Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology is a programme that provides comprehensive training in biodiversity conservation, wildlife management and environmental protection. Offered at Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Maseno University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in conservation, wildlife management and environmental protection.

The curriculum covers conservation biology, ecology, wildlife management, biodiversity, population genetics, ecosystem management, environmental policy, protected area management, community conservation, GIS for conservation, climate change, restoration ecology, field methods, statistics, research methods and a research project. Students develop field and analytical skills for conservation.

Kenya's rich biodiversity, wildlife tourism and conservation challenges create demand for conservation biology graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, fieldwork in national parks and reserves, laboratory sessions, industrial attachment and research projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as conservation biologists, wildlife managers, park rangers, environmental officers, conservation researchers, GIS specialists, community conservation officers, environmental consultants and NGO programme officers. They work in Kenya Wildlife Service, national parks, conservation NGOs, research institutions, environmental agencies, universities and consulting firms.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 244,800
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

Conservation Biology
Ecology
Wildlife Management
Biodiversity
Population Genetics
Ecosystem Management
Environmental Policy
Protected Area Management
Community Conservation
Restoration Ecology

Modules

12 in the programme

Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Population Genetics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Genetics of populations. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Ecosystem Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Ecosystem management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Protected Area Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Park and reserve management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...

Specialisations

Ecosystem Restoration
Restoration ecology. 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.
Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife 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.
Community Conservation
Community-based conservation. 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.
Conservation Genetics
Genetics for conservation. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 conservation lectures, conducting field surveys in natural habitats, studying population genetics, using GIS for conservation mapping, researching biodiversity, analysing ecological data, and working on conservation research projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's rich biodiversity creates unique opportunities
Socially impactful and meaningful career
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Field-based learning in national parks and reserves
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Fieldwork can be physically demanding
Conservation funding can be uncertain
Some roles require working in 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

Public245k to 245k

245k at Kenyatta University245k at Kenyatta 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 244.8K/yr official site. Private: no verified conservation biology programs found.

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Conservation NGOs may offer fieldwork grants.

Funding options

HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.

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 C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. Diploma in wildlife, forestry, environmental science or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Biology
C+
Chemistry
C+
Mathematics
C+
English or Kiswahili
C+

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
Field and Laboratory Practicals
Practicum30% of the mark
Field surveys and lab sessions
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
End of semester written exams

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at KU, UoN, Egerton, Maseno and other institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
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

8 roles

Conservation Biologist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Conservation research
Wildlife Manager
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 250,000
Wildlife management
Environmental Officer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 230,000
Environmental management
NGO Programme Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Conservation programmes
Conservation Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 300,000
Conservation research
Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as conservation biologists, wildlife managers and environmental officers in Kenya Wildlife Service, conservation NGOs and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
Gis softwarePrimary
Conservation mapping and spatial analysis.
R
Statistical softwarePrimary
Statistical analysis for ecology and conservation.
Distance Sampling Software
Analysis
Wildlife population estimation.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for biological research data.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet for biodiversity data entry and analysis.
Google Earth
Software
Satellite imagery for habitat monitoring and conservation planning.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Conservation biology is just about saving animals.
The programme covers genetics, ecology, policy, community conservation and ecosystem management.
Conservation has no career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's wildlife tourism and conservation sector create demand for professionals.
Conservation biologists only work in parks.
Graduates work in NGOs, research, government, consulting and community conservation.
This is less rigorous than other biology degrees.
Conservation biology requires strong science skills with additional field and policy knowledge.