Science

Bachelor of Science in Meteorology

The Bachelor of Science in Meteorology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in meteorology. The programme falls under the Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Crop Production, Soil Science, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Economics, Crop Protection, Extension. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Econometrics, Advanced Statistics for Agricultural Research, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness Finance and Accounting, Agribusiness Information Systems. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Physics for Sciences, Mathematics for Sciences, Research Project, General Chemistry, Research Methods and Statistics. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Crop Science & Agronomy, Animal Science & Livestock, Environmental Management. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Meteorology pursue careers as Research Program Coordinator, Marine Research Assistant (Junior), Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior), Research Data Analyst (Junior). They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 288,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Crop Production
Soil Science
Animal Husbandry
Agricultural Economics
Crop Protection
Extension

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.
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.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Physics for Sciences
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Mechanics, waves, electricity, optics, and modern physics for science programmes.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
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.
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
Research Project: Independent research project culminating in a defended report. Involves independent research, data analysis, and scholarly writing under supervision.

Specialisations

Crop Science & Agronomy
Crop production, soil management, pest control and sustainable farming. Students learn modern agronomy, precision agriculture and food security strategies.
Animal Science & Livestock
Animal husbandry, livestock nutrition, breeding and health management. Students gain skills for dairy, beef, poultry and aquaculture enterprises.
Environmental Management
Conservation, environmental impact assessment, natural resource management and sustainability. Students learn to balance development with environmental protection.
Agricultural Economics & Extension
Farm management, agricultural marketing, rural development and extension services. Students learn to advise farmers and manage agribusinesses.
Horticulture & Floriculture
Fruit, vegetable and flower production, greenhouse management and post-harvest technology. Students gain skills for Kenya's thriving horticulture export sector.
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 blends lectures, practicals and group work, with attachment/internship in the field.

The trade offs

In its favour

Transferable skills across sectors.
Diverse career paths.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Competitive entry-level market.
Some paths need further specialisation.
Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

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

Public288k to 288k

288k at University of Nairobi288k at University of Nairobi

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 Meteorology 288K/yr tuition (official dept page). KU & private unverified.

HELB loans, county scholarships and university bursaries available.

Funding options

HELB Loan
Government Bursary
CDF Scholarship
Self-sponsored

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma progression or bridging.

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests for this programme.
Field/Lab Practicals
Practical25% of the mark
Field/Lab Practicals for this programme.
Industrial Attachment
Attachment15% of the mark
Industrial Attachment for this programme.

Accreditation

Accredited by CUE and relevant professional bodies.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Accredits university-level programmes.
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

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.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Research Program Coordinator
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Research Program Coordinators work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Marine Research Assistant (Junior)
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 90,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Marine Research Assistant (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 110,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Clinical Trial Scientist (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Growing.
Research Data Analyst (Junior)
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000
Entry-level role for Bachelor graduates in Sciences. Research Data Analyst (Junior)s work across various organizations in Kenya. Hiring trend: Stable.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find opportunities across agriculture & environment in Kenya's public, private and entrepreneurship sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Earth
Gis
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
Python
SoftwarePrimary
Programming language for atmospheric data analysis and weather model processing.
GRADS
Software
Grid Analysis and Display System for meteorological data visualisation.
MATLAB
Software
Numerical computing software for atmospheric modelling and simulation.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This course has limited career prospects.
Graduates find opportunities across the public service, private industry, entrepreneurship, and further academic study.
The course is too theoretical with no practical value.
Programmes incorporate practical training, internships, and industry attachment to ensure graduates are job-ready.
You must have a related background to enrol.
Most programmes accept students from diverse academic backgrounds, with bridging support where needed.
Graduates of this course earn very little.
Earnings grow steadily with experience, specialisation, and professional certification.