Master of Science in Environmental Science or MSc Environmental Science is a 2-year full-time PG course, in which a student may take a specialization in many different areas such as Chemistry, Engineering, Biology Conservation and Ecology.
The curriculum is divided into four semesters spanning over two years. It includes the specialized scientific study of plants, fungi, algae, and covers subjects of Physiology and Anatomy in detail. Any candidate who has done high school, and has done their graduation in Science/ Engineering/ Mathematics/ Economics/Statistics/ Geography/ Geology, with a minimum aggregate score of 60% is eligible to take admission in this course. See Also: MSc Environmental Science Syllabus
Admission to MSc Environmental Science is done through the state or national-level Entrance Examination. Some Universities also conduct Institutional-level MSc Environmental Science Admission tests.
The average tuition fee charged for MSc Environmental Science courses ranges from INR 25,000 to 3,00,000 for government /public colleges and private colleges respectively. Admission in most of the MSc Environmental Science colleges are Merit-Based, but some universities may conduct their entrance exams like BHU Entrance Exam.
MSc Environmental Science syllabus is formulated keeping in view the specialization chosen by the student, during his 2-year study program. In general, this program includes advanced lessons in the issues related to the environment, predicting hazards and advising on regulatory compliance. The course is offered in both regular and distance learning modes. The major MSc in Environmental Science subjects are Ecological principles, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Pollution, Solid Waste Management, etc. It also includes a project and seminar in the last semester.
The other courses similar to Master of Science in Environmental Science are MSc (Zoology), MSc (Botany), MSc (Microbiology) etc.
After the course completion, MSc Environmental Science degree graduates can expect a starting salary of around INR 3 and 15 lacs, depending upon their expertise in the field. They are offered positions such as Environment Journalist, Waste Management Director, Forest Carbon Specialist, Lecturer & Professor, Research Assistant and more.
MSc Environmental Science: Course Highlights
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Stream | Environmental Science |
| Eligibility | 10+2 from PCM/PCB and graduation in a related subject |
| Admission Process | Merit or Entrance Examination |
| Average Fees | INR 20,000 to 3,00,000 |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 3 to 15 lacs |
| Areas of work | Agricultural & Forest Department, Research Services, Biotechnology Firms, Wildlife Photography, Animal Research Centers, National Zoological Parks, Forest Departments, Colleges/Universities and Wildlife Journalism. |
| Top Job Positions | Research Associate, High School Teacher, Environmental Health & Safety Officer, Environmental Health Manager, Safety Assistant Manager, Country Manager, Auditor, Sr Marketing Associate and ISO Lead Auditor. |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Parsons International Ltd, Fluor Corporation Pvt Ltd, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, John Deere Pvt Ltd, Ramboll IMIsoft Pvt Ltd, ABB India Ltd, Emerson Electric Co. India Pvt Ltd etc. |
MSc Environmental Science: What is it About?
- Master of Science in Environmental Science or MSc Environmental Science deals with the study of socio-economic, scientific, technological, and policy-based concerns of the field of environment and resource management.
- The course of MSc Environmental Science has been designed keeping in view the concept of sustainable development, with emphasis on research and application.
- This course satisfies the growing need for competent professionals, who can create innovative solutions for a balanced future. Environmental Science program develops a holistic approach to environmental and resource-based problems.
Why Study MSc Environmental Science?
Some of the benefits of pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Science are:
- Prospective students should pursue a Master of Science (MSc) Environmental Science when they wish to work to protect the environment.
- This advanced course can make the doors open to various employment opportunities in the public or private sector.
- Students in this program can specialize in various areas such as engineering, biology, conservation, ecology, and chemistry.
- You can contribute to locating and protecting the earth’s resources.
- Students will learn to predict hazards and can advise on issues related to regulatory compliance.
- Students can make their career as a conservationist, or work as an environmental engineer.
The admission process for MSc Environmental Science is done based on marks in the qualifying exam at the State or National level or University-specific examination. Some universities also provide and based on Merit. Candidates are required to meet the cut-off score, issued by the university or college. Students may be granted an admission based on the merit list. Admission is often based on the student’s performance at the level of graduation, and on the performance in a relevant online entrance test and interview.
The online test is generally an hour long and consists of multiple-choice questions assessing students based on proficiency in English, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
MSc Environment Science admission process is as follows:
Step 1. Apply for an entrance exam for MSc Environmental Science.
