Technology

Master of Science in Environmental Information Systems

The Master of Science in Environmental Information Systems is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in environmental information systems, geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and environmental data management. The programme combines information systems theory with practical GIS, remote sensing, and environmental data analysis.

Core areas include environmental information systems, geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatial data analysis, environmental modelling, database management, web GIS, environmental monitoring, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both information systems theory and practical GIS and remote sensing work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by JKUAT through the Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, and University of Eldoret through the School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management. Both are public universities offering programmes over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, environmental modelling, and environmental data management. The programme includes coursework, examinations, practical laboratory work, GIS projects, and a supervised research thesis.

JKUAT charges approximately KES 181,000/year (KES 362,000 total) for MSc in Environmental Information Systems. University of Eldoret charges similar fees for related programmes. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in environmental science, information technology, geomatics, geography, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as GIS specialists, remote sensing analysts, environmental information officers, spatial data analysts, geospatial consultants, and lecturers in environmental information systems across environmental agencies, surveying companies, research institutions, consulting firms, government agencies, and universities.

Skills Required

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling
Environmental Database Management
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
GPS and Surveying Techniques
Cartography and Digital Mapping
Research Methods in Environmental Information Systems
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling
Environmental Database Management
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
GPS and Surveying Techniques
Cartography and Digital Mapping
Research Methods in Environmental Information Systems
Thesis Research

Certifications

ESRI GIS Certification
OGC Geospatial Certification

Specializations

GIS and Spatial Analysis

Focuses on GIS and spatial analysis, covering data, analysis, modelling, mapping, and managing GIS.

Remote Sensing

Examines remote sensing, covering satellite, aerial, image processing, classification, and managing remote sensing.

Environmental Modelling

Covers environmental modelling, covering simulation, prediction, scenarios, calibration, and managing environmental models.

Spatial Database Management

Focuses on spatial database management, covering design, storage, querying, optimisation, and managing spatial databases.

Web GIS

Examines web GIS, covering web services, APIs, cloud, mobile, and managing web GIS applications.

Environmental Monitoring

Covers environmental monitoring, covering sensors, data collection, real-time, indicators, and managing environmental monitoring.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 181,000
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: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling
Environmental Database Management
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
GPS and Surveying Techniques
Cartography and Digital Mapping
Research Methods in Environmental Information Systems
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines GIS data, analysis, modelling, mapping, and managing GIS.
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers satellite, aerial, image processing, classification, spectral analysis, and managing remote sensing.
Research Methods in Environmental Information Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, environmental information systems research methods, and conducting research, preparing students for their thesis.
Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines statistics, interpolation, geostatistics, spatial modelling, and managing spatial analysis.
Environmental Database Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers design, storage, querying, optimisation, PostGIS, and managing spatial databases.
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines web services, APIs, cloud, mobile, and managing web GIS applications.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers sensors, data collection, real-time, indicators, and managing environmental monitoring.
GPS and Surveying Techniques
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines positioning, surveying, accuracy, GNSS, and managing GPS data.
Environmental Modelling and Simulation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers simulation, prediction, scenarios, calibration, validation, and managing environmental models.
Cartography and Digital Mapping
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines design, symbology, projection, visualisation, and managing digital mapping.
Geospatial Programming and Automation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Python, R, Google Earth Engine, automation, scripting, and managing geospatial programming.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on an environmental information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and environmental information systems knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

