MSc Geology is a postgraduate degree course of 2- year duration, divided into four semesters. This course basically teaches students about the surrounding environment and focuses on the scientific study of the workings and design of the earth and its layers.
To be considered eligible to apply to this program, students are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science with an aggregate of at least 60% marks.
The MSc Geology syllabus includes subjects like Economic Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Natural Resource Management, Dissertation etc.
Admission to MSc Geology course will be done either on the basis of the candidate’s performance in the Bachelor’s degree exam or on the basis of their performance in the entrance exams conducted by admission authorities.
The average fee charged by colleges offering this MSc Geology ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 6,00,000 per annum. It can vary depending upon the college the student has chosen. Students can opt this course through distance learning mode as well. The top colleges and universities offering MSc Geology course through distance learning mode are IGNOU, University of Madras, Banaras Hindu University, Punjab University, etc. provide this course through distance learning mode. The average annual fees for studying Masters of Science in Geology through distance learning ranges from INR 5000 to INR 30,000.
Some of the major highlights of the MSc Geology course have been tabulated below.
| Course | MSc Geology |
| Full form | Masters of Science in Geology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Bachelor of Science degree in any relevant discipline with minimum 60% marks |
| Admission Process | Merit/ Entrance-Based |
| Level | Post-Graduation |
| Average Fees | INR 25,000 to 1,08,000 |
| Average salary | INR 2,00,000 to 13,00,000 |
| Top recruiting companies | GSPC, Schlumberger, Reliance Industries Limited, Physical Research Laboratory, Oil India Limited, NMDC, ONGC, NIO etc. |
| Job Positions | Project Assistant, Geologist, Geological Technologists, Assistant Geologist, Geo-Scientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro Geologist, ONGC Chair Professor etc. |
Information and details about the MSc Geology course are as follows.
- This course describes ‘Geology’ and identifies some of its main principles and identifies the main branches of geology.
- In this course, students will get to study Earth Sciences concerned with the solid earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the process by which they change over time.
- The MSc Geology program also includes the study of the solid features of any terrestrial planet or natural satellite such as Mars or the Moon.
- A course in Geology is concerned with the understanding and learning of how the entire system of Earth does its work. It includes the landforms, various processes, constituents and history.
- MSc Geology course encompasses the study of various layers of the earth from prehistoric times to the contemporary time, it also assesses the evolution throughout the years.
- It provides students with a detailed insight into the diverse processes of the atmosphere and the evolution of life.
Why Study MSc Geology?
There are so many reasons why an individual should pursue an MSc Geology course. Students can pursue this course because of the following benefits of the course:
- This course prepares students for other careers in business, law, education and others.
- A course in Geology gives you a good insight and appreciation of natural forces and everything that we see around us, plus a realistic grasp of time (i.e. geological time) as applied to everything else in Science.
- Some of the common job profiles for the MSc Geology postgraduates are Project Assistant, Geologist, Geological Technologists, Assistant Geologist, Geo-Scientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro Geologist, ONGC Chair Professor etc.
- The students also have the opportunity to carry out research works in their field. There are a lot of research labs in India that appoints MSc Geology students for carrying out their research.
- The MSc Geology salary package ranges between INR 2,00,000 and 13,00,000 annually. The salary largely depends on the job profile for which they have been appointed.
What is the MSc Geology Eligibility Criteria?
The eligibility criteria for MSc Geology aspirants is not complicated and is as follows. It must be noted that the eligibility criteria will differ from institute to institute.
- A candidate must complete his/her bachelor degree in Geology or any such relevant course from a recognized university.
- Students must have studied Geology as a compulsory subject and any two of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology as subsidiary subjects.
- The students will also have to score well in the entrance test and clear the cut-off in order to stand eligible for the MSc Geology course.
- The MSc Geology students can take up jobs in various sectors like Mining Industry, Oil and Gas Industry, Petroleum and the Gems Industry.
- The candidates may conduct research activities in various technologies and subjects related to Geology. They may work at research labs and earn a handsome stipend at the end of each month.
- The most common job profiles for the MSc Geology postgraduates are Project Assistant, Geological Technologists, Geoscientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro geologist, ONGC Chair Professor etc. The average salary would be around INR 2,00,000 to 13,00,000.
We have Listed some of the popular job positions offered to successful graduates of the discipline along with the corresponding job descriptions and average annual salaries offered to the graduates of MSc Geology:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist | The responsibilities of a Geologist includes communicating geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, and/or teaching Geological Science at universities. | INR 9,84,000 |
| Hydrologist | The responsibilities of a Hydrologist is to measure the properties of water bodies such as volume and stream flow. Hydrologists collect water and soil samples to test for certain properties. | INR 8,47,000 |
| Mining and Geological Engineer | The responsibilities of Mining and Geological Engineers are to design open-pit and underground mines, to supervise construction of mine shafts, to oversee construction of underground tunnels, to ensure workers are practicing safe extraction methods, to solve problems and obstacles related to land reclamation and water and air pollution and so on. | INR 6,05,000 |
| Environmental Officer | The Environmental Officer’s duties are to devise solutions for wastewater management, water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health. An environmental officer is in-charge of environmental issues that range from advocacy, awareness and event organizing to draft environmental policies.. | INR 4,62,000 |
| Geophysicist | The duties of a Geophysicist includes studying the physical aspects of the earth using a range of methods including gravity, magnetic, electrical and seismic. | INR 10,30,000 |