Science

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Computing

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Computing is a programme that combines mathematical theory with computer science and programming skills. Offered at the University of Embu, the programme equips graduates with analytical reasoning, problem-solving and computational capabilities applicable across diverse fields.

The curriculum covers calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, real analysis, abstract algebra, probability and statistics, numerical methods, computer programming, data structures and algorithms, database systems, computer networks, software development, computational mathematics, operations research, mathematical modelling, computer graphics and research methods. Students develop both mathematical rigour and practical computing skills.

Kenya's growing technology sector and the increasing digitisation of services create demand for professionals who can apply mathematical methods to computational problems. The programme responds to the need for graduates who understand both the mathematical foundations of computing and the practical implementation of algorithms and software.

The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorial sessions, computer laboratory practicals, industrial attachment and a research project. Students gain hands-on experience in programming, algorithm design, numerical computation, data analysis and software development through laboratory work and attachment at technology companies or research institutions.

Graduates pursue careers as software developers, data scientists, quantitative analysts, systems analysts, computational mathematicians, research scientists, mathematics teachers and IT consultants in technology companies, financial institutions, research organisations, government agencies and educational institutions. They can also pursue postgraduate study in mathematics, computer science or data science.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, proficiency in mathematics and an interest in computing. The programme is suitable for students who want to apply mathematical thinking to computational and technological challenges.

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

What you study

10 subjects

Calculus and Linear Algebra
Discrete Mathematics
Probability and Statistics
Numerical Methods
Computer Programming
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems
Computational Mathematics
Mathematical Modelling
Operations Research

Modules

11 in the programme

Calculus and Analytical Geometry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers differentiation, integration, limits, continuity, applications of derivatives and integrals, and analytical geometry.
Linear Algebra
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and applications to computing.
Introduction to Programming
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces programming using Python, covering data types, control structures, functions, arrays, file handling and basic algorithm design.
Discrete Mathematics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers set theory, logic, relations, functions, graph theory, combinatorics, Boolean algebra and applications to computer science.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, sorting algorithms, searching algorithms, algorithm complexity and design techniques.
Probability and Statistics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers probability theory, random variables, distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression and statistical computing.
Numerical Methods and Computational Mathematics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers numerical solutions of equations, interpolation, numerical integration, numerical differentiation, differential equations and computational error analysis.
Database Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers relational database design, SQL, normalisation, transaction management, database administration and database application development.
Mathematical Modelling and Operations Research
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers mathematical modelling techniques, linear programming, optimisation, simulation and operations research applications.
Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers real analysis including sequences, series, continuity and differentiation, and abstract algebra including groups, rings and fields.
Research Project in Mathematics and Computing
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
An independent research project applying mathematical and computational methods to a problem, assessed through a written dissertation and software demonstration.

Specialisations

Data Science and Analytics
Focuses on statistical analysis, machine learning, data mining and big data technologies for careers in data science and analytics.
Scientific Computing
Specialises in numerical methods, computational mathematics, simulation and scientific software development for research and engineering.
Software Development
Focuses on programming, software engineering, algorithm design and application development for careers in software development.
Financial Mathematics and Quantitative Finance
Specialises in mathematical finance, risk modelling and quantitative analysis for careers in banking and investment.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on discrete mathematics or calculus, followed by a tutorial session solving mathematical proofs and problems. Afternoon sessions include a computer laboratory practical on programming in Python or Java, algorithm implementation, or numerical computation using MATLAB. Students also work on group projects developing software solutions to mathematical problems and data analysis assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

The combination of mathematics and computing is highly valued in data science, fintech and scientific computing, with strong job market demand.
Mathematical foundations provide a deeper understanding of algorithms, cryptography and computational complexity, giving graduates an edge in advanced computing roles.
Graduates have versatile career options in both technology and analytical roles across multiple industries.

Against it

The programme is demanding, requiring strong abilities in both abstract mathematics and practical programming.
Some employers may prefer graduates with dedicated computer science degrees for software development roles or dedicated mathematics degrees for academic positions.

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

Public264k to 306k

264k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University

Private192k to 442k

192k at Kabarak 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

UoN 264K; KU 306K/yr. USIU 441,500; Kabarak 191,700. Src: uonbi, kenyaeducationguide, usiu.ac.ke, kabarak.ac.ke

Students can access HELB loans. Some technology companies offer internship opportunities for mathematics and computing students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in a relevant field from a recognised institution, or KACE with two Principal passes in Mathematics and one other science subject.

Mathematics
C+
Physics or Physical Sciences or Chemistry or Biology or Computer Studies
C
English or Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering calculus, linear algebra and programming fundamentals.
Computer Laboratory Practicals
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of programming laboratory sessions, algorithm implementation and data structure exercises.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a technology company, research institution or financial firm.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
A final-year research project applying mathematical and computational methods, assessed through a written dissertation and software demonstration.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the University of Embu.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the University of Embu.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Software Developer
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Designs, develops and maintains software applications, applying mathematical and algorithmic knowledge to create efficient computational solutions.
Data Scientist
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Analyses large datasets using statistical and computational methods, builds predictive models and supports data-driven decision-making.
Quantitative Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 350,000
Applies mathematical models to financial data, develops risk assessment tools and supports investment decisions in financial institutions.
Systems Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000
Analyses organisational systems, designs IT solutions and bridges the gap between business requirements and technical implementation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as software developers, data scientists and quantitative analysts in technology companies, financial institutions and research organisations across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
CodePrimary
Java
Code
MATLAB
Tool
R
Code

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Mathematics with Computing is just computer science with extra maths courses.
The programme provides equal depth in mathematics and computing, with mathematical foundations informing computational approaches and vice versa, creating a unique interdisciplinary skill set.
Graduates can only work as mathematics teachers.
Graduates work as software developers, data scientists, quantitative analysts and systems analysts in technology companies, banks, research institutions and consulting firms.
The computing component is not as good as a dedicated computer science degree.
The computing component covers programming, algorithms, databases and software development at a professional level, enhanced by the mathematical foundations that underpin advanced computing.
This programme is for students who could not qualify for pure computer science.
The programme is designed for students who want a deeper mathematical foundation for computing careers, particularly in data science, cryptography, scientific computing and algorithm design.