Technology

Master of Science in Computer-based Information Systems

The Master of Science in Computer-based Information Systems is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in information systems design, management, and technology integration for business environments. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in information systems management, business analysis, and IT consulting.

Core areas include information systems design, database management, systems analysis and design, IT project management, business intelligence, enterprise systems, information systems security, e-business systems, data management, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical applications bridging technology and business.

The programme is offered by Strathmore University through its Faculty of Information Technology, with Kenya Methodist University as a college. Strathmore is ranked fourth among Kenyan universities and offers a well-established IT faculty with industry connections.

Students develop competencies in systems analysis, database design, IT project management, business intelligence, enterprise systems, information security, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, oral interviews, examinations, supervised research, and thesis. Strathmore requires applicants to pass an oral interview and graduate entrance examination.

The programme is delivered over two years. Strathmore postgraduate tuition ranges from KES 300,000 to KES 350,000 total. Applicants need First Class or Upper Second Class Honours in computer science or IT-related field, or Lower Second with two years work experience plus postgraduate diploma.

Graduates pursue careers as information systems managers, business analysts, IT consultants, database administrators, systems analysts, and lecturers in technology companies, financial institutions, consulting firms, government agencies, and universities.

Skills Required

Information Systems Design and Development
Database Management and Administration
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Project Management
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Enterprise Systems Management
Information Systems Security
E-Business Systems Development
Data Management and Governance
Information Systems Research Methods

Key Subjects

Information Systems Design
Database Management
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Project Management
Business Intelligence
Enterprise Systems
Information Systems Security
E-Business Systems
Data Management
Information Systems Research Methods

Certifications

CSK Professional Membership
AIS Professional Membership

Specializations

Business Intelligence

Focuses on business intelligence, data analytics, data warehousing, OLAP, and using data for business decision-making and strategic planning.

Enterprise Systems

Examines enterprise systems, ERP systems, enterprise architecture, system integration, and managing and integrating enterprise information systems.

Database Management

Covers database management, database design, data administration, big data, and designing and managing database systems for organisations.

IT Project Management

Focuses on IT project management, project methodologies, agile, project planning, and managing IT projects and system implementations.

Systems Analysis and Design

Examines systems analysis and design, requirements engineering, system modelling, and analysing, designing, and implementing information systems.

Information Systems Security

Covers information systems security, cybersecurity, access control, security auditing, and securing information systems and data in organisations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 256,200
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: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Information Systems Design
Database Management
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Project Management
Business Intelligence
Enterprise Systems
Information Systems Security
E-Business Systems
Data Management
Information Systems Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Information Systems Design and Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines information systems design, systems development life cycle, system modelling, architecture design, and designing information systems for organisations.
Database Management Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers database management, database design, SQL, data modelling, transaction management, and managing database systems for organisations.
Systems Analysis and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines systems analysis and design, requirements engineering, use case analysis, UML modelling, and analysing and designing information systems.
IT Project Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers IT project management, project methodologies, agile, waterfall, project planning, risk management, and managing IT projects and implementations.
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines business intelligence, data warehousing, OLAP, data mining, dashboards, and using data for business decision-making and strategic planning.
Enterprise Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers enterprise systems, ERP systems, enterprise architecture, system integration, CRM, and managing enterprise information systems.
Information Systems Security
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines information systems security, access control, security policies, risk assessment, auditing, and securing information systems and data.
E-Business Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers e-business systems, e-commerce platforms, web systems, digital platforms, and designing and managing e-business solutions.
Data Management and Governance
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines data management, data governance, data quality, master data management, and managing organisational data assets.
Information Systems Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for information systems, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting IS research, preparing students for their thesis.
IT Strategy and Governance
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines IT strategy, IT governance, COBIT, ITIL, aligning IT with business strategy, and governing and managing IT in organisations.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a computer-based information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and IS knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Business Intelligence
Focuses on business intelligence, data analytics, data warehousing, OLAP, and using data for business decision-making and strategic planning.
Enterprise Systems
Examines enterprise systems, ERP systems, enterprise architecture, system integration, and managing and integrating enterprise information systems.
Database Management
Covers database management, database design, data administration, big data, and designing and managing database systems for organisations.
IT Project Management
Focuses on IT project management, project methodologies, agile, project planning, and managing IT projects and system implementations.
Systems Analysis and Design
Examines systems analysis and design, requirements engineering, system modelling, and analysing, designing, and implementing information systems.
Information Systems Security
Covers information systems security, cybersecurity, access control, security auditing, and securing information systems and data in organisations.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Computer-Based Information Systems programme begins with morning lectures on information systems design, database management, or systems analysis. Students engage in theoretical discussions on systems theory, information management, and technology-business alignment. Information systems design sessions cover systems development life cycle, system modelling, architecture design, and designing information systems for organisations. Database management sessions examine database design, SQL, data modelling, transaction management, and managing database systems. Systems analysis and design sessions involve requirements engineering, use case analysis, UML modelling, and analysing and designing information systems. IT project management sessions cover project methodologies, agile, waterfall, project planning, risk management, and managing IT projects. Business intelligence sessions examine data warehousing, OLAP, data mining, dashboards, and using data for business decision-making. Enterprise systems sessions cover ERP systems, enterprise architecture, system integration, CRM, and managing enterprise information systems. Information systems security sessions involve access control, security policies, risk assessment, auditing, and securing information systems. E-business sessions cover e-commerce systems, web systems, digital platforms, and designing e-business solutions. Data management sessions examine data governance, data quality, master data management, and managing organisational data. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with database tools, BI tools, ERP systems, and systems development tools. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering information systems research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Strathmore requires oral interviews and graduate entrance examinations as part of the admission process. Guest lectures from IT industry professionals, consulting partners, and Strathmore alumni provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Strathmore University is ranked fourth among Kenyan universities with a well-established Faculty of IT and strong industry connections.
Kenya's digital transformation, fintech growth, enterprise systems adoption, and data-driven business create strong demand for qualified information systems professionals.
Programme combines technology with business management, providing skills for bridging IT and business in organisations.
Strathmore offers scholarships and has strong corporate partnerships providing career opportunities in consulting, finance, and technology.

