MSc Geology or Master of Science in Geology is a postgraduate degree course of two-year duration, spreads over four semesters of study. The program focuses on studying the Earth’s structure on & under its surfaces and the processes involved in that occurrence. Additionally, it explores methods & resources for figuring out the absolute & relative ages of rocks found in a specific area and describing the histories of those rocks.
The Master of Science in Geology is designed with the objective of imparting knowledge on solar Earth and the facts hidden in its origin. The course syllabus of MSc Geology includes subjects like Economic Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Natural Resource Management, Dissertation, etc.
To be eligible to apply to this program, aspirants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in geology or other related disciplines with an aggregate of at least 60% marks from a recognized institution. Admission to the MSc Geology course shall either be based on the candidate’s merit in the qualifying degree (graduation) or their performance in the entrance exams conducted by admission authorities.
Some top institutes/universities in India that offer MSc Geology courses include Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi), Savitribai Phule Pune University (Pune), Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam), Banasthali Vidyapith (Jaipur), Mumbai University (Mumbai), etc. The average fee for this PG course in India ranges from INR 2 to 6 LPA, depending on the college the student has chosen to attend.
Students can also opt for this course through distance learning mode. Top colleges and universities offering MSc Geology courses through distance learning mode are innumerable, including IGNOU, University of Madras, Banaras Hindu University, Punjab University, etc. The average fee for pursuing a Master of Science in Geology through distance learning ranges from INR 5K to 30K per year.
After completing the MSc Geology course, the graduates can explore job opportunities in both private and government workforces such as museums, colleges, universities, research areas, oil industry, mineral industry, mining industries, etc., and work as Geological Technologists, Engineering Geologist, Geochemist, Geoscientist, Hydro Geologist, etc. The average salary that graduates can expect after completing MSc in Geology ranges from INR 4 to 12 lakh per annum, depending on the job roles and experience of candidates.
Major MSc Geology Course Details
Below are the key highlights of the MSc Geology course, such as course duration, full-form, eligibility, course fees, salary, jobs, etc.
| Course Name | MSc Geology |
| Degree Level | Post-Graduate |
| Full form | Master of Science in Geology |
| Course Duration | Two-years |
| Minimum Eligibility | Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or any other relevant disciplines with minimum of 60% marks. |
| Admission Process | Merit/ Entranced-Based |
| Average Course Fees | INR 30K to 1 LPA |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 4 to 12 LPA |
| Top recruiting companies | GSPC, Schlumberger, Reliance Industries Limited, Physical Research Laboratory, Oil India Limited, NMDC, ONGC, NIO, etc. |
| Top Job Positions | Project Assistant, Geologist, Geological Technologist, Assistant Geologist, Geo-Scientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro Geologist, ONGC Chair Professor, etc. |
M.Sc. in Geology Admission Process
The admission process for the MSc Geology course varies according to the college/institute candidates choose to attend for the program. However, admission to the course is either based on the merit obtained by the candidates in the qualifying degree (BSc Geology or other related courses) or the candidate in an entrance exam such as BHU PET, IIT JAM, DUET, etc. The essential steps in the different admission processes of the course that candidates must follow to get admitted into the program are discussed below.
Merit-based selection
- Aspirants must ensure that they are fulfilling all the required conditions for the course as prescribed by the respective colleges/institute.
- They must fill out the application form of the colleges or universities they are interested in if they meet the required criteria for the course.
- In due course of time, colleges release the list of selected candidates. So, they need to check if they made it to the merit list.
- And finally, the selected candidates must submit the required documents and admission fees for registering for the respective academic session.
Entranced-based selection
- Candidates must apply and appear for the entrance exams, if applicable, in the institutes/colleges they have chosen to attend for the program.
- In due course, institutes announce the result based on candidates’ performance in the entrance exam.
- Candidates who cleared the entrance exams need to submit (online or offline) all the required documents and admission fees for registering for the respective academic session.
MSc Geology Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for MSc Geology aspirants are more or less similar to other MSc courses, which may differ from institute to institute. Discussed below are the essential criteria for MSc Geology prescribed by most institutions offering the course.
- Candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree in Geology (like BSc Geology)or other relevant disciplines from a recognized university/institute with any two of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as subsidiary subjects.
- They should have also scored the minimum aggregate of 60 percent marks in their graduation.
- Candidates may also have to appear for the entrance test and clear the cut-off to qualify for the MSc Geology course.
Popular Entrance Exams for M.Sc. Geology
The admission made to the MSc Geology course is either entranced or merit-based. While some colleges consider the score of common entrance tests, some conduct their own to provide access to the course. The score of candidates in the common entrances decides which college they could get admission to. Some popular entrances for M.Sc. Geology courses, including national and university-level tests, are listed below.
- DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test)
- MRNAT (Manav Rachna National Aptitude Test)
- OUCET (Osmania University Common Entrance Test)
- AUCET (Andhra University Engineering Entrance Test)
- IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
- JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination)
- BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test)
- BHU-PET (Banaras Hindu University- Post Graduate Entrance Test)
Top MSc Geology Colleges/institutes in India
Almost every best educational institute in India offers an M.Sc. Geology course. Below are the few top MSc Geology Colleges in India for the Master of Science in Geology course.
- Gossner College, Ranchi
- Deogiri University, Kolkata
- Presidency College, Kolkata
- Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur
- St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
- Mumbai University, Mumbai
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
- Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
Master of Science in Geology Syllabus
The Master of Science in Geology is a two-year program that is designed to impart knowledge on solar Earth and the facts hidden in its origin. The MSc Geology course syllabus includes core and elective subjects like Economic Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Natural Resource Management, etc. The semester-wise breakup of the syllabus for the MSc Geology course is discussed below.
Particulars of MSc Geology Syllabus
| Semesters | Subject/Topics/Lab Works/Field Works |
| Semester I | Lab practical |
| Paleontology | |
| Geochemistry | |
| Structural Geology | |
| Geochemical Thermodynamics | |
| Mineralogy, Crystal Optics & X-Ray Crystallography | |
| Semester II | Fieldwork |
| Lab practical | |
| Mining Geology | |
| Igneous Petrology | |
| Sedimentary Petrology | |
| Metamorphic Petrology | |
| Geomorphology, Remote Sensing | |
| Semester III | Ore Petrology |
| Statistical Methods in Geology | |
| Engineering & Groundwater Geology | |
| Solid Earth and Exploration Geophysics | |
| Semester IV | Economic Geology |
| Elective for Project | |
| Mineral Fuel Resources | |
| Stratigraphy and Indian Geology | |
| Geological and Geochemical Prospecting |
Scope after Completing MSc Geology
Being a trendy and exciting discipline, M.Sc. in Geology course has excellent future scope for the graduates. The students get numerous exposure which helps them build their careers. After completing the MSc Geology course, the graduates can explore hob in both private and government workforces such as museums, colleges, universities, research areas, oil industry, mineral industry, mining industries, etc., and work as Geological Technologists, Engineering Geologist, Geochemist, Geoscientist, Hydro Geologist, etc.
Besides choosing professional options, one can continue further study in the same field of education. Some top options of higher degree education for the MSc Geology graduate include MPhil Geology and Ph.D. Geology.
MSc Geology Jobs and Career Options
The M.Sc. Geology graduates can explore jobs in various sectors like museums, colleges, universities, research areas, oil industry, mineral industry, mining industries, etc. One can also conduct research activities in various technologies and subjects related to Geology. Listed below are some popular jobs offered to successful graduates of the discipline.
- Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Geophysicist
- Environmental Officer
- Production Seismologist
- Geology Teacher/Lectures
- Mining and Geological Engineer
Graduates of MSc Geology Salary India
The salaries of the M.Sc. Geology graduates differ according to expertise, positions, job location, recruiters, etc. However, the average offered to the fresher graduates of the disciple in India ranges from INR 4-12 Lakh per annum, depending on their job profile, job locations, and recruiters. Below are some popular job profiles after MSc Geology with average salary trends.
- Geologist:- INR 10 Lakh Per Annum
- Hydrologist- INR 9 Lakh Per Annum
- Geophysicist:- INR 11 Lakh Per Annum
- Environmental Officer:- INR 5 Lakh Per Annum
- Mining and Geological Engineer:- INR 6 Lakh Per Annum
FAQs on Master of Science in Geology Course
Ans:- Yes, a BSc student can pursue MSc in geology, as the basic eligibility for the course is to graduate in any science discipline. The students must have completed their bachelor’s degree in science, so as you are a BSc graduate, you are eligible to pursue MSc in geology.
Ans:- Yes, M.Sc. Geology promises immense job opportunities, which include Geology Manager, Data Engineer, Geoscientist, Geophysicist, Geologist, Research Associate, etc. However, the oil and gas industries are undergoing a low phase, still the scope of an M.Sc. Geology is high.
Ans:- To be eligible for an M.Sc. (Master in Science) in Geology, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Geology or a relevant discipline from a recognized University in India.
Ans:- Yes, you can do MSc geology after BSc geography. Since these both are from one branch, you can apply for admission to a Master’s in Geology after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in geography.
Ans:- After completing the M.Sc. Geology course, the graduates can explore job opportunities in both private and government workforces such as museums, colleges, universities, research areas, oil industry, mineral industry, mining industries, etc., and work as Geological Technologists, Engineering Geologist, Geochemist, Geoscientist, Hydro Geologist, etc.