PhD Environmental Science or Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science is a 3-year Doctorate program that deals with the study of the environment in a chemical, biological, and physical context.
This is also considered as a higher study of energy conservation, pollution, climatic changes, biodiversity, plastic menace, and global warming as it is a combination of both social science and natural science.
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The PhD course includes extensive coursework, seminars and Theme papers. It also includes a thesis work, where the candidates have to choose a specialization. The area of specialization includes studies of Soil, forest and biodiversity conservation; Water treatment & waste management; Disaster management; Biological nitrogen removal; Freshwater biodiversity, Nanomaterials, etc.
The duration of this course is a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years. The minimum eligibility for admission is the successful completion of M.Sc. or M.Phil. in Environmental Science or other related fields.
PhD Environmental Science admissions are based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test and subsequent round of interviews.
In Indian colleges, the annual average fee charged for the course ranges between INR 1,000 and 2 lakh for 3 years, and the annual average salary the graduates can earn after completion of the course ranges from INR 4 to 10 lakh, and it may increase with experience and expertise.
Candidates of this program are hired in diverse fields such as Ecologist, Geographer, Lecturers, Conservation Scientist, Energy Conservationist, Hydrologist, Climate Change Analyst, Botanist, Wildlife Biologist and so on.
Interested postgraduates pursuing the higher studies in this discipline can opt for further positions in management. Scientific research in the subject and consultancy services are available for those interested in pursuing the discipline professionally.
PhD Environmental Science: Course Highlights
PhD Environmental Science is a doctorate course where the candidates can do specialized research on the concerns that are causing harm to the earth's environment. The basic information about the course has been mentioned in the table below:
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-based or Annual |
| Eligibility | Master’s Degree/ Post-graduation with a minimum of 55% |
| Admission process | Merit-based / Entrance Examination |
| Course Fee | INR 1,000 - INR 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,000 - INR 10,00,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Wildlife Institute of India, Godrej, Discovery, etc. |
| Job Positions | Wildlife Film-maker, Research Assistant, Environment Journalist, Forest Carbon Specialist, Conservation Hydrologist, Senior Program Officer, Environment Photographer, Waste Management Director, Senior Catastrophe Risk Modeler, Environment Management Analyst, Zoologist, Research Associate, Hydrologist, etc. |
| Area of Employment | Academic Institutes, Environment Protection Companies, Water Treatment Plants, Agriculture Sector, Weather Departments, Environment Content Writings, National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries, Waste Management Plants, etc. |
PhD Environmental Science: What is it about?
The PhD program in Environmental Science is a great research program for those preparing for advancing their knowledge and expertise in aspects instrumental in making a big difference in our fight against those factors causing harm to the earth's environment.
- Candidates can bring changes in documentation, policy, education, or technology, thus advancing the field of environmental science through their research.
- Environmental science is a huge field and candidates have to select their area of specialization depending upon one's expertise and area of interest. Few of them select areas such as sustainable development, energy conservation, conservation science, forestry management, ecosystems, marine biology, remote sensing, botany, etc.
- This PhD program starts with submitting a proposal of research to the respective university. Once approved and admitted through the selection process, they will be attending some high-level seminars covering topics concerning their research area.
- The seminars are combined with coursework and some original research done by the candidates. They have to prepare a dissertation based on the research and defend it in front of the dissertation committee through viva-voce.
- The research and coursework are based on the areas that are our present environmental concerns like pollution of air and water, global warming, soil erosion, deforestation, desertification, melting polar caps and declining ice cover in glaciers.
Why study PhD Environmental Science?
- The environmental studies train students for careers in the academic, public, private, or non-profit sectors and have the ability to think critically, creatively, and holistically about environmental issues.
- After passing the doctorate course, students learn how natural and engineered environmental systems work and what one can do to protect and develop them.
- They can join educational institutions as teachers and lecturers in schools and universities. For becoming a permanent lecturer, they should have a NET pass certificate and the other guidelines of UGC.
