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Bachelor of Science in Information Systems

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems is a degree programme that delivers a blend of technical specialties alongside core business concepts, preparing students for dynamic jobs in the information systems and technology industry. The programme is offered at United States International University Africa and other institutions, producing graduates capable of solving IT-oriented business problems.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 306,000
Ksh 1,224,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 441,500
Ksh 1,766,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 306,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,224,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 441,500 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 13 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cloud Security Engineer, at 14 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The curriculum covers systems development, networking, cybersecurity, database management, software engineering and business information systems. Students develop technical competencies in programming, systems analysis and network administration, alongside business skills in project management and organisational processes.

Throughout the programme, students engage in theoretical and practical-based courses delivered in laboratory environments. The hands-on approach ensures graduates can design, implement, manage and maintain computing systems that address various economic activities, using state-of-the-art software and hardware facilities.

The programme emphasises the intersection of technology and business, recognising that modern industry technology interfaces with business tasks in every function and department. Students learn to develop IT solutions that align with organisational goals, combining soft skills with technical abilities that are increasingly essential in the modern economy.

Graduates are equipped to work as information systems specialists who can bridge the gap between technical IT functions and business operations. They design, implement and manage information systems that support organisational processes, enhance productivity and enable data-driven decision-making.

Career opportunities exist in technology firms, banks, corporations, hospitals, academic institutions, research institutions and consulting companies. Graduates work as systems analysts, database administrators, network engineers, IT project managers and information systems consultants across various sectors.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Database Systems
  • Computer Networks
  • Software Engineering
  • Web Development
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Architecture
  • Information Security
  • Artificial Intelligence

Modules

8 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.

  • 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.

Specialisations

  • 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 programming lectures, working on coding assignments in computer labs, participating in hackathons, debugging code, and collaborating on software development projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.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 191 technology courses
Public265k to 306k
265k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University
Private111k to 442k
111k at Mount Kenya 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

KU 306K/yr (kenyaeducationguide), UoN 265K/yr (victormatara). MKU 111K, USIU 442K (usiu.ac.ke).

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Safaricom Academy and Google Africa offer scholarships for outstanding computing students.

Funding options

  • HELB Undergraduate Loan

    Loan

    Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

    Scholarship

    Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities

  • Safaricom Academy Scholarship

    Scholarship

    Outstanding computing students

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.

Scholarships you could apply for

13 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (Plus)minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

When it next starts

Taught at 13 institutions
January 202713 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Taita Taveta University, Kibabii University.

May 202713 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Taita Taveta University, Kibabii University.

September 202713 institutions

Including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Taita Taveta University, Kibabii University.

How you are assessed

2 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.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Computing programmes may also be aligned with IEEE and ACM curricular standards.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, network administrators, data analysts, and IT consultants in Kenya's growing digital economy.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Python

    SoftwarePrimary

    Programming language for systems development and data analysis.

  • SQL

    SoftwarePrimary

    Database query language for information systems and data management.

  • Java

    Software

    Programming language for enterprise information systems development.

  • Cisco Packet Tracer

    Software

    Network simulation tool for networking and security practice.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet for data analysis and IT project management.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • A computer science degree guarantees a tech job.

    While computing is in demand, employers value practical skills, portfolio, internships, and certifications alongside the degree.

  • You need to be a math genius to study computer science.

    While mathematical thinking is important, many computing careers focus on practical development, design, and problem-solving.

  • IT and Computer Science are the same thing.

    Computer Science focuses on theory and software development, while IT focuses on systems administration and technology management.

  • Computing degrees become outdated quickly.

    Fundamental principles (algorithms, data structures, architecture) remain relevant. Graduates learn to adapt to new technologies.

Further reading

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