Environmental Science

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 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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 324,000
Private, up to: Ksh 109,100
Job market: 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

Environmental Chemistry
Environmental Biology
Ecology
Atmospheric Science
Soil Science
Water Science
Environmental Pollution
Environmental Monitoring
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Toxicology

Modules

10 in the programme

Environmental 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

Strong demand due to environmental regulations
Interdisciplinary science with diverse applications
Socially impactful profession

Against it

Fieldwork can be physically demanding
Laboratory work involves hazardous materials
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 courses

Public245k to 324k

245k at Kenyatta University324k at University of Nairobi

Private109k to 109k

109k at Mount Kenya University109k at Mount Kenya 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 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 recorded

County 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

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 environmental science, laboratory technology or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

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

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous 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

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.

Accredited by

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

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

EIA 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

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.