Technology

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in information systems, IT management, and computing. The programme combines information systems theory with practical software development, database management, and IT management application.

Core areas include information systems theory, database systems, web and mobile technologies, networks, security, data science, data analytics, IT management, ICT for development, research methods, and project or thesis. Students engage with both computing theory and practical laboratory work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi as MSc in Information Systems through the Department of Computer Science, JKUAT as MSc in Computer Systems and MSc in IT through the School of Computing and Information Technology, Kenyatta University as MSc in Computer Science, and Strathmore University as MSc in Computing and Information Systems. Public and private universities offer programmes over two academic years through full-time, evening, and weekend modes of study.

Students develop competencies in information systems theory, database systems, web and mobile technologies, networks, security, data science, data analytics, and IT management. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, and a supervised research project or thesis.

UoN charges approximately KES 486,000/year (KES 972,000 total) for information systems. JKUAT charges approximately KES 252,500/year (KES 505,000 total) for computer systems and IT. Strathmore charges approximately KES 317,500/year (KES 952,500 total) as a private university. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in computer science, information systems, information technology, or related disciplines from a recognised university.

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

Skills Required

Information Systems Theory and Methods
Database Design and Management
Web and Mobile Application Development
Network Architecture and Administration
Information Security and Risk Management
Data Science and Analytics
IT Management and Governance
ICT for Development and Innovation
Research Methods in Information Systems
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Information Systems Theory and Methods
Database Design and Management
Web and Mobile Application Development
Network Architecture and Administration
Information Security and Risk Management
Data Science and Analytics
IT Management and Governance
ICT for Development and Innovation
Research Methods in Information Systems
Project or Thesis Research

Certifications

Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) Membership
ACM Professional Membership

Specializations

IT Management

Focuses on IT management, covering IT governance, strategy, project management, enterprise architecture, and managing IT organisations.

ICT for Development

Examines ICT for development, covering ICT4D, e-governance, digital inclusion, technology for social good, and managing ICT4D initiatives.

Database Systems

Covers database systems, covering database design, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing database systems.

Web and Mobile Technologies

Focuses on web and mobile technologies, covering web development, mobile apps, APIs, cloud, and managing web and mobile systems.

Networks and Security

Examines networks and security, covering network design, protocols, cybersecurity, firewalls, and managing network security.

Data Science and Analytics

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

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 485,000
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, Evening, Weekend
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Information Systems Theory and Methods
Database Design and Management
Web and Mobile Application Development
Network Architecture and Administration
Information Security and Risk Management
Data Science and Analytics
IT Management and Governance
ICT for Development and Innovation
Research Methods in Information Systems
Project or Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Information Systems Theory and Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines systems theory, methods, development life cycle, enterprise architecture, and managing information systems.
Database Design and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers database design, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing database systems.
Research Methods in Information Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, IS research methods, and conducting information systems research, preparing students for their project or thesis.
Web and Mobile Application Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines web development, mobile apps, APIs, cloud computing, and managing web and mobile systems.
Network Architecture and Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers network design, protocols, routing, switching, network management, and managing networks.
Information Security and Risk Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines cybersecurity, firewalls, encryption, access control, risk assessment, and managing information security.
Data Science and Analytics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers data mining, machine learning, visualisation, business intelligence, and managing data analytics.
IT Management and Governance
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines IT governance, strategy, project management, enterprise architecture, and managing IT organisations.
ICT for Development and Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers ICT4D, e-governance, digital inclusion, technology for social good, and managing ICT4D initiatives.
Cloud Computing and Enterprise Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines cloud platforms, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, enterprise systems, ERP, and managing cloud and enterprise systems.
Emerging Trends in Computing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers AI, IoT, blockchain, fintech, emerging technologies, and managing technology innovation.
Research Project or Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original supervised research project or thesis on a computer information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and IS knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

