M.Sc.

Full form of M.Sc is Master of Science (MSc). MSc is a two-year duration postgraduate degree course offered by universities and colleges in various specialised Science fields such as Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, Food Sciences, Life Sciences, and so on.

A Master of Science degree provides scientific as well as professional entry-level competency to students. The course offers advanced theoretical as well as practical knowledge to students in their chosen specialisation. The MSc specialisation opted by students is usually the one studied by them during graduation.

If you are a graduate looking for career options in the field of Science, given below is everything-you-need-to-know about MSc in terms of its required skillset, basic eligibility criteria, course curriculum, top entrance exams, job profiles, etc.

Note: Apart from the aforementioned Science fields, MSc course is also offered by some colleges under Design and Hospitality streams. 

Basic skills and traits that candidates aspiring to pursue an MSc degree course should possess are mentioned below:

As already hinted above, all candidates need to possess a bachelor’s degree in Science from a recognised college/ university. Minimum marks that candidates need to secure in graduation in order to be eligible for an MSc course is usually 50 – 60%. However, the required percentage might change depending on the policy of a university or institute in which a candidate is applying.  

Age bar: There is usually no age criteria to join MSc course.

An MSc course is offered in a number of specialisations. Some of the popular MSc specialisations include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Statistics, Life Sciences, and Food Sciences.

Course curriculum of an MSc course depends on the specialisation a candidate has chosen to pursue. Given below is an overview of subjects taught in some of the popular MSc specialisations:

Physics

Chemistry

Mathematics

Biology

MSc degree holders can move into various kinds of jobs depending on the specialisation that they have studied. The course has great scope and there are ample opportunities for MSc pass-outs in both public as well as private sectors. Some of the top recruiters for MSc graduates are:

 Have a look at some of the popular job profiles of MSc degree holders below:

• Research Scientist: A Research Scientist has the role of designing, undertaking and analysing information obtained from controlled lab-based experiments and investigations. As a Research Scientist a student can choose to work in a government lab, environmental organisation, etc... 
• Junior Research Fellow: The job role of a Junior Research Fellow includes doing research, conducting research-related development activities, publishing scientific work and its results and so on. Along with JRF (Junior Research Fellowship), candidates are also usually involved pursuing a PhD programme.    
• Mathematician: A mathematician uses advanced theories and techniques of Mathematics to develop and understand mathematical principles and solve real-world problems in business, government, engineering, social sciences, etc.    
• Biochemist: A biochemist is a person who plays a key role in developing medicines to fight different diseases. As part of daily work, a biochemist analyses DNA, enzymes and other molecules to research the effects of drugs and food on biological processes.
• Food & Drug Inspector: The main job of a food and drug inspector is to ensure that products are safe for human consumption. A food and drug inspector, also known as quality control inspector, examines food or pharmaceuticals at different stages of manufacturing process and ensures that quality standards are being met.
• Chemical Analyst: A chemical analyst is a professional who collects information about the composition of chemical substances, and processes as well as communicates this information via the mediums of science, engineering and mathematics. Sometimes a chemical analyst also documents and publishes his/ her findings in industry journals.
• Teacher: An MSc graduate can also choose to be a teacher in his/ her respective Science subject. However, for the same candidates need to pursue BEd after their post-graduation.

Q. Can MSc be pursued after 12th?

A. No, MSc (Master of Science) cannot be pursued after Class 12. One needs to have a BSc degree in order to be eligible for MSc course. However, integrated MSc courses (BSc + MSc) can be pursued after Class 12. These courses are typically of four-five years duration.

Q. What are most popular MSc specialisations in India?

A. The various specialised Science fields for MSc are Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Botany, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Food Sciences, Life Sciences, and many others.

Q. Which are the top colleges for MSc in India?

• Hindu College
• Miranda House
• St. Stephens College
• Madras Christian College
• Loyola College (Autonomous)

Q. What are the job opportunities for MSc degree holders?

A. There are multiple job opportunities for MSc pass-outs both in private and public sectors. Below are some top recruiters for MSc graduates depending on their specialisations.

• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

• Infosys

• Wipro

• GAIL

• ONGC

Q. What is the fees for MSc in India?

A. MSc is a two-year postgraduate course. Here are the fee details of few popular MSc in Science colleges in India.

• Chandigarh University- Total fees Rs 84 K - 2.04 L

• Parul University, Vadodara- Total fees Rs 60 K - 1.2 L

• IIT Kanpur- Indian Institute of Technology- Total fees Rs 44.15 K - 1.12 L

• NIT Trichy- National Institute of Technology- Total fees Rs 68.8 K - 80.45 K

• ICT Mumbai- Institute of Chemical Technology- Total fees Rs 1.03 L - 1.11 L

Q. What are the popular job roles one can get after completing MSc?

A. There are plenty job options available after completion of MSc. Below are some popular job profiles for MSc degree holders.

• Manager/Executive (Senior/Assistant/Junior)

• Research Assistant

• Laboratory Technician

• Food and Drug Inspector

• Chemical Analyst

• Professor etc.

Q. What is the admission criteria for MSc courses?

A. A candidate needs to have a bachelor degree in any science stream from a recognised university/college with minimum 55 or 60 per cent marks. Admissions to MSc course are mostly through entrance exams. However, some universities offer admissions to MSc without entrance exams on the basis of previous academic performance.

Q. What are the popular entrance exams for admission to MSc course?

A. Below are some popular entrance exams for admissions to MSc.

• CIT Integrated MSc CET

• GSA

• IIT JAM

• IISER Entrance Exam

• JEST

• NEST

• OUAT Entrance Exam

Q. What is the age limit for MSc?

A. There is no age limit to get admissions to MSc. Candidates can apply for MSc degree after completion of BSc. Candidates must have scored 55 or 60 per cent to get admissions to MSc.

Q. What is the difference between MSc and MS?

A. Both MSc and MS are post graduate courses as Masters in Science. In India, a Masters in Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology is known as MSc while in USA a Masters in Engineering subjects is called as MS.

Q. Which is better MSc or MBA?

A. If you are planning to enter into any type of business or start your enterprise then MBA is the best option while if you want to stick to one particular field throughout your career MSc is the best choice.