- Candidates after earning their PhD degree can become the most skilled in their area of specialization. Working professionals can opt for a part-time program. However, a full-time format helps, as you get to do regular face-to-face interaction with the faculty and can use facilities such as laboratories and libraries available on the campus.
PhD Environmental Science Admission Process
Most colleges and institutes offering PhD Environmental Science admits students based on the graduate degree level examination marks. However, there are some institutes that conduct entrance examinations to judge a candidate’s abilities and skill sets.
The following are the two major pathways through which PhD Environmental Science admissions takes place:
- Merit-Based Admission: Most private universities that offer PhD Environmental Science courses usually admit students based on the marks secured at the master’s/ graduate degree. Besides that, these colleges may conduct a Personal Interview or a Written Test to further know the candidate’s skills.
- Entrance Exam Based: Top PhD Colleges like Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal University, Amity University, etc. offer admission in the PhD Environmental Science program through entrance examinations that usually consist of MCQ based questions related to environmental oriented topics, helping the college to screen the deserving candidates for admission.
When the Entrance Exam results will be out, then colleges may further conduct a Personal Interview Round for the qualified candidates to know their interest in the course, skills, and career.
PhD Environmental Science Eligibility
The common PhD Environmental Science eligibility criteria to be successfully admitted into a college offering this course are as follows:
- Master’s Degree from any recognized university or institution with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade.
- For candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/ Differently-Abled and such other categories, 5% relaxation as per the decision of the UGC & Govt. of India will be accorded.
- However, an applicant with GATE/CSIR-UGC/JRF/NET/SLET cleared in the relevant subject is exempted from the Entrance Test.
- Candidates who have M.Phil degree from the UGC accredited universities are also exempted from entrance tests.
The above-mentioned eligibility factors are the basic eligibility criteria. Each college may have some other criterion on which prospective candidates are judged.
PhD Environmental Science Entrance Exams
Some colleges that offer PhD Environmental Science programs require their candidates to sit for an entrance examination.
| Entrance Exam | Registration Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CSIR UGC NET | July 11 – August 10, 2022 | September 16 – 18, 2022 |
| UGC NET | April 30 – May 30, 2022 | July 9 – July 12, 2022, and August 12 – August 14, 2022 |
| ICAR AICE JRF/SRF | July 21 – August 19, 2022 | September 20, 2022 |
| IIT JAM | September 7 – October 14, 2022 | February 12, 2023 |
| VITMEE | April 2022 | June 2023 |
| NIPER PhD Entrance Exam | To be Announced | To be Announced |
How to Prepare for a PhD Environmental Science Entrance Exams?
- The syllabus for PhD Environmental Science entrance exams will vary from college to college. However, most exams concentrate on environmental topic-oriented knowledge and skills.
- Students should know the entire syllabus of the entrance exam which they are going to give because some of these exams are purely based on environmental oriented knowledge.
- Candidates should consider buying study material or previous year’s PhD entrance test question paper and practice them for PhD Environmental Science entrance exams so that they prepare well for the same.
- Environmental Science course books also constitute a good study material for these exams.
How to get admission in a good PhD Environmental Science college?
To get admission in top PhD Environmental Science colleges, the following points must be kept in mind:
- The Colleges shortlist candidates through respective entrance exams followed by an interview.
- The best way is to appear for CSIR-NET and UGC-NET exams to get a good college for PhD and for some of the colleges, GATE is also used as a prerequisite.
- There are a few private institutes offering the course to admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview.
- Getting into a good college for the admission in PhD Environmental Science program, candidates need to score well in the respective entrance exams.
- Competition of M.Phil with above-average grades can also help the candidates to get admitted to good colleges.
PhD Environmental Science Syllabus
Although the PhD Environmental Science course curriculum varies from college to college, it mostly consists of some common foundation courses that students can select based on their interests.
