The United States International University (USIU) academic calendar is divided into fall, spring and summer trimesters. A trimester is the same length as a semester. The academic year consists of fall and spring trimesters. The summer trimester is 3.5 months.

The curriculum offers courses, research, internships and community service. Students can enroll in a maximum of 18 credits (5 courses) per trimester. Most courses are 3 credits. Science and biomedical courses are 3 to 8 credits. Internships and research are 3 to 6 credits. Community service is not credit bearing.

Courses & Syllabi

Use the the Course Offerings file to select courses.

To download syllabi, select a subject area below and tap on a course title. If a course is not listed below, contact KEI and we will request a syllabus from USIU. Do not use the course list on this page to select courses.

Internships & community service

Internships (for-credit) and community service (not-for-credit) allow students to learn from practical experience not attainable in a classroom setting. Internships require a commitment of 120-400 hours (3-6 credits). Service does not have a minimum requirement. Since most internships are scheduled during the day, students may be limited to taking evening and Saturday classes.

Placement is based on professional interests and availability of positions in business, marketing, finance, hospitality, communications, journalism, environment, science, wildlife, social work and humanitarian aid. Note that internship placement in Nairobi is very challenging due to the professional culture and, as such, is not guaranteed. Students must select back-up courses in case placement cannot be confirmed. Contact KEI for more information about placement options.

For more information, download:

Experiential Learning Guide
Internship syllabus