Agriculture

Master of Science in Agriculture

The Master of Science in Agriculture is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in crop science, animal science, soil science, and agricultural development. The programme combines agricultural science theory with practical farm and research application.

Core areas include agronomy, crop science, animal science, soil science, agricultural economics, plant breeding, crop protection, agricultural extension, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both agricultural theory and practical field and laboratory work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, and Egerton University. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in agronomy, crop production, animal production, soil management, agricultural economics, plant breeding, crop protection, agricultural extension, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, fieldwork, laboratory work, and a research thesis with specialisation options in various agricultural fields.

JKUAT charges approximately KES 178,500/year (KES 357,000 total) for agriculture master's programmes. KU charges KES 326,400/year. UoN charges approximately KES 433,500/year (KES 867,000 total). Egerton charges approximately KES 143,000–182,000/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in agriculture, agricultural economics, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as agronomists, agricultural researchers, extension officers, farm managers, crop scientists, animal scientists, and lecturers in agriculture across agricultural research institutions, government agencies, farms, NGOs, and universities.

Skills Required

Agronomy and Crop Production Systems
Animal Science and Livestock Management
Soil Science and Fertility Management
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Crop Protection and Pest Management
Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Agricultural Biotechnology Applications
Research Methods in Agriculture
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Agronomy and Crop Production Systems
Animal Science and Livestock Management
Soil Science and Fertility Management
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Crop Protection and Pest Management
Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Agricultural Biotechnology Applications
Research Methods in Agriculture
Thesis Research

Certifications

KALRO Agricultural Certification
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Certification

Specializations

Agronomy

Focuses on agronomy, covering field crop production, cropping systems, precision agriculture, sustainable intensification, and managing agronomy.

Animal Science

Examines animal science, covering animal nutrition, breeding, health, production systems, and managing animal science.

Soil Science

Covers soil science, covering soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, land management, and managing soil science.

Plant Breeding

Focuses on plant breeding, covering classical breeding, molecular breeding, variety development, seed systems, and managing plant breeding.

Crop Protection

Examines crop protection, covering plant pathology, entomology, weed science, integrated pest management, and managing crop protection.

Agricultural Extension

Covers agricultural extension, covering extension methods, farmer education, technology transfer, rural development, and managing agricultural extension.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 433,500
Private, up to: Ksh 150,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Agronomy and Crop Production Systems
Animal Science and Livestock Management
Soil Science and Fertility Management
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Crop Protection and Pest Management
Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Agricultural Biotechnology Applications
Research Methods in Agriculture
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Agronomy and Crop Production Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines field crop production, cropping systems, precision agriculture, sustainable intensification, climate-smart agriculture, and managing agronomy.
Animal Science and Livestock Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers animal nutrition, breeding, health, production systems, pasture management, and managing animal science.
Research Methods in Agriculture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, experimental design, field methods, and conducting agricultural research, preparing students for their thesis.
Soil Science and Fertility Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, erosion control, land management, and managing soil science.
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers classical breeding, molecular breeding, variety development, seed systems, genetics, and managing plant breeding.
Crop Protection and Pest Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines plant pathology, entomology, weed science, integrated pest management, biological control, and managing crop protection.
Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers farm management, production economics, agricultural marketing, agricultural policy, and managing agricultural economics.
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines extension methods, farmer education, technology transfer, communication, participatory approaches, and managing agricultural extension.
Agricultural Biotechnology and Biosafety
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers tissue culture, molecular markers, genetic modification, biosafety regulations, and managing agricultural biotechnology.
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainability
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines climate-smart agriculture, adaptation, mitigation, sustainable intensification, conservation agriculture, and managing climate-smart agriculture.
Post-Harvest Technology and Food Safety
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers post-harvest handling, storage, processing, food safety, quality standards, and managing post-harvest technology.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an agriculture topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and agricultural knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Agronomy
Focuses on agronomy, covering field crop production, cropping systems, precision agriculture, sustainable intensification, and managing agronomy.
Animal Science
Examines animal science, covering animal nutrition, breeding, health, production systems, and managing animal science.
Soil Science
Covers soil science, covering soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, land management, and managing soil science.
Plant Breeding
Focuses on plant breeding, covering classical breeding, molecular breeding, variety development, seed systems, and managing plant breeding.
Crop Protection
Examines crop protection, covering plant pathology, entomology, weed science, integrated pest management, and managing crop protection.
Agricultural Extension
Covers agricultural extension, covering extension methods, farmer education, technology transfer, rural development, and managing agricultural extension.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Agriculture programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, fieldwork, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover agronomy, animal science, soil science, plant breeding, and crop protection. Agronomy sessions examine field crop production, cropping systems, precision agriculture, sustainable intensification, climate-smart agriculture, and managing agronomy. Animal science sessions cover animal nutrition, breeding, health, production systems, pasture management, and managing animal science. Soil science sessions cover soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, erosion control, and managing soil science. Plant breeding sessions cover classical breeding, molecular breeding, variety development, seed systems, and managing plant breeding. Crop protection sessions cover plant pathology, entomology, weed science, integrated pest management, and managing crop protection. Agricultural economics sessions cover farm management, production economics, marketing, policy, and managing agricultural economics. Agricultural extension sessions cover extension methods, farmer education, technology transfer, communication, and managing agricultural extension. Agricultural biotechnology sessions cover tissue culture, molecular markers, genetic modification, biosafety, and managing agricultural biotechnology. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with soil analysis, plant tissue culture, pest identification, animal feed analysis, and molecular techniques. Fieldwork provides hands-on experience with crop trials, farm visits, soil sampling, pest scouting, and extension activities. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in agriculture. Guest lectures from experienced agronomists, researchers, and extension professionals provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an agriculture topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for agriculture professionals with growing food demand, climate change, agricultural commercialisation, and technology adoption in Kenya.
Programme offered by four public universities (UoN, KU, JKUAT, Egerton), providing wide institutional choice with different fee levels.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 178,500/year for agriculture master's programmes.
Programme aligns with Kenya's Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy and Vision 2030.

