EST. 1964

Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography

Creating Opportunities • Transforming Lives

Our Legacy

Chronicles of Excellence

1964

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.

MSU TCTO Early Years
MSU TCTO Growth
1969-1990

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 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 Oceanography, Fisheries, Environmental Science, and Technology (COFEST), College of Computer Studies (CCS), and College of Law (COL).

1990-Present

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.

MSU TCTO Modern Era
Transformation

From Then To Now

Current Campus
Campus Building
Masjid Nuruul Iman
MSUTCTO

A Legacy of Growth & Innovation

From modest beginnings to a thriving academic community, our campus transformation mirrors our educational evolution.

OUR VISION

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.

OUR MISSION

Commitment to Excellence and Service

01

Quality Education

Provide relevant quality education especially to Muslims and other indigenous groups

02

Environmental Stewardship

Promote environmental conservation and sustainable utilization of fisheries and marine resources

03

Knowledge Transfer

Develop and transfer new knowledge and innovative technology to the community

04

Community Engagement

Engage stakeholders in peace and socio-economic development endeavors

Academics

Our Academic Units

Offering diverse programs that foster innovation, research, and community development

College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS)

Comprehensive liberal arts and social sciences education with diverse disciplines.

  • Master in Public Administration
  • Bachelor of Public Administration
  • Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics

College of Islamic Arts and Sciences (CIAS)

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 (COED)

Developing exceptional educators and education professionals.

  • PhD in Education Management
  • Bachelor of Elementary Education
  • MA in Education (Educational Management)

College of Business, Accountancy, and Management (CBAM)

Preparing future leaders in business, accountancy, and management.

  • Business & Accountancy programs
  • Management education

College of Mathematical Sciences (CMS)

Excellence in mathematics and applied mathematical sciences.

  • Mathematics & Statistics
  • Applied mathematical sciences

College of Oceanography, Fisheries, Environmental Science, and Technology (COFEST)

Premier institution for fisheries, marine sciences, oceanography, and environmental technology in Southern Philippines.

  • MS in Aquaculture / BS in Food Technology
  • BS in Environmental Science / BS in Marine Science
  • Diploma in Fisheries Technology

College of Computer Studies (CCS)

Cutting-edge technology education for the digital age.

  • BS in Information Technology
  • BS in Computer Applications

College of Law (COL)

Developing ethical legal professionals with a commitment to justice.

  • Juris Doctor
Location

Our Island Home

Bongao-Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Located in the southernmost part of the country, our campus thrives in this unique marine biodiversity hotspot.

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Latest University News

MSU TCTO and PCID Sign MOU for Diploma in Women, Peace, and Security

MSU TCTO and PCID Sign MOU for Diploma in Women, Peace, and Security

Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 25, 2026, at the Sabdani Bulante Hall, MSU TCTO, to support the implementation of the Diploma in Women, Peace, and Security.

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MSU TCTO Ranks No. 1 Among Philippine HEIs in SDG 14, Bringing Tawi-Tawi's Marine Excellence to the Global Top 200

MSU TCTO Ranks No. 1 Among Philippine HEIs in SDG 14, Bringing Tawi-Tawi's Marine Excellence to the Global Top 200

In its continuing pursuit of excellence in marine sustainability and environmental stewardship, the Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) has achieved another milestone after emerging as the No. 1 participating higher education institution in the Philippines under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, securing a place in the 101–200 global bracket.

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MSU TCTO Strengthens Global Sustainability Standing with Strong Performance Across Multiple SDGs in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026

MSU TCTO Strengthens Global Sustainability Standing with Strong Performance Across Multiple SDGs in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026

BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI – The Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) has strengthened its global sustainability standing after earning strong placements across multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, reaffirming the University's commitment to advancing quality education, research, innovation, extension, and community engagement in support of sustainable development.

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