Education

Master of Education (Economics and planning) Economics option)

The Master of Education (Economics and Planning), Economics Option, is a specialised postgraduate programme focusing on the economic dimensions of education systems and planning. The programme equips graduates with skills to analyse education financing, resource allocation, and the economic factors that shape education policy and planning decisions.

Core areas include economics of education, education financing and cost analysis, human capital theory, educational resource allocation, educational planning methods, research methods, and thesis research. Students engage with economic theory applied specifically to education systems and planning processes.

The programme is offered by Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) through its School of Education, as one of two options within its Master of Education in Economics and Planning degree, the other being the Educational Planning option. MMUST is a public university offering the programme over two academic years through full-time, part-time, and open, distance, and e-learning (ODeL) modes.

Students develop competencies in economic analysis of education, cost-benefit analysis, human capital theory application, education financing analysis, resource allocation modelling, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and thesis research.

MMUST charges a total programme fee of approximately KES 240,900 (KES 130,900 in Year 1 and KES 110,000 in Year 2), averaging approximately KES 120,450 per year based on its official Masters fee structure. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field with prior exposure to economics at undergraduate level, with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with relevant experience.

Graduates pursue careers as education economists, education finance analysts, education planners, policy researchers, and consultants in ministries of education, research institutions, and international development organisations.

Skills Required

Economics of Education Analysis
Education Financing and Cost Analysis
Human Capital Theory Application
Educational Resource Allocation
Educational Planning Methods
Cost-Benefit Analysis in Education
Educational Research Methods
Education Policy Analysis
Quantitative Analysis in Education Economics
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Economics of Education
Education Financing and Cost Analysis
Human Capital Theory
Educational Resource Allocation
Educational Planning Methods
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Educational Research Methods
Education Policy Analysis
Quantitative Methods in Education Economics
Thesis Research

Certifications

TSC Education Administrator Registration
KEMI Education Management Certification

Specializations

Economics of Education

Focuses on applying economic theory and analysis to education systems, examining education production, financing, and resource allocation.

Education Financing Analysis

Examines education budgeting, financing mechanisms, and analysing the economic sustainability of education funding models.

Human Capital Theory

Covers human capital theory, returns to education investment, and analysing the economic value and impact of education.

Cost-Benefit Analysis in Education

Focuses on evaluating the costs and benefits of education programmes, interventions, and policy decisions using economic analysis tools.

Education Resource Allocation

Examines efficient allocation of financial, human, and material resources within education systems and institutions.

Education Economics Research

Covers quantitative and qualitative research methods for analysing economic issues in education, and conducting evidence-based research.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 278,300
Private, up to: Ksh 191,050
Job market: Low

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Economics of Education
Education Financing and Cost Analysis
Human Capital Theory
Educational Resource Allocation
Educational Planning Methods
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Educational Research Methods
Education Policy Analysis
Quantitative Methods in Education Economics
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Economics of Education
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines economic principles, education production functions, and applying economic theory and analysis to education systems.
Education Financing and Cost Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers budgeting processes, financing mechanisms, cost analysis, and resource mobilisation for educational institutions and systems.
Human Capital Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines human capital theory, returns to education investment, and applying human capital concepts to education policy analysis.
Educational Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, analysis, and conducting educational research, preparing students for their thesis.
Cost-Benefit Analysis in Education
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines evaluating the costs and benefits of education investments, interventions, and policy decisions using economic analysis tools.
Educational Resource Allocation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers efficient allocation of financial, human, and material resources within education systems and institutions.
Quantitative Methods in Education Economics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines statistical and econometric methods for analysing economic data and issues in education systems.
Education Policy Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers education policy development, implementation, evaluation, and analysing education policy through an economic lens.
International Perspectives on Education Financing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines global education financing models, comparative approaches, and lessons for Kenyan education economics and planning.
Educational Planning Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers planning methods, forecasting techniques, and integrating economic analysis into education planning processes.
Research Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of research proposal, including research design, literature review, methodology, and proposal presentation for thesis development.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an education economics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Economics of Education
Focuses on applying economic theory and analysis to education systems, examining education production, financing, and resource allocation.
Education Financing Analysis
Examines education budgeting, financing mechanisms, and analysing the economic sustainability of education funding models.
Human Capital Theory
Covers human capital theory, returns to education investment, and analysing the economic value and impact of education.
Cost-Benefit Analysis in Education
Focuses on evaluating the costs and benefits of education programmes, interventions, and policy decisions using economic analysis tools.
Education Resource Allocation
Examines efficient allocation of financial, human, and material resources within education systems and institutions.
Education Economics Research
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methods for analysing economic issues in education, and conducting evidence-based research.

