Technology

Master of Science in Business Computing

The Master of Science in Business Computing is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice at the intersection of computing and business. The programme combines computing theory with practical business application and information systems management.

Core areas include software development, business information systems, database management, systems security, mobile and networking technologies, data science, e-business, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both computing theory and practical business and technology application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by JKUAT and Kenyatta University as public universities, and Strathmore University as a private institution. Programmes are offered over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in software development, business information systems, database management, systems security, mobile and networking technologies, data science, e-business, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, practical projects, and a supervised research thesis.

JKUAT charges approximately KES 178,500/year (KES 357,000 total) for business computing programmes. KU charges KES 367,200/year for computer science programmes. Strathmore University charges approximately KES 476,250/year (KES 952,500 total). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in computer science, information technology, business information technology, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as business analysts, systems developers, IT managers, data analysts, e-business managers, and lecturers in business computing across financial institutions, technology companies, consulting firms, government agencies, and universities.

Skills Required

Software Development and Programming
Business Information Systems Design
Database Management and Administration
Systems Security and Cybersecurity
Mobile and Networking Technologies
Data Science and Business Analytics
E-Business and Digital Commerce
Enterprise Architecture and Integration
Research Methods in Business Computing
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Software Development and Programming
Business Information Systems Design
Database Management and Administration
Systems Security and Cybersecurity
Mobile and Networking Technologies
Data Science and Business Analytics
E-Business and Digital Commerce
Enterprise Architecture and Integration
Research Methods in Business Computing
Thesis Research

Certifications

CSK Professional Certification
IEEE Computer Society Membership

Specializations

Software Development

Focuses on software development, covering programming, software engineering, application development, agile methods, and managing software development.

Business Information Systems

Examines business information systems, covering systems analysis, design, ERP, CRM, and managing business information systems.

Data Science and Analytics

Covers data science, covering data mining, machine learning, business intelligence, visualisation, and managing data science.

Systems Security

Focuses on systems security, covering cybersecurity, network security, information assurance, risk management, and managing systems security.

E-Business and Digital Commerce

Examines e-business, covering digital commerce, online platforms, payment systems, digital marketing, and managing e-business.

Mobile and Networking Technologies

Covers mobile and networking, covering mobile applications, wireless networks, cloud computing, IoT, and managing networking technologies.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 367,200
Private, up to: Ksh 476,250
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: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Software Development and Programming
Business Information Systems Design
Database Management and Administration
Systems Security and Cybersecurity
Mobile and Networking Technologies
Data Science and Business Analytics
E-Business and Digital Commerce
Enterprise Architecture and Integration
Research Methods in Business Computing
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Software Development and Programming
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines programming, software engineering, application development, agile methods, and managing software development.
Business Information Systems Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers systems analysis, design, ERP, CRM, business process modelling, and managing business information systems.
Research Methods in Business Computing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting business computing research, preparing students for their thesis.
Database Management and Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines database design, SQL, NoSQL, data modelling, administration, and managing databases.
Systems Security and Cybersecurity
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cybersecurity, network security, information assurance, risk management, and managing systems security.
Mobile and Networking Technologies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines mobile applications, wireless networks, cloud computing, IoT, and managing networking technologies.
Data Science and Business Analytics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers data mining, machine learning, business intelligence, visualisation, and managing data science.
E-Business and Digital Commerce
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines digital commerce, online platforms, payment systems, digital marketing, and managing e-business.
Enterprise Architecture and Integration
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers EA frameworks, integration, SOA, governance, and managing enterprise architecture.
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cloud models, virtualisation, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, deployment, and managing cloud computing.
IT Project Management and Governance
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers project management, IT governance, COBIT, ITIL, risk management, and managing IT projects.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on a business computing topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and computing knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Software Development
Focuses on software development, covering programming, software engineering, application development, agile methods, and managing software development.
Business Information Systems
Examines business information systems, covering systems analysis, design, ERP, CRM, and managing business information systems.
Data Science and Analytics
Covers data science, covering data mining, machine learning, business intelligence, visualisation, and managing data science.
Systems Security
Focuses on systems security, covering cybersecurity, network security, information assurance, risk management, and managing systems security.
E-Business and Digital Commerce
Examines e-business, covering digital commerce, online platforms, payment systems, digital marketing, and managing e-business.
Mobile and Networking Technologies
Covers mobile and networking, covering mobile applications, wireless networks, cloud computing, IoT, and managing networking technologies.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Business Computing programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical projects, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover software development, business information systems, database management, systems security, and data science. Software development sessions examine programming, software engineering, application development, agile methods, and managing software development. Business information systems sessions cover systems analysis, design, ERP, CRM, and managing business information systems. Database management sessions cover database design, SQL, NoSQL, data modelling, administration, and managing databases. Systems security sessions cover cybersecurity, network security, information assurance, risk management, and managing systems security. Mobile and networking sessions cover mobile applications, wireless networks, cloud computing, IoT, and managing networking technologies. Data science sessions cover data mining, machine learning, business intelligence, visualisation, and managing data science. E-business sessions cover digital commerce, online platforms, payment systems, digital marketing, and managing e-business. Enterprise architecture sessions cover EA frameworks, integration, SOA, governance, and managing enterprise architecture. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with programming, database development, network configuration, security tools, and data analysis. Practical projects provide hands-on experience with system development, business analysis, and technology implementation. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in business computing. Guest lectures from experienced IT professionals, business analysts, and industry leaders provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on a business computing topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for business computing professionals with growing digital transformation, fintech, e-commerce, data analytics, and cybersecurity in Kenya.
Programme offered by both public (JKUAT, KU) and private (Strathmore) universities, providing institutional choice.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 178,500/year for business computing programmes.
Programme combines computing and business skills, making graduates versatile across technology and business roles.

