Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography
Creating Opportunities • Transforming Lives
Chronicles of Excellence
Humble Beginnings
Starting in 1964 as Mindanao State University Preparatory High School in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, a mere adjunct to MSU Marawi Preparatory High School, MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography has grown into an institution of academic excellence. More secondary schools were established from 1967 to 1977 in the outlying island municipalities of Tawi-Tawi. By 1990, 20 high schools were put up throughout the province. In 1984, MSU-TCTO Science High School and MSU-TCTO Child Development Center – Laboratory Elementary School were established. Republic Act 6060 gave birth to MSU-Sulu College of Technology and Oceanography on August 4, 1969, initially offering degree programs and diploma in Fisheries Technology.
Establishment & Growth
In 1973, Tawi-Tawi became a separate province from Sulu, and MSU-SCTO became MSU-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography per BP Blg. 197. In 1990 it became an autonomous university campus. In its more than four decades of existence, it has steadfastly pursued its vision to be the center of excellence in Fisheries, Marine and Maritime Sciences and Engineering, and Oceanography, in its mission to give Muslims and other cultural minorities access to quality education and develop such other programs as will promote Muslim welfare and hasten socio-economic development of the southernmost region of the country. MSU-TCTO is comprised of the following academic units: the College of Fisheries, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, Institute of Environmental and Oceanography Studies, College of Islamic and Arabic Studies, and the Institute of Information and Communications Technology.
Modern Development
The extension services of the college include providing capability building trainings and functional literacy programs to the Tawi-Tawians. The local folks are empowered through education and entrepreneurial development. The college has continued to undertake researches in fisheries aquaculture, and marine related sciences, as well as in the social sciences. These initiatives are designed to promote sustainable utilization and rational management of the marine and fisheries resources of the area, with the aim of improving the standard of living of the people of Southern Philippines.
From Then To Now
A university in the Sulu Archipelago renowned for Fisheries, Marine and Environmental Science
We envision MSU-TCTO as a beacon of excellence in marine sciences, environmental studies, and related disciplines, serving as a catalyst for sustainable development in the Sulu Archipelago region.
Commitment to Excellence and Service
Quality Education
Provide relevant quality education especially to Muslims and other indigenous groups
Environmental Stewardship
Promote environmental conservation and sustainable utilization of fisheries and marine resources
Knowledge Transfer
Develop and transfer new knowledge and innovative technology to the community
Community Engagement
Engage stakeholders in peace and socio-economic development endeavors
Our Academic Units
Offering diverse programs that foster innovation, research, and community development
College of Fisheries
Premier institution for marine sciences and fisheries technology in Southern Philippines.
- MS in Aquaculture
- BS in Food Technology
- Diploma in Fisheries Technology (Aquaculture)
College of Islamic and Arabic Studies
Preserving and advancing Islamic knowledge and Arabic language studies.
- Master of Arts in Islamic Education
- BA in Islamic Studies (Sharia)
- BS in Teaching Arabic
College of Education
Developing exceptional educators and education professionals.
- PhD in Education Management
- Bachelor of Elementary Education
- MA in Education (Educational Management)
College of Arts and Science
Comprehensive liberal arts and sciences education with diverse disciplines.
- Master in Public Administration
- Bachelor of Public Administration
- Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics
Institute of ICT
Cutting-edge technology education for the digital age.
- BS in Information Technology
- BS in Computer Applications
Institute of Oceanography & Environmental Science
Pioneering research in marine conservation and environmental sustainability.
- BS in Environmental Science
- BS in Marine Science
- Climate Change Studies
College of Law
Developing ethical legal professionals with a commitment to justice.
- Juris Doctor
Our Island Home
Bongao-Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
Located in the southernmost part of the country, our campus thrives in this unique marine biodiversity hotspot.
View Campus MapLatest University News
MSU TCTO CIAS Programs Granted COPC After CHED OPSD Central Evaluation
In its continuing pursuit of academic excellence and quality assurance, the Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) has secured Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) for academic programs evaluated by the Commission on Higher Education Office of Programs and Standards Development (CHED OPSD) Central, particularly those under the College of Islamic Arts and Sciences (CIAS).
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MSU TCTO Strengthens Partnership with Local Government Units through MOU Signing
The MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Local Government Units of Simunul, Panglima Sugala, Sibutu, South Ubian, Bongao, Tandubas, and Sitangkai on December 17 at the Conference Room, Sabdani J. Bulante Building. The agreement formalizes a collaborative partnership in support of marine biodiversity conservation and fisheries management in the Province of Tawi-Tawi.
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MSU TCTO Ranks Among UI GreenMetric Universities, Leading BARMM in Sustainability
The Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) has achieved a notable accomplishment in its debut participation in the 2025 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, placing 1,411th globally among institutions recognized for their commitment to sustainability. Nationally, MSU TCTO ranked 78th among Philippine universities, and notably, it emerged as the first and only institution in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to be included in this global sustainability assessment.
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Admissions
Academic Programs
- College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS)
- College of Islamic Arts and Sciences (CIAS)
- College of Education (COED)
- College of Business, Accountancy, and Management (CBAM)
- College of Mathematical Sciences (CMS)
- College of Fisheries, Oceanoraphy , Environmental Science, and Technology (COFEST)
- College of Computer Studies (CCS)
- College of Law (COL)
University Offices
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For inquiries regarding biddings for projects and other business transactions
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Main Campus
Boheh Sallang, Sanga-Sanga
Bongao, Tawi-Tawi 7500
Manila Liason
MSU Manila Information and Liaison Office Rm 203, Leticia Bldg.
1804 Taft Avenue Corner J. Nakpil St.
Malate, Manila
Chancellor's Office
+63 917 310 7843
chancellor@msutcto.edu.ph
Registrar's Office
+63 951 064 5611
registraroffice@msutcto.edu.ph
Admissions
+63 909 982 6063
msutctoao@msutcto.edu.ph
Guidance
+63 905 792 5924
guidanceoffice@msutcto.edu.ph
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