Social Sciences

Master of Science in Applied Insect Science

The Master of Science in Applied Insect Science is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in entomology, pest management, and insect vector biology. The programme combines insect science with agricultural, medical, and veterinary application.

Core areas include insect taxonomy, insect physiology and biochemistry, insect behaviour, entomological techniques, insect population ecology, pesticides toxicology, integrated pest management, insect endocrinology, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both insect science theory and practical pest management application through coursework and research.

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

Students develop competencies in insect taxonomy, insect physiology, entomological techniques, population ecology, pesticide management, integrated pest management, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research thesis.

KU charges approximately KES 295,800/year. UoN charges approximately KES 485,000/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in biological sciences, zoology, agriculture, or related fields with at least one unit in entomology from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as entomologists, pest management officers, vector control specialists, agricultural research scientists, conservation officers, and lecturers in entomology across research institutions, agricultural organisations, public health, and universities.

Skills Required

Insect Taxonomy and Biosystematics
Insect Physiology and Biochemistry
Insect Behaviour and Ecology
Entomological Techniques and Field Methods
Pesticides Toxicology and Application
Integrated Pest Management
Insect Population Ecology
Vector Biology and Disease Control
Research Methods in Entomology
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Insect Taxonomy and Biosystematics
Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
Insect Behaviour
Entomological Techniques
Insect Population Ecology
Pesticides Toxicology and Application
Integrated Pest Management
Insect Endocrinology
Research Methods in Entomology
Thesis Research

Certifications

KALRO Pest Management Certification
icipe Insect Science Certification

Specializations

Agricultural Entomology

Focuses on agricultural entomology, covering crop pests, pest management, agricultural insect control, post-harvest pests, and managing agricultural entomology.

Medical Entomology

Examines medical entomology, covering disease vectors, mosquito biology, vector control, medical insect science, and managing medical entomology.

Veterinary Entomology

Covers veterinary entomology, covering livestock pests, tick-borne diseases, tsetse fly control, veterinary insect science, and managing veterinary entomology.

Integrated Pest Management

Focuses on integrated pest management, covering biological control, chemical control, cultural control, IPM strategies, and managing pest management.

Insect Conservation

Examines insect conservation, covering biodiversity, beneficial insects, pollinator conservation, endangered species, and managing insect conservation.

Pesticide Science

Covers pesticide science, covering pesticide toxicology, pesticide application, resistance management, environmental safety, and managing pesticide use.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 435,000
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: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Insect Taxonomy and Biosystematics
Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
Insect Behaviour
Entomological Techniques
Insect Population Ecology
Pesticides Toxicology and Application
Integrated Pest Management
Insect Endocrinology
Research Methods in Entomology
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Insect Taxonomy and Biosystematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines insect identification, classification, biosystematics, morphological analysis, taxonomic keys, and managing insect taxonomy.
Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers insect biochemistry, physiological systems, metabolism, insect development, cuticle physiology, and managing insect physiology.
Research Methods in Entomology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting entomological research, preparing students for their thesis.
Insect Behaviour
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines behavioural ecology, mating behaviour, foraging, communication, social behaviour, orientation, and managing insect behaviour.
Entomological Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers collection methods, preservation, microscopy, insect rearing, field sampling, laboratory techniques, and managing entomological methods.
Insect Population Ecology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines population dynamics, life tables, dispersal, population modelling, community ecology, and managing insect populations.
Pesticides Toxicology and Application
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers pesticide chemistry, mode of action, resistance, environmental impact, safety, application technology, and managing pesticide use.
Integrated Pest Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines biological control, chemical control, cultural control, IPM strategies, decision tools, monitoring, and managing pest management.
Insect Endocrinology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers insect hormones, development regulation, molting, metamorphosis, reproduction, pheromones, and managing insect endocrinology.
Advances in Cell and Molecular Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines molecular techniques, DNA analysis, gene expression, molecular taxonomy, biotechnology, and managing molecular biology in entomology.
Biostatistics and Bio-analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical methods, data analysis, experimental design, biological statistics, and managing entomological data analysis.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an applied insect science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and entomology knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Agricultural Entomology
Focuses on agricultural entomology, covering crop pests, pest management, agricultural insect control, post-harvest pests, and managing agricultural entomology.
Medical Entomology
Examines medical entomology, covering disease vectors, mosquito biology, vector control, medical insect science, and managing medical entomology.
Veterinary Entomology
Covers veterinary entomology, covering livestock pests, tick-borne diseases, tsetse fly control, veterinary insect science, and managing veterinary entomology.
Integrated Pest Management
Focuses on integrated pest management, covering biological control, chemical control, cultural control, IPM strategies, and managing pest management.
Insect Conservation
Examines insect conservation, covering biodiversity, beneficial insects, pollinator conservation, endangered species, and managing insect conservation.
Pesticide Science
Covers pesticide science, covering pesticide toxicology, pesticide application, resistance management, environmental safety, and managing pesticide use.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Applied Insect Science programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, field visits, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover insect taxonomy, insect physiology, insect behaviour, entomological techniques, and pest management. Insect taxonomy sessions examine insect identification, classification, biosystematics, morphological analysis, and managing insect taxonomy. Insect physiology sessions cover insect biochemistry, physiological systems, metabolism, insect development, and managing insect physiology. Insect behaviour sessions cover behavioural ecology, mating behaviour, foraging, communication, social behaviour, and managing insect behaviour. Entomological techniques sessions cover collection methods, preservation, microscopy, rearing, field sampling, and managing entomological techniques. Insect population ecology sessions cover population dynamics, life tables, dispersal, population modelling, and managing insect populations. Pesticides toxicology sessions cover pesticide chemistry, mode of action, resistance, environmental impact, safety, and managing pesticide use. Integrated pest management sessions cover biological control, chemical control, cultural control, IPM strategies, decision tools, and managing pest management. Insect endocrinology sessions cover insect hormones, development regulation, molting, metamorphosis, reproduction, and managing insect endocrinology. Vector biology sessions cover disease vectors, mosquito biology, tick biology, tsetse fly, vector-pathogen interactions, and managing vector control. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with insect identification, microscopy, rearing, bioassays, and toxicological testing. Field visits provide practical exposure to agricultural fields, pest outbreak sites, vector breeding sites, and research stations. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in entomology. Guest lectures from experienced entomologists, pest management specialists, and researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an applied insect science topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for entomology professionals with increasing food security challenges, vector-borne diseases, agricultural pests, and conservation needs in Kenya.
Programme is offered by four public universities (UoN, KU, Maseno, MUT), providing wide institutional choice.
KU offers competitive fees at KES 295,800/year.
Programme covers agricultural, medical, and veterinary entomology, providing versatile skills for multiple sectors.