IT Management
Focuses on IT management, covering IT governance, strategy, project management, enterprise architecture, and managing IT organisations.
ICT for Development
Examines ICT for development, covering ICT4D, e-governance, digital inclusion, technology for social good, and managing ICT4D initiatives.
Database Systems
Covers database systems, covering database design, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing database systems.
Web and Mobile Technologies
Focuses on web and mobile technologies, covering web development, mobile apps, APIs, cloud, and managing web and mobile systems.
Networks and Security
Examines networks and security, covering network design, protocols, cybersecurity, firewalls, and managing network security.
Data Science and Analytics
Covers data science and analytics, covering data mining, machine learning, visualisation, business intelligence, and managing data analytics.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Computer Information Systems programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover information systems theory, databases, web and mobile technologies, networks, security, and data science. Information systems sessions examine systems theory, methods, development life cycle, enterprise architecture, and managing information systems. Database systems sessions cover database design, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, and managing database systems. Web and mobile sessions cover web development, mobile apps, APIs, cloud computing, and managing web and mobile systems. Networks sessions cover network design, protocols, routing, switching, and managing networks. Security sessions cover cybersecurity, firewalls, encryption, access control, and managing information security. Data science sessions cover data mining, machine learning, visualisation, business intelligence, and managing data analytics. IT management sessions cover IT governance, strategy, project management, enterprise architecture, and managing IT organisations. ICT for development sessions cover ICT4D, e-governance, digital inclusion, and managing ICT4D initiatives. Research methods sessions prepare students for their project or thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with programming, database management, web development, and network configuration. Practical workshops provide hands-on experience with software development tools, database systems, cloud platforms, and security tools. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in information systems and technology. Guest lectures from experienced IT professionals, software engineers, and technology entrepreneurs provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research project or thesis on a computer information systems topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for IT professionals with Kenya's growing tech ecosystem, digital transformation, fintech, and ICT adoption across sectors.
Programme offered by four universities (3 public, 1 private), providing wide institutional choice.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 252,500/year (KES 505,000 total) for computer systems and IT.
Many programmes are conversion courses, enabling graduates from non-IT backgrounds to enter the IT field.

Against it

UoN fees are higher at approximately KES 486,000/year (KES 972,000 total) for information systems.
Strathmore (private) charges KES 952,500 total, which may be challenging for some students.
Programme requires computer science, information systems, IT, or related background for some universities, which may limit access.
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 485k

254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology485k at University of Nairobi

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

UoN ~485K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). 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 offers financial aid for eligible students. Some technology companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
Strathmore University Financial Aid

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 University Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Strathmore University offers financial aid 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, information systems, IT, or related disciplines. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Postgraduate diploma holders with relevant experience may also be considered. Some universities require a department-based entrance examination. 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, programming projects, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering information systems theory, databases, networks, security, and data science.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through programming projects, database design, web development, network configuration, and demonstrating IT skills.
Research Project or Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research project or thesis on a computer 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). University of Nairobi, JKUAT, and Kenyatta University (public) offer MSc in Information Systems, Computer Systems, IT, or Computer Science. Strathmore University (private) offers MSc in Computing and Information Systems. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in computer information systems. Graduates are eligible for CSK membership and ACM professional membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, JKUAT, and Kenyatta University (public) offer MSc in Information Systems, Computer Systems, IT, or Computer Science. Strathmore University (private) offers MSc in Computing and Information Systems. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in computer information systems. Graduates are eligible for CSK membership and ACM professional membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

IT Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 700,000
Manages IT operations, overseeing systems, infrastructure, staff, strategy, and managing IT organisations.
Systems Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses and designs information systems, overseeing requirements, design, testing, and managing systems analysis.
Database Administrator
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages database systems, overseeing design, performance, security, backup, and managing database operations.
Software Developer
Very high demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 650,000
Develops software applications, overseeing design, coding, testing, deployment, and managing software development.
Data Analyst
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses data for insights, overseeing data collection, analysis, visualisation, and managing data analytics.
Information Systems Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches information systems at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Python
ProgrammingPrimary
Python for programming and data science, covering data analysis, machine learning, web development, and managing software development.
SQL
Database
SQL for database management, covering queries, design, optimisation, administration, and managing database systems.
AWS
Cloud
AWS for cloud computing, covering cloud services, deployment, scalability, and managing cloud infrastructure.
Git
Version control
Git for version control, covering code management, collaboration, branching, and managing software development.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Computer information systems is just about using computers.
Computer information systems covers comprehensive systems theory, database design, software development, network architecture, security, and IT management beyond just using computers.
This programme is only for computer science graduates.
Many programmes are conversion courses designed for candidates from various backgrounds wishing to build a career in IT, not just computer science graduates.
IT management is just about fixing computers.
IT management covers comprehensive governance, strategy, project management, enterprise architecture, and digital transformation.
Database systems is just about storing data.
Database systems covers comprehensive design, SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, big data, performance optimisation, and data governance.
ICT for development is just about providing computers to communities.
ICT4D covers comprehensive e-governance, digital inclusion, technology for social good, innovation, and sustainable development.
Data science is just about making charts.
Data science covers comprehensive data mining, machine learning, statistical modelling, visualisation, and business intelligence.