The table below shows the syllabus according to Banaras Hindu University:
|
Paper |
Subjects |
|---|---|
|
Paper 1 (Compulsory Paper) |
Research Methodology |
|
Paper 2: One Optional Paper |
Bio- remediation & Ecological Agriculture |
|
Environmental Microbiology |
|
|
Microbial Ecology |
|
|
Microbial Enzymes and Bioremediation |
|
|
Waste Management and Energy Generation Technologies |
|
|
Energy Generation from Waste |
|
|
Environmental Impact Assessment and Air Pollution |
|
|
Water Resources – Management and Modeling Techniques |
|
|
Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Technologies |
|
|
Plant Microbe Interaction for Sustainable Agriculture |
|
|
Paper ESP |
Presentation and Review of Literature |
|
Paper ESP |
Presentation of Synopsis |
PhD Environmental Science Books
Tabulated below are some of the PhD Environmental Science books that can help students to have a broader and better understanding of the course. The books mentioned below will also help the students in cracking various PhD Environmental Science exams.
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Global Water: Issues and Insights | David Allendes |
| Earth and Environmental Sciences | by Imran Ahmad Dar, Mithas Ahmad Dar |
| Silent Spring | Rachel Carson |
| Environmental Studies | Benny Joseph |
| Environmental Science | Dr. Y K Singh |
PhD Environmental Science Top Colleges
The table below shows the best PhD Environment Science colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode. The below mentioned top colleges have been ranked by NIRF.
| Name of College | Location | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | INR 1,391 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | INR 8,368 |
| University of Calcutta | Kolkata | INR 4,400 |
| Amity University | Noida | INR 1,00,00 |
| Banasthali Vidyapeeth | Jaipur | INR 1,63,500 |
| Punjab University | Chandigarh | INR 11,600 |
| SRM University | Delhi NCR | INR 1,25,000 |
| Sharda University | Noida | INR 50,000 |
| Doon University | Dehradun | INR 40,000 |
Click to see more Top PhD Environmental Science Colleges of India
PhD Environmental Science College Comparison
The tabulation below shows the comparison made among the three top PhD Environmental Science colleges in India.
| Parameter | Banaras Hindu University | Amity University | Jawaharlal Nehru University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | It is one of the oldest public universities in the country. It is known to be the best college to pursue a PhD program. | Amity University started functioning in 2005 and is one of the prime universities of India that offers PhD courses among other study programs. | Jawaharlal Nehru University was established in 1969. Its PhD program is highly ranked among other research programs. |
| Average Fees | INR 8,368 | INR 1,00,000 | INR 1,391 |
| Average Placement Offered | INR 4,00,000 | INR 8,20,000 | INR 3,50,000 |
| Top Companies Visited | Infosys, Coal India, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, Pantaloon, Visa Steel, FINO, Ansal API, etc. | American Express, Hindustan Times, Nestle, Microsoft India, Nokia, Pepsi Co, Wipro, etc. | Aricent, Birlasoft, Amdocs, Affymax, Accenture, Capital IQ, D E Shaw & Co, Blue Star, Cyprus, Cadence, CMC Limited, HP, Hughes, etc. |
PhD Environmental Science Distance Education
PhD Environmental Science can also be pursued through correspondence. There are various distance learning institutes that offer this course through correspondence. IGNOU is known to be the most popdular among the distance learning institutes. PhD Environmental Science through correspondence is beneficial for those who want to earn a degree while continuing with their jobs.
PhD Environmental Science from IGNOU
- IGNOU offers PhD Environmental Science courses for a minimum of 3 years and maximum of 6 years.
- There is no minimum or maximum age bar for this course.
- The Phd degree offered by IGNOU is totally valid and is approved by UGC.
- Candidates wanting to pursue this course should fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria i.e, masters degree in any field with atlest 55% marks. 5% relaxation is offered to the reserved categories and differently abled candidates.
- The admissions will be based on the entrance exam conducted by IGNOU on a national level.