Against it

UoN fees are relatively high at approximately KES 485,000/year.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Career prospects may be concentrated in research and government sectors, limiting private sector opportunities.
Programme requires biological sciences background with entomology unit, which may limit 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 241 social sciences courses

Public296k to 435k

296k at Kenyatta University435k 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 MSc ~435K/yr (Crop Protection 870K/2yr). KU MSc 295.8K/yr. Private: unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. icipe and other international organisations may provide training support for entomology professionals. Some agricultural organisations may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
icipe Training 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.
icipe Training Support
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology provides training support for entomology professionals in Africa.

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 biological sciences, zoology, or agriculture with at least one entomology unit. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. 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
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering insect taxonomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, pest management, and pesticides toxicology.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, insect identification, field collection, bioassays, and demonstrating entomological skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an applied insect science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and entomology 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, Maseno University, and Murang'a University of Technology (all public) offer MSc in Applied Insect Science or related entomology programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in entomology. Graduates are eligible for KALRO pest management certification and icipe insect science certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, and Murang'a University of Technology (all public) offer MSc in Applied Insect Science or related entomology programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in entomology. Graduates are eligible for KALRO pest management certification and icipe insect science certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Entomologist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts entomological research, overseeing insect identification, taxonomy, biology, pest management, and managing entomological research.
Pest Management Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages pest control programmes, overseeing IPM, pesticide application, monitoring, evaluation, and managing pest management.
Vector Control Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages vector control programmes, overseeing mosquito control, disease prevention, vector monitoring, and managing vector control.
Agricultural Research Scientist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts agricultural research, overseeing crop protection, pest research, IPM development, and managing agricultural research.
Conservation Officer
Low demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages insect conservation, overseeing biodiversity assessment, pollinator conservation, habitat management, and managing conservation.
Entomology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches entomology at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, laboratory supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

R
SoftwarePrimary
R statistical software for entomological research, covering statistical analysis, population modelling, ecological analysis, and managing research data.
SPSS
Software
SPSS statistical software for entomology research, covering data analysis, statistical tests, and managing research data.
ImageJ
Software
ImageJ for insect morphometric analysis, covering image analysis, measurement, morphometrics, and managing insect identification data.
ArcGIS
Software
ArcGIS for spatial analysis in entomology, covering distribution mapping, habitat analysis, spatial modelling, and managing spatial data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied insect science is just about killing bugs.
Applied insect science covers comprehensive insect biology including taxonomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, pest management, and conservation beyond just killing insects.
This programme is only for those from agricultural backgrounds.
Insect science skills are valuable for anyone interested in biology, public health, conservation, research, and environmental management.
Entomology has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing food security challenges, vector-borne diseases, agricultural pests, and conservation needs, demand for entomology professionals is increasing in Kenya.
Integrated pest management is just about using less pesticide.
IPM covers comprehensive pest management including biological control, cultural practices, monitoring, decision tools, and sustainable pest management strategies.
Medical entomology is just about mosquitoes.
Medical entomology covers comprehensive vector biology including mosquitoes, ticks, tsetse flies, sandflies, fleas, and other disease vectors.
Insect conservation is not important.
Insect conservation is critical for pollination, biodiversity, ecosystem services, food security, and maintaining ecological balance.