Step 2. Appear for the entrance exam. Generally, the exam is an hour-long and is MCQ-based. It contains sections checking the proficiency of the student in Quantitative Ability, Analytical Reasoning & English.
Step 3. The cutoff list of the qualifying MSc Environmental Science exam is generated by the colleges, match it with yours and apply for admission.
MSc Environmental Science Eligibility
The eligibility for pursuing MSc Environmental Science is:
- Students must have cleared Higher and Senior Secondary levels of education from a high school, affiliated to a well-recognized board.
- They must have scored a minimum aggregate score of 60% or more at 10+2.
- Students must have done their graduation in Science/Economics/ Engineering/ Mathematics/ Statistics/ Geography/ Geology/ , with a minimum aggregate score of 60%.
- Candidates must have cleared the State or national-level entrance test for MSc Environmental Science admission.
- Candidates who have cleared BSc (Hons)/BSc (10+2+3) with a score of 50% marks or higher are eligible.
MSc Environmental Science Entrance Exams
There is no common all India Entrance Test for MSc Environmental Science admission. But many recognized universities in India conduct their own Examinations to shortlist the best candidates. The entrance exam is nearly an hour long and it checks the candidate's language, analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills.
The format of most of the MSc Environmental Science Entrance Test is as follows:
- Test Type: Written/ MCQ-based
- Test duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- General Test Syllabus: Syllabus equivalent to Graduation level
- Entrance Exam dates: April-June
Some of the popular MSc Environmental Science Entrance Exams conducted in Indian Universities and colleges are given below:
| Entrance Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG | April 2023 | June 1 – 10, 2023 |
| BITSAT | February 2023 | June 2023 |
| NEST | February 2023 | June 2023 |
| IIT JAM | September 07 – October 11, 2023 | February 12, 2023 |
| DUET | April 2023 | July 2023 |
| TISS NET | December 14 – January 15, 2023 | January 28 – February 28, 2023 |
How to Prepare for a Master of Science in Environmental Science?
- The question paper for MSc Environmental Science consists of both descriptive and objective type questions.
- For objective type, one has to choose the right answer from the options, and for descriptive type, the answers should be given in long paragraphs.
- The pattern of exams may vary, therefore candidates are advised to check the exam pattern for their particular university entrance exam.
- The syllabus for it may vary depending upon the university you are applying to, but English, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative ability are common to all.
- Build the level of confidence.
- Manage time for all the sections.
- Practice the sample papers regularly.
How to get admission in a good MSc Environmental Science college?
- For getting an admission in a good MSc college, you need to qualify a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised University with any of the following subjects like Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Botany, Geology, Geography, B.E.(Civil Engineering), Life Sciences, Fisheries Science, Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Physics)
- You should secure a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates) in the UG degree.
- You should clear the cutoff for the university entrance exam, which you wish to apply for.
- Be updated with the important dates related to the entrance exams.
MSc Environmental Science Syllabus
MSc Environmental Science syllabus consists of core subjects like Environmental principles and all the subjects related to Environment Studies, in the domains of technology, chemistry, biotechnology, Geoenvironment, Ecology, physics, and more. Also, the Master of Science in Environmental Science theoretical courses are accompanied by practical classes.
Mentioned below is a semester- wise breakup of the MSc Environmental Science course’s syllabus.
| Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Geo environment | Introductory physics |
| Ecological principles | Conservation of the life support system |
| Semester 2 | |
| Environmental Chemistry | Solid Waste Management |
| Environmental Pollution | Environmental Analysis |
| Semester 3 | |
| Regional global environmental issues | Environmental technology |
| Environmental impact assessment | Environmental biotechnology |
| Semester 4 | |
| Environmental energy management | Industrial biomedical waste management |
| Project | Seminar |
MSc Environmental Science Books
The books for the MSc Environmental Science vary from one university to another. Below mentioned are the books which are widely used throughout the country for MSc Environmental Science learning.
| Name of the book | Author |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Anton, Kolman |
| Principles of Biochemistry | Lehninger |
| Ecology & Field Biology | R.L.Smith |
| Natural Resources conservation | Oliver S Owen & Chiras |
| Environmental Science | Cunningham Saigo |
| Global Biodiversity | W.R.L. IUCN |
| Environmental Chemistry | Mannahan |
| Atmospheric Science | Wallace & Hobbs |
| Microbial Ecology | R.M.Atlas & Bartha |
MSc Environmental Science Colleges
There are more than 183 MSc Environmental Science colleges in India, which offer this 2-year degree through on-campus and distance education mode. Most of the best private and public institutions for Master of Science in Environmental Science are located in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Uttrakhand.