Against it

UoN fees are higher at approximately KES 433,500/year (KES 867,000 total) for agriculture programmes.
The general programme name may require choosing a specific specialisation, which could be confusing for prospective students.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Programme requires agriculture or related background, which limits access for non-related graduates.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses

Public179k to 434k

179k at JKUAT434k at University of Nairobi

Private119k to 150k

119k at Mount Kenya University150k at Kenya Methodist 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 433.5K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke), JKUAT 178.5K/yr (kenyaeducationguide). Priv: MKU 119K, KeMU 150K (fixusjobs).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. KALRO and agricultural research organisations may provide research support. Some agricultural companies and development organisations may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
KALRO Research Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KU Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenyatta University offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
KALRO Research Support
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
KALRO and partner organisations may provide research support for agricultural professionals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in agriculture or related fields. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Some universities accept graduates from biological sciences, environmental sciences, or related fields. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, field reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering agronomy, animal science, soil science, plant breeding, and crop protection.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, fieldwork, crop trials, soil analysis, pest identification, and demonstrating agricultural skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an agriculture topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and agricultural knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, and Egerton University (all public) offer MSc in Agriculture with various specialisations. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in agricultural sciences. Graduates are eligible for KALRO agricultural certification and KEPHIS certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, and Egerton University (all public) offer MSc in Agriculture with various specialisations. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in agricultural sciences. Graduates are eligible for KALRO agricultural certification and KEPHIS certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Agronomist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Provides agronomic expertise, overseeing crop production, field trials, advisory services, and managing agronomy.
Agricultural Researcher
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts agricultural research, overseeing research design, experimentation, analysis, publication, and managing agricultural research.
Extension Officer
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides extension services, overseeing farmer education, technology transfer, field demonstrations, and managing agricultural extension.
Farm Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages farm operations, overseeing production, staff, finance, machinery, and managing farm operations.
Crop Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts crop science research, overseeing crop improvement, breeding, protection, and managing crop science.
Agriculture Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches agriculture at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, field supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R
SoftwarePrimary
R for agricultural data analysis, covering experimental design, statistical analysis, biometrics, and managing research data.
QGIS
Software
QGIS for spatial analysis, covering farm mapping, soil mapping, land use planning, and managing spatial data.
SPSS
Software
SPSS for statistical analysis, covering survey data, experimental data, and managing research data.
DSSAT
Software
DSSAT for crop simulation modelling, covering crop growth modelling, yield prediction, climate impact, and managing crop models.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Agriculture is just about farming.
Agriculture covers comprehensive crop science, animal science, soil science, plant breeding, biotechnology, economics, and extension beyond just farming.
This programme is only for those from rural backgrounds.
Agriculture skills are valuable for research, industry, policy, extension, agribusiness, biotechnology, and environmental management for professionals from any background.
Agriculture has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing food demand, climate change, agricultural commercialisation, and technology adoption, demand for agriculture professionals is high in Kenya.
Plant breeding is just about crossing plants.
Plant breeding covers comprehensive genetics, molecular breeding, variety development, seed systems, and intellectual property management.
Soil science is just about fertiliser.
Soil science covers comprehensive soil fertility, chemistry, physics, biology, erosion, contamination, and land management.
Agricultural extension is just about telling farmers what to do.
Agricultural extension covers comprehensive farmer education, technology transfer, participatory methods, communication, and rural development.