Against it

Strathmore University (private) charges higher fees at approximately KES 476,250/year (KES 952,500 total).
KU fees are moderate at KES 367,200/year, which may still be challenging for some students.
Programme requires computer science, IT, or related background, which limits access for non-related graduates.
Rapidly evolving technology landscape requires continuous self-learning beyond the curriculum.

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

Public254k to 367k

254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology367k at Kenyatta University

Private476k to 476k

476k at Strathmore University476k at Strathmore 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

KU MSc CS ~367K/yr (mawese). JKUAT ~254K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke). Strathmore MSc CIS 476K/yr (kenyaeducationguide).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. JKUAT may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. Strathmore University may offer scholarships for eligible students. Some technology companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
Strathmore Scholarships

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
JKUAT offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
Strathmore Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Strathmore University offers scholarships for eligible postgraduate students.

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 computer science, IT, or related fields. 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, programming projects, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering software development, information systems, database management, security, and data science.
Practical Project Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through software development projects, system design, database implementation, and demonstrating computing skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on a business computing topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and computing knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT and Kenyatta University (public) and Strathmore University (private) offer MSc in Business Computing or related computing programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in business computing. Graduates are eligible for CSK professional certification and IEEE Computer Society membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT and Kenyatta University (public) and Strathmore University (private) offer MSc in Business Computing or related computing programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in business computing. Graduates are eligible for CSK professional certification and IEEE Computer Society membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Business Analyst
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 650,000
Analyses business processes, overseeing requirements, systems design, process improvement, and managing business analysis.
Systems Developer
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Develops software systems, overseeing design, coding, testing, deployment, and managing systems development.
IT Manager
High demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 700,000
Manages IT operations, overseeing infrastructure, staff, projects, strategy, and managing IT operations.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Analyses business data, overseeing data mining, visualisation, reporting, insights, and managing data analysis.
E-Business Manager
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 650,000
Manages e-business operations, overseeing digital commerce, platforms, strategy, and managing e-business.
Business Computing Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches business computing at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
SoftwarePrimary
Python for data analysis and software development, covering data science, machine learning, web development, and managing computing projects.
SQL
Software
SQL for database management, covering database queries, design, administration, and managing database systems.
Tableau
Software
Tableau for data visualisation, covering business intelligence, dashboards, reporting, and managing data visualisation.
AWS
Software
AWS for cloud computing, covering cloud services, deployment, architecture, and managing cloud infrastructure.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Business computing is just about using computers in business.
Business computing covers comprehensive software development, information systems, database management, security, data science, and e-business beyond just using computers.
This programme is only for IT professionals.
Business computing skills are valuable for business analysts, managers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and academics beyond just IT professionals.
Business computing has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing digital transformation, fintech, e-commerce, data analytics, and cybersecurity, demand for business computing professionals is high in Kenya.
Data science is just about making charts.
Data science covers comprehensive data mining, machine learning, business intelligence, predictive analytics, and visualisation.
Systems security is just about passwords.
Systems security covers comprehensive cybersecurity, network security, information assurance, risk management, and compliance.
E-business is just about online shopping.
E-business covers comprehensive digital commerce, online platforms, payment systems, digital marketing, and enterprise integration.