Below tables lists some of the top colleges for MSc Environmental Science:
| Institutes | Location | Admission Process | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | Merit Based | INR 42,000 |
| Panjab University | Chandigarh | Merit Based | INR 17,545 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | BHU PET | INR 80,000 |
| Sri Venkateswara University | Tirupati | Merit Based | INR 22,880 |
| Acharya Nagarjuna University | Guntur | ANUPGCET | INR 55,960 |
| University of Lucknow | Lucknow | Entrance Exam | INR 1.14 lakhs |
| Sacred Heart College | Ernakulam | Merit Based | INR 93,000 |
| Guru Nanak Dev University | Amritsar | Merit Based | INR 58,245 |
| Amity University | Mumbai | Merit Based | INR 1.75 lakhs |
| Fergusson College | Pune | Entrance Exam | INR 1.08 lakhs |
Also Check:
| MSc Environmental Science in UP | MSc Environmental Science in Uttarakhand |
| MSc Environmental Science in Tamil Nadu | MSc Environmental Science in Maharashtra |
College Comparison
The table below demonstrates a comparison between the top-ranked MSc Environmental Science colleges in India:
| Parameters | Sacred Heart College | University of Lucknow | Guru Nanak Dev University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | It is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, and was accredited by the NAAC. The students are allocated marks through a CBCSS mode. | It is one of the oldest government-owned Research Universities. It has over 101 Affiliated Colleges and 1,00,000 students. It offers courses in the fields of Arts, Commerce, Science, Law, and Fine Arts. | It is a NAAC” A” grade affiliated government state university, situated in Amritsar, Punjab. It provides research & study in Arts & Social Sciences, Sciences and Nature. |
| Location | Kochi | Lucknow | Amritsar |
| Total Courses Offered | 14 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate programs | 371 total courses across 15 streams | 843 courses across 18 streams |
| Average Course Fees | INR 93,000 | INR 1.14 lakhs | INR 58,245 |
| Average Placement Package | INR 3 LPA | INR 3.1 LPA | INR 3 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Ernst & Young, Ashok Leyland, Goldman Sachs, Larsen & Toubro Limited, Wipro, Federal bank, South Indian Bank, Tata Consultancy Services | ICICI Bank, IDEA, Cease Fire, HDFC Bank, Brooke India, MRF Tyres, Amazon, Genpact, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Capital, Eureka Forbes, Adecco, Randstad India, Marriott International, Swiggy | Reliance, Tata, Pankaj Soap Industry, SBI, Amazon pay, MDH, Ford, Bajaj motors, TCS, Nagarro, WIPRO, Airtel, IBM, Accenture, HCL Technologies |
Source: College Websites
MSc Environmental Science Distance Learning
Admission to MSc Environmental Science can be done on-campus or in correspondence mode. Candidates should clear the cut-off for taking online admission in this course. There are only a few institutions which offer MSc Environmental Science courses as a distance mode of education. The program fees range from INR 10,000 to INR 27,000 per year.
These institutes are:
| Institutes | Location | Admission Process | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acharya Nagarjuna University | Andhra Pradesh | Entrance Based | INR 55,960 |
| Nalanda Open University | Bihar | Merit Based | INR 8,800 |
| Mysore Correspondence College | Karnataka | Merit Based | INR 1.03 lakhs |
Source: College Websites
MSc Environmental Science: Course Comparison
Some of the courses that are similar to MSc Environmental Science are MSc (Botany), MSc (Microbiology) and MSc (Zoology).
A detailed comparison between the MSc Environmental Science and all the other three related courses are given below.
