometrics and economic theory.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum10% of the mark
Supervised attachment with a statistical agency, research institution or financial organisation, assessed through logbook and written report.
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Independent research project applying statistical methods to an economic problem, including data analysis and written report.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at The Co-operative University of Kenya.

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

Statistical Analyst
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Applies statistical methods to analyse data and generate insights for research institutions, government agencies or businesses.
Economic Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Analyses economic data, monitors trends and provides economic forecasts for banks, government agencies or consulting firms.
Research Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Conducts research and data analysis for research institutions, supporting study design and statistical interpretation.
Data Analyst
Very high demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Collects, cleans and analyses data to support decision-making in organisations using statistical and econometric methods.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 135,000
Analyses policy impacts using statistical methods, supporting evidence-based policy development in government or think tanks.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as statistical analysts, economic analysts, research analysts, data analysts and policy analysts in government agencies, financial institutions, research organisations and consulting firms.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for statistical computing and econometric analysis.
Python
Programming languagePrimary
Programming language for data analysis, statistical modelling and automation.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for survey data and social science research.
Stata
Software
Statistical software for econometrics, time series analysis and data management.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for data management, statistical analysis and economic modelling.
EViews
Software
Econometric analysis software for time series modelling and forecasting.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied Statistics and Economics is just about accounting.
The programme combines statistical methods with economic theory, focusing on data analysis, econometric modelling and policy research rather than accounting.
Graduates only work as statisticians in government offices.
Graduates work as economic analysts, statistical analysts, research analysts and policy analysts in banks, research institutions, consulting firms and international organisations.
The programme does not require strong mathematics skills.
Mathematical aptitude is essential, as the programme covers probability theory, econometrics and statistical modelling.
Applied Statistics and Economics is the same as Economics.
The programme combines statistics with economics, providing unique quantitative skills that pure Economics programmes do not offer.