Master of Science (Msc) in Geology
Individuals interested in taking up a Masters degree in Geology in NIGS must possess a four- or five-year Bachelor of Science in Geology. Graduates of other undergraduate courses other than BS Geology may be accepted into the program and will be required to enroll and pass selected undergraduate courses* listed in the BS Geology curriculum prior to taking up graduate courses. Acceptance of applicants into the program is decided upon by the Graduate Committee of NIGS.
M.S. students who are accepted into the program must satisfy 24 units of coursework along with a graduate seminar course. These 24 units are divided into two categories: core subjects and electives. The core subjects are Graduate Seminar, Igneous Petrology, Sedimentary Petrology, and Advanced Field Geology. Electives to be taken are decided by both the student and the program adviser and must be related to the student’s specialization in Geology. Aside from geology graduate courses, the student may take courses in engineering, chemistry, physics, environmental science, geography, and marine science to name a few. The graduate student is expected to study other fields and topics in geology that are relevant to their specialization. The scholastic rule of the College of Science requires a semestral GWA of 2.0 for a Masters student to stay in the program.
A full time graduate student may finish the coursework in two years. A Masters’ thesis of 6 units must be accomplished to earn the M.S. degree.
Under the new Geology Law as prescribed by the President of the Philippines and enforced by the Professional Regulatory Commission, graduates of Master of Science in Geology may take the Geology licensure examination even without an undergraduate degree in Geology.
*Elementary geology, petrology, structural geology, and optical mineralogy.
PLO 1. Conduct relevant geological research through a Master's thesis, demonstrating scientific ethics and mastery of research methodologies.
PLO 2. Interpret geological data, critically evaluate scientific literature, and assess uncertainties on observations and measurements.
PLO 3. Apply geological tools and techniques to solve complex geological problems.
PLO 4. Effectively communicate research findings through clear oral presentations and written reports.
Doctor of Philosophy in Geology (PhD)
Interested students in the doctorate program of NIGS must have a Masters degree related to the geosciences as determined by the Graduate Committee of NIGS. A Ph.D. student is required to take 24 units of coursework with guidelines similar to the coursework for M.S. students. In addition, 12 units of dissertation must be taken. The scholastic rule of the College of Science requires a semestral GWA of 1.75 for a Ph.D. student to stay in the program.
PLO 1. Demonstrate mastery of advanced techniques in a highly specialized and/or multi-disciplinary field of geological sciences.
PLO 2. Undertake original independent research that contributes new knowledge or innovation to geological sciences.
PLO 3. Communicate research output through publication in indexed international journals and presentation of their work for diverse audiences.
Application into a Graduate Program
The College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman handles admissions into the graduate programs of the National Institute of Geological Sciences. Here is the announcement from the CS Graduate Office regarding the application process for Graduate Programs for the 2nd Semester, AY 2026-2027.
- Download the Form1.1 Application form for admission to a graduate program Form-1.1-Application-form-for-admission-to-a-graduate-program-waived.pdf (upd.edu.ph)
- Prepare a scanned copy of the following documents:
a. Application Form
b. Formal letter addressed to the Dean of the College of Science
Cynthia, P. Saloma, Ph.D.
Dean of the College of Science
c. Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate records or True Copy of Grades of all schools attended.
d. Certified copies of diploma/s or certificate of graduation or certificate of candidacy for graduation
e. Birth certificate from Philippine Statistics Authority (for Filipino citizen)
f. Two Recommendation Forms
- Download Recommendation form in support of application Form 1.2 Recommendation Form in Support of Application Form. Your application proceeds only after all required recommendations are received.
g. Additional Requirement for MS Geology program:
- Research Concept
- Applicants whose Bachelor degree is not Geology must have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 2.5 or better, with a minimum GWA of 2.25 in Math and Science courses.
- Download and fill-out OADMAPA Form 1.5 Deferment Form
- Obtain (electronic) signatures of the adviser and/or Institute Director / Program Coordinator.
- Email the accomplished form at csgrad@science.upd.edu.ph
3. Applications may be submitted through the College of Science Online Document Portal
Kindly note that incomplete requirements will not be processed.
Scholarships
The DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship accepts applications every semester. For application, please visit DOST – ASTHRDP
Application Deadlines for Second Semester, AY 2026-2027:
Regular applicants – 23rd of October 2026
DOST-ASTHRDP applicants – 23rd of October 2026
Please email staff.asthrdp@science.upd.edu.ph for any concerns on the scholarship
Some faculty members may also offer research assistanships from their projects that can support your graduate studies. Your may inquire with your prospective adviser for any possible opportunities.
General graduate student concerns
Kindly visit the Graduate Student Guide at the official website of the College of Science.
Qualified applicants who cannot enroll during the semester for which they qualified can apply for deferment.
Visit the College of Science Graduate Office page here for other relevant information.
For Graduate Student concerns you may email the CS Graduate Office at csgrad@science.upd.edu.ph.
For DOST-ASTHRDP concerns, please email staff.asthrdp@science.upd.edu.ph.