- The course fees for this program is INR 16,800.
PhD Environmental Science vs PhD Environmental Engineering
PhD Environment Science uses as a close analysis of environmental data and PhD Environmental Engineering is involved in the design of technologies used to help protect the environment like soil and water. There are many colleges in India who prefer both of the courses in their academic structure.
Check out the top Phd Environmental Engineering Colleges in India.
Check the table below for more comparative details:
| Parameters | PhD Environmental Science | PhD Environmental Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy, Environment Science | Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Engineering |
| Overview | It is the study that deals with environmental issues and how to solve them. | It is a study that involves the design of technologies used to help protect the environment like soil and water. |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Eligibility | Master’s Degree/ PG with a minimum of 55% | Master’s Degree for a recognized institute |
| Exam Type | Both Semester-based and Annual | Both Semester-based and Annual |
| Admission process | Merit-based / Entrance Examination | Merit-based / Entrance Examination |
| Job Profiles | Wildlife Film-maker, Research Assistant, Environment Journalist, Forest Carbon Specialist, Conservation Hydrologist, Senior Program Officer, Environment Photographer, Waste Management Director, Senior Catastrophe Risk Modeler, Environment Management Analyst, Zoologist, Research Associate, Hydrologist, etc. | Research Assistant, Environment Specialist, Technical Test Engineer, Health and Safety Administrator, Project Assistant/Associate, Lecturer/Professor, Project Coordinator, Environmental Officer, Bioresearch Assistant, and Environmental Engineer. |
| Area of Employment | Academic Institutes, Environment Protection Companies, Water Treatment Plants, Agriculture Sector, Weather Departments, Environment Content Writings, National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries, Waste Management Plants, etc. | Colleges & Universities, TE Connectivity Ltd., Talific Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Pvt. Ltd., Sahara India Pariwar, ERM India Pvt. Ltd, etc. |
| Average Fees | INR 1,000 - INR 2,00,000 | INR 3,000 - INR 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 - INR 10,00,000 | INR 3,00,000 - INR 10,00,000 |
PhD Environmental Science Job Prospects and Career Options
After getting a degree in this field, a candidate can get a variety of careers to choose from. It will be easy for them to work for the government and private organizations and many other industries. They can also choose to teach as a professor or lecturer in colleges or universities.
- They can be employed by various organizations such as Water Authority, Pollution Control Board, and Urban Planning in this sector.
- A lot of private organizations are there such as Refineries, Distilleries, Food processing industries, and Fertilizer plants that are offering various job opportunities for the graduates in this field.
- They can apply for jobs in fertilizer plants and can also work in food processing companies as Managers.
- The graduates can also work in this field as an Environmental Journalist in any newspaper, magazine, or television station.
- Candidates can also join the organizations as per their choice a lot of NGOs are growing in working on the issues regarding the environment.
- It has many professional avenues for candidates like jobs in teaching and research, in roles such as Ecologist, Scientists, Consultants, Lecturer, Technician, Research Assistant, etc. after completion of the course.
The table below shows some of the most common PhD Environmental Science job profiles and career prospects after completing the course is as follows:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate | The main job of a Research Associate is to involve in detailed analyses of projects and their effects on the environment. They also do research based on which they formulate techniques for the protection of the environment. | INR 5,50,000 |
| Ecologist | They have responsibilities like generating environmental impact reports, habitat maintenance, teaching in schools, helping with legislation, conducting surveys, and various others. They are also involved in surveying ecosystems and creating assessments pertaining to the diversity, behavior, and population of the different organisms within the ecosystems. | INR 7,20,000 |
| Zoologist | They are scientists who study living organisms, specifically animals, and often work in outdoor environments. | INR 9,00,000 |
| Environmental Scientist | Environmental Scientist is an expert who studies the physical environment of objects. His work includes studying interactions among physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment. Environmental scientists focus on pollution and degradation of the environment related to human activities and their adverse impact on biodiversity and sustainability of nature. | INR 4,80,000 |
| Hydrologist | These professionals work for the government agency or a private organization that studies water and its properties, availability, and cycle. Hydrologists help solve water-related issues like storm surges, floods, and droughts. | INR 8,50,000 |
| Assistant Professor | They professionally engage in teaching the discipline to undergraduate/graduate students and assessing their academic performances. | INR 6,00,000 |
PhD Environmental Science Future Scope
The PhD program in Environmental Science is the branch of study where students can find a number of ways to protect the environment with the reliable use of resources.
