Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is a programme that provides comprehensive training in environmental processes, pollution and ecosystem science. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Maseno University, Egerton University, Moi University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in environmental science, research and management.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 324,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,296,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 109,100 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 25 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Climate Change Analyst, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers environmental chemistry, environmental biology, ecology, atmospheric science, soil science, water science, environmental pollution, environmental monitoring, environmental impact assessment, climate change, environmental toxicology, GIS, environmental statistics, waste management, research methods and a research project. Students develop scientific and analytical skills for environmental assessment.
Kenya's environmental challenges, pollution concerns and regulatory requirements create demand for environmental science graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, laboratory sessions, fieldwork, industrial attachment and research projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as environmental scientists, environmental analysts, pollution control officers, environmental researchers, EIA specialists, environmental consultants, laboratory analysts and environmental educators. They work in NEMA, research institutions, consulting firms, manufacturing, universities, county governments and international organisations.
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.
What you study
10 subjects- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Biology
- Ecology
- Atmospheric Science
- Soil Science
- Water Science
- Environmental Pollution
- Environmental Monitoring
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental Toxicology
Modules
10 in the programmeEnvironmental Chemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Chemistry of environment. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...
Environmental Biology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Biology of ecosystems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Ecology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Ecosystem ecology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Atmospheric Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Atmosphere and climate. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Soil Science
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Soil environment. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...
Water Science
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Water resources. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Environmental Pollution
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Pollution science. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Environmental Monitoring
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Monitoring techniques. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Environmental Toxicology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Toxic substances. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...
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
Climate Science
Climate change. 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.
Pollution Control
Pollution 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.
Water Resources
Water science. 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 Chemistry
Chemical analysis. 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 environmental science lectures, working in environmental chemistry laboratories, conducting field sampling, studying pollution processes, using GIS for environmental mapping, analysing environmental data, researching climate change, and working on environmental research projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Strong demand due to environmental regulations | Fieldwork can be physically demanding |
| Interdisciplinary science with diverse applications | Laboratory work involves hazardous materials |
| Socially impactful profession | May require postgraduate qualifications for research roles |
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 coursesAnnual 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 245K, UoN 324K/yr (KUCCPS/Schedule II). MKU 109K/yr (eafinder).
HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available for eligible students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarships
3 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students
Scholarships you could apply for
14 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. Diploma in environmental science, laboratory technology or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
When it next starts
Taught at 25 institutionsIncluding Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kisii University, Moi University.
Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kisii University, Moi University.
Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kisii University, Moi University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
Laboratory and Field Practicals
Practicum20% of the mark
Lab and field sessions
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at multiple public and private universities. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesEIA Specialist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Environmental impact assessment
Pollution Control Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 260,000
Pollution management
Environmental Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000
Environmental research
Environmental Analyst
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000
Environmental analysis
Environmental Scientist
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 300,000
Environmental science
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as environmental scientists, environmental analysts and pollution control officers in NEMA, research institutions and consulting firms.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Wildlife Corridors EcologistEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Finance AnalystEnvironmental Science11Low exposure
- Mangrove Restoration SpecialistEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Mine Reclamation SpecialistEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Riparian Restoration EcologistEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Urban Forestry SpecialistEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
- Water Treatment OperatorEnvironmental Science12Low exposure
Tools you will learn
R
Analytics
Python
Code
Google Earth Engine
Cloud
AutoCAD
Design
ArcGIS
Gis
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Environmental science is just about nature.
The programme covers chemistry, biology, atmospheric science, toxicology and pollution monitoring.
Environmental science graduates only work for NGOs.
Graduates work in NEMA, research, consulting, manufacturing and government.
There are no jobs in environmental science.
Environmental regulations and pollution concerns create strong demand.
Environmental science is less rigorous than other sciences.
The programme integrates chemistry, biology, physics and statistics.