A day as a student

A typical day during the M.Ed. (Economics and Planning), Economics Option programme combines lectures, seminars, quantitative analysis exercises, and independent study. Sessions cover economics of education, education financing, human capital theory, and cost-benefit analysis. Economics of education sessions examine economic principles, education production functions, and applying economic analysis to education systems. Education financing sessions cover budgeting, financing mechanisms, and resource mobilisation for educational institutions and systems. Human capital theory sessions examine the economic value of education, returns to investment, and applying human capital concepts to policy analysis. Cost-benefit analysis sessions cover evaluating the costs and benefits of education investments and interventions using economic tools. Resource allocation sessions examine efficient allocation of financial, human, and material resources within education systems. Educational planning sessions cover planning methods, forecasting, and integrating economic analysis into education planning processes. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, and analysis. Quantitative analysis exercises provide hands-on practice with economic modelling and data analysis relevant to education economics. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in education economics and financing. Guest lectures from education economists and policy researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an education economics topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme provides specialised economic analysis skills directly applicable to education financing and policy challenges in Kenya.
Reasonable tuition cost of approximately KES 120,450 per year at a public university.
Flexible study modes including full-time, part-time, and ODeL accommodate working professionals.
Growing relevance given Kenya's ongoing education financing reforms and decentralisation initiatives.

Against it

Programme is only offered at one public university (MMUST), significantly limiting institutional choice.
Requires prior exposure to economics at undergraduate level, which may limit eligible applicants.
Niche specialisation with fewer job openings compared to broader education administration qualifications.
Limited public awareness of this specific specialisation may affect recognition among employers.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 education courses

Public151k to 278k

151k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology278k at University of Nairobi

Private165k to 191k

165k at Kabarak University191k at Africa International 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

UoN 278K (uonbi.ac.ke). MMUST 150,750 avg (mmust.ac.ke). Kabarak 165K, AIU 191K

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. TSC supports teacher and administrator professional development. World Bank and other international organisations may support education economics and financing research. Programmes examining education financing may attract support from development finance institutions.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
TSC Teacher Professional Development
World Bank Education Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate education studies at recognised universities.
TSC Teacher Professional Development
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Teachers Service Commission supports professional development for registered teachers pursuing postgraduate education economics qualifications.
World Bank Education Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
World Bank and international development organisations support education economics and financing research for postgraduate students.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: MMUST requires a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field with Upper Second Class Honours, or Lower Second Division with two years' relevant experience. Applicants specialising in economics of education should have prior exposure to economics and economics-related subjects at undergraduate level. Contact MMUST for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, quantitative analysis exercises, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering economics of education, education financing, human capital theory, and cost-benefit analysis.
Quantitative Analysis Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through quantitative analysis exercises, applying economic modelling and statistical tools to education financing scenarios.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an education economics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). MMUST offers M.Ed. in Economics and Planning with an Economics of Education option through its School of Education. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate education economics training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. MMUST offers M.Ed. in Economics and Planning with an Economics of Education option through its School of Education. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate education economics training. Graduates are eligible for TSC registration.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Education Economist
Low demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Analyses economic aspects of education systems, overseeing research, financing analysis, and providing economic advice to education stakeholders.
Education Finance Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Analyses education financing, overseeing budget analysis, cost modelling, and supporting education finance decision-making.
Education Planner
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 450,000
Plans education programmes and resources, overseeing planning, forecasting, and supporting educational development and reform.
Policy Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts research on education policy and economics, overseeing research projects, publishing findings, and informing policy decisions.
Education Consultant
Low demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Consults on education economics and financing matters, overseeing advisory services, analysis, and strategy for education institutions.
University Lecturer
Low demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches education economics and planning at universities, conducting research and training future education economists and planners.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for educational economics research, data analysis, quantitative methods, and analysing and interpreting research data for thesis.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for budget planning, financial analysis, resource allocation modelling, and managing education financing data.
STATA
Software
Statistical and econometric software for advanced quantitative analysis in education economics research and cost-benefit analysis.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Software
Presentation software for policy briefs, financial reports, and communicating education economics research and findings.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme is the same as a general Master of Education in Economics of Education.
This specific option is part of MMUST's combined Economics and Planning degree, distinct from standalone Economics of Education programmes at other universities.
The Economics option and Planning option cover identical content.
The Economics option focuses on economic theory, financing, and cost analysis, while the Planning option emphasises planning methods and forecasting, though both share foundational courses.
You need a full economics degree to enrol.
Entry requires a Bachelor of Education or related field with prior exposure to economics at undergraduate level, not necessarily a full economics degree.
This degree only leads to academic or research careers.
Graduates also work as education finance analysts, planners, and consultants in government ministries and international development organisations.
The programme has limited career opportunities.
Kenya's ongoing education financing reforms and decentralisation create demand for professionals who understand the economics of education systems.
This is purely a theoretical economics programme.
The programme applies economic theory specifically to practical education financing, planning, and policy challenges relevant to the Kenyan education sector.