Against it

Strathmore's admission process requires oral interview and graduate entrance examination, adding complexity to the application process.
Programme is offered by limited institutions, primarily Strathmore University, restricting geographic access.
Strathmore's private university fees may be higher than public university alternatives.
Programme requires technology or business background, which may exclude graduates from unrelated fields.

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 256k

254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology256k at Technical University of Kenya

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

TUK ICT ~256K/yr (eafinder). JKUAT ~254K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke). Strathmore MSc CIS 476K/yr (kenyaeducationguide).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Strathmore University offers scholarships and financial aid for postgraduate students. AIS provides research grants for information systems research. The programme's business-technology focus attracts industry and corporate funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
Strathmore University Scholarships
AIS Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate information systems studies at recognised universities.
Strathmore University Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 300,000Kenyan
Strathmore University offers scholarships and financial aid for postgraduate students based on academic merit and financial need.
AIS Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
Association for Information Systems provides research grants for IS research, conference attendance, and professional development.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts computer science, IT, and related graduates. Two-year programme at Strathmore University. Additional requirements: applicants must pass an oral interview and graduate entrance examination, and present two reference letters from academic referees. Interviews conducted every Wednesday and Friday from 2 p.m. Non-refundable KES 2,000 interview fee. Bring national ID, two passport-size photos, originals and copies of academic certificates.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, system design projects, case studies, laboratory reports, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering information systems design, database management, business intelligence, and enterprise systems, conducted at end of each semester.
Oral Interview and Entrance Examination
Practical40% of the mark
Strathmore requires applicants to pass an oral interview and graduate entrance examination. Practical assessment includes system design projects, laboratory work, and presentations.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a computer-based information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and IS knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Strathmore University offers MSc in Computer-Based Information Systems through its Faculty of Information Technology. Strathmore is ranked fourth among Kenyan universities. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate information systems training. Kenya ICT Authority promotes ICT standards in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Strathmore University offers MSc in Computer-Based Information Systems through its Faculty of Information Technology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate information systems training.
Kenya ICT Authority
Professional accreditation
Kenya ICT Authority promotes ICT standards and development in Kenya. The programme aligns with national ICT capacity building goals.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Information Systems Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages information systems in organisations, overseeing IS operations, system implementations, and aligning technology with business strategy.
Business Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses business processes and requirements, designing information systems solutions, and bridging business needs with technology implementation.
IT Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Consults on information systems, providing expert advice on system selection, implementation, IT strategy, and digital transformation for organisations.
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages database systems, designing database architecture, ensuring data integrity, performance, and security in organisations.
Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Analyses and designs information systems, conducting requirements analysis, system modelling, and implementing system solutions.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches information systems in universities, conducting research and training future information systems professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as information systems managers, business analysts, and IT consultants in technology companies, financial institutions, and consulting firms.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Oracle Database
SoftwarePrimary
Oracle database management system for database design, SQL development, data administration, and enterprise database management.
Microsoft SQL Server
SoftwarePrimary
Microsoft SQL Server for database management, BI solutions, reporting services, and data analytics in enterprise environments.
Tableau
Software
Business intelligence and data visualisation tool for creating dashboards, reports, and analysing business data for decision-making.
Microsoft Project
Software
Project management software for IT project planning, scheduling, resource management, and tracking project progress.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computer-based information systems is just about using computers in business.
The programme involves systems design, database engineering, business intelligence, enterprise architecture, and IT strategy, far beyond basic computer use.
This programme is the same as computer science.
While related, CBIS focuses on information systems in business contexts, systems management, and technology-business alignment, while computer science focuses on algorithms, programming, and computing theory.
There is limited demand for information systems specialists in Kenya.
Kenya's digital transformation, fintech growth, enterprise systems adoption, and data-driven business create strong demand for qualified information systems professionals.
This programme is only for IT graduates.
Strathmore accepts graduates from computer science, IT, business, and related fields, with Lower Second Division accepted with work experience and postgraduate qualifications.
Information systems is becoming obsolete with cloud and SaaS.
Cloud and SaaS are part of modern information systems, and the field continues to evolve with AI, big data, and digital transformation requiring skilled professionals.
A master's in information systems is redundant after a bachelor's in IT.
The master's provides advanced systems knowledge, research capability, business-technology integration skills, and career progression to senior IS management and consulting positions.