- It offers a plethora of job opportunities for environmental scientists as well as for environmental biologists, environmental engineers, environmental modelers, and environmental journalists.
- Environmental scientists are hired by the fertilizer plants, mines, textile and dyeing industry, food processing units, etc.
- There are possibilities of joining the research sector in the government or non-profit organizations for potential environmental scientists. They also have the opportunity to get positions in management, consulting services, and doing scientific research.
- After completion of a higher degree like MSc, M. Tech, and PhD in Environmental science, you can work as independent environmental consultants or work for any consultancy. For example, ecological consultancies like RAMKY, ENZEN, etc.
- Almost all the universities and Government research organizations have an Environmental Department. They can start working as JRF or Project Assistants for various projects.
FAQs
Ques. Are there demands for PhD Environmental Science degree holders?
Ans. Yes, PhD Environmental Science graduates are in huge demand now and will be in future too. Our environment is getting polluted and contaminated because of the development of humans. It is getting necessary to maintain proper standards and take necessary measures to control it. Therefore the demand of the researches in Environmental science is highly required to protect our mother earth.
Ques. Can PhD Environmental Science Graduates make their career in private sectors?
Ans. Yes, they can make their career in the private sectors. Since the industries have to find ways for waste disposal without harming the environment. So they hire such graduates to work for their waste disposal or to find ways to reuse the waste material in some way. These measures are necessary otherwise the government can shut down such industries.
Ques. What are the top colleges for the PhD Environmental Science program?
Ans. The top institutes and colleges for the PhD Environmental Science program are Banaras Hindu University, Amity University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Calcutta, Banasthali Vidyapeeth, among others.
Ques. What is the scope after a PhD Environmental Science degree?
Ans. There are various job opportunities for environmental scientists. They can work as environmental biologists, environmental engineers, environmental modelers, and environmental journalists. After completion of PhD in Environmental science, they can work as independent environmental consultants or work for any consultancy. For example, ecological consultancies like RAMKY, ENZEN, etc.
Ques. What are the areas of employment in the PhD Environmental Science field?
Ans. Several areas of employment are there such as students can work at Academic Institutes, Environment Protection Companies, Water Treatment Plants, Agriculture Sector, Weather Departments, Environment Content Writings, National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries, Waste Management Plants, etc.
Ques. Which is better: PhD Environmental Science or PhD Environmental Engineering?
Ans. Both the courses are good and have their distinct areas of study in the field of environmental science. If a candidate wants to choose one of these, then it depends on the academic background and the interest of the student. As the student from an engineering field can choose to do any of the courses but the one who has completed MSc or MPhil in any of the science backgrounds may be able to opt for only PhD Environmental Science.
Ques. Can PhD Environmental Science degree holders start their own business?
Ans. Of Course they can start their own business. There have been various start-ups that have been working on environmental issues by finding creative solutions to the problems. Some of them are making use of the waste material and making money out of it. Since the PhD holders are knowledgeable enough to find solutions to the environmental problems, they can start such businesses and can also get funded by the government.
Ques. Are teaching jobs worth it in the field of Environmental Science?
Ans. Environmental Science or Disaster Management are courses that the students are studying from class 5 to their graduation. The Government of India has made these subjects mandatory in every course of study. This is not just a course to study, this is a course to learn and implement to make our earth a better place. Therefore becoming an Environmental Science Professor will be beneficial.
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