GIS and Spatial Analysis
Focuses on GIS and spatial analysis, covering data, analysis, modelling, mapping, and managing GIS.
Remote Sensing
Examines remote sensing, covering satellite, aerial, image processing, classification, and managing remote sensing.
Environmental Modelling
Covers environmental modelling, covering simulation, prediction, scenarios, calibration, and managing environmental models.
Spatial Database Management
Focuses on spatial database management, covering design, storage, querying, optimisation, and managing spatial databases.
Web GIS
Examines web GIS, covering web services, APIs, cloud, mobile, and managing web GIS applications.
Environmental Monitoring
Covers environmental monitoring, covering sensors, data collection, real-time, indicators, and managing environmental monitoring.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Environmental Information Systems programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, GIS projects, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, environmental modelling, and database management. GIS sessions examine data, analysis, modelling, mapping, and managing GIS. Remote sensing sessions cover satellite, aerial, image processing, classification, and managing remote sensing. Spatial data analysis sessions cover statistics, interpolation, geostatistics, and managing spatial analysis. Environmental modelling sessions cover simulation, prediction, scenarios, calibration, and managing environmental models. Database management sessions cover design, storage, querying, optimisation, and managing spatial databases. Web GIS sessions cover web services, APIs, cloud, mobile, and managing web GIS. Environmental monitoring sessions cover sensors, data collection, real-time, indicators, and managing environmental monitoring. GPS sessions cover positioning, surveying, accuracy, and managing GPS data. Cartography sessions cover design, symbology, projection, and managing digital mapping. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS, ENVI, and geospatial tools. GIS projects provide hands-on experience with spatial analysis, mapping, modelling, and environmental applications. Practical workshops provide hands-on experience with Python, R, Google Earth Engine, and geospatial programming. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in environmental information systems and presenting research findings. Guest lectures from experienced GIS specialists, remote sensing analysts, and geospatial professionals provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on an environmental information systems topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for GIS and environmental information systems skills with Kenya's spatial data infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management needs.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 181,000/year (KES 362,000 total) for MSc in Environmental Information Systems.
Programme combines IT and environmental science, providing versatile skills for both technology and environmental sectors.
Graduates are eligible for ESRI GIS and OGC geospatial certifications, enhancing career prospects.

Against it

University of Eldoret specific environmental information systems fees not independently verified.
No private university confirmed offering this programme.
Programme requires IT, environmental science, or related background, limiting access for non-related graduates.
Rapidly evolving technology requires continuous learning and updating of software skills.

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

Public173k to 181k

173k at University of Eldoret181k at JKUAT

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

UoE 173,400/yr (uoeld.ac.ke). JKUAT 181,000/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. JKUAT may offer postgraduate bursaries. The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) may offer research grants for geospatial research. Some environmental agencies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
RCMRD Research Grant

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.
RCMRD Research Grant
ScholarshipKsh 500,000Kenyan
RCMRD provides research grants for geospatial and environmental research.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: JKUAT requires Upper Second in relevant field from JKUAT or recognised institution, or Lower Second with two years of relevant experience and professional development, or a postgraduate diploma in the relevant field. University of Eldoret requires at least Second Class Bachelor's degree in relevant field. 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, GIS project reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and environmental modelling.
Practical and Project Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through GIS projects, spatial analysis exercises, image processing, and demonstrating environmental information systems skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on an environmental information systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and environmental information systems knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT and University of Eldoret (both public) offer MSc programmes in environmental information systems. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in environmental information systems. Graduates are eligible for ESRI GIS certification and OGC geospatial certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT and University of Eldoret (both public) offer MSc programmes in environmental information systems. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in environmental information systems. Graduates are eligible for ESRI GIS certification and OGC geospatial certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

GIS Specialist
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages GIS programmes, overseeing data, analysis, mapping, and managing GIS.
Remote Sensing Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses remote sensing data, overseeing image processing, classification, and managing remote sensing.
Environmental Information Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages environmental information, overseeing data, systems, reporting, and managing environmental information.
Spatial Data Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 550,000
Analyses spatial data, overseeing statistics, modelling, and managing spatial analysis.
Geospatial Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 600,000
Provides geospatial consulting, overseeing advisory, solutions, implementation, and managing consulting.
Environmental Information Systems Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches environmental 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

ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
ArcGIS for GIS analysis, covering data, mapping, analysis, modelling, and managing GIS.
QGIS
Software
QGIS for open-source GIS, covering data, analysis, mapping, plugins, and managing open-source GIS.
Google Earth Engine
Platform
Google Earth Engine for remote sensing, covering satellite data, processing, analysis, and managing cloud-based remote sensing.
Python
Programming
Python for geospatial programming, covering automation, scripting, analysis, and managing geospatial programming.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Environmental information systems is just about making maps.
Environmental information systems covers comprehensive GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, modelling, and database management beyond just making maps.
This programme is only for IT professionals.
Environmental information systems skills are valuable for environmental scientists, geographers, surveyors, and planners beyond just IT professionals.
Remote sensing is just about satellite images.
Remote sensing covers comprehensive satellite, aerial, drone, image processing, classification, and spectral analysis.
GIS is just about drawing boundaries.
GIS covers comprehensive data management, spatial analysis, modelling, web services, and decision support.
Environmental modelling is just about running software.
Environmental modelling covers comprehensive simulation, prediction, calibration, validation, and scenario analysis.
Spatial databases are just like regular databases.
Spatial databases require specialised design, indexing, querying, and optimisation for spatial data types.