- MSc Environmental Science vs MSc Botany
| Parameters | MSc Environmental Science | MSc Botany |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Master of Science in Environment Science | Master of Science in Botany |
| Overview | MSc Environmental Science is a full-time PG course, in which a student may take specialization in many different areas such as Chemistry, Engineering, Biology Conservation and Ecology. | MSc Botany is a PG course in Botany which deals with the scientific study of plant life. It is also known as plant biology study. |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Average Fees | INR 20,000 to 3 lakhs | INR 30,000 to 1 lakh |
| Average Salary | INR 7 LPA | INR 4.58 LPA |
| Top Colleges | Fergusson College, University of Lucknow, Sacred Heart College, Guru Nanak Dev University | Hindu College, Delhi University Anugrah Narayan College, Ramnarain Ruia College |
Source: College Websites
- MSc Environmental Science vs MSc Microbiology
| Parameters | MSc Environmental Science | MSc Microbiology |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Master of Science in Environment Science | Master of Science in Microbiology |
| Overview | MSc Environmental Science is a full-time PG course, in which a student may take specialization in many different areas such as Chemistry, Engineering, Biology Conservation and Ecology. | MSc Microbiology is a PG course in Microbiology which deals with the study of Biology and Chemistry, which is associated with the investigation of the living system and its relation to the environment. |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Average Fees | INR 20,000 to 3 lakhs | INR 50,000 to 3 lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 7 LPA | INR 2.5 lakhs |
| Top Colleges | Fergusson College, University of Lucknow, Sacred Heart College, Guru Nanak Dev University | The Oxford College of Science, St. Xavier’s College, Fergusson College, Barkatullah University |
Source: College Websites
- MSc Environmental Science vs MSc Zoology
| Parameters | MSc Environmental Science | MSc Zoology |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Master of Science in Environment Science | Master of Science in Zoology |
| Overview | MSc Environmental Science is a full-time PG course, in which a student may take specialization in many different areas such as Chemistry, Engineering, Biology Conservation and Ecology. | MSc Zoology is a PG course in the study of animal behaviour, classification and structure. Zoology is dedicated to the study of animals. |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Average Fees | INR 20,000 to 3 lakhs | INR 21,000 to 1.5 lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 7 LPA | INR 90,000 to 2 lakhs |
| Top Colleges | Fergusson College, University of Lucknow, Sacred Heart College, Guru Nanak Dev University | Loyola College, Ramjas College, Christ University, Hans Raj College |
Source: College Websites
MSc Environmental Science: Jobs & Career Options
Upon successful completion of the program of Master of Science Environment Science, any graduate can go for a teaching career in schools on a private basis and after passing the NET exam, individuals can become a permanent lecturer at colleges/universities level.
Individuals after completing this course mainly find jobs for the position of Wildlife Film - Maker, Research Assistant, Senior Catastrophe Risk Modeller, Environmental Technician, Senior Programme Officer, Environment Photographer and Environment Journalist. The starting salary of the given job roles ranges between INR 3 to 7 Lakhs. Some of the popular areas of employment that are explored by MSc Environment Science graduates are:
- Colleges and Universities
- National Zoological Parks
- Wildlife Photography
- Animal Research Centers
- Wildlife Journalism
- Forest Departments
Listed below are some of the demanding career roles offered to MSc Environment Science graduates, along with their corresponding average salary offered:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Environment Photographer | Environment & Wildlife Photographers work to produce images of animals or plants in their habitat or their natural environments and use these compelling images at their disposal. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Research Assistant | Research Assistants assist the professors in their research work. They carry out their research & experiments under their supervision and track down necessary information | INR 4,00,000 |
| Environment Journalist | Environmental Journalists write hard news and investigative pieces, related to exposing illegal activity or concerning the emerging environmental problems. It also involves doing background research and interviews. | INR 3,90,000 |
| Product Manager | Product Managers helps in making the products as efficiently as possible, by making the use of the latest technologies and techniques. | INR 15,77,000 |
| Wildlife Filmmaker | Wildlife Film-making career involves capturing, observing and recording fascinating wild creatures in their habitat. | INR 3,45,000 |
Source: Payscale
MSc Environmental Science Scope
Upon successful completion of an MSc Environmental Science degree, a candidate may go for a job or for higher education/ Higher degrees like PhD Environmental Science in some renowned institutions. Successful professionals can work for both government and private organizations or can go for teaching in schools/ colleges on a private basis. They can also work with the State Departments and Environmental Protection Agency for their research activities.
MSc Environment Science graduates can also work as a Senior Programme Officer, Environmental Technician and Product Manager in the fields of Environmental Health & Safety. There are endless job opportunities.
MSc Environmental Science: FAQs
Ques. Which is the best college for dual degree MSc Environmental Science?
Ans. IIT Bombay is the best when it comes to dual degree MSc PhD in Environmental Science. Candidates can appear for the JAM Entrance exam with physics/ chemistry/ maths . There is no interview process. If you want to leave after 3 years you will get graduated with an MSc degree in environmental science & engineering.
Ques. What should I do after graduating in MSc Environment Science?
Ans. If you have an interest in research & further study, you could be a researcher or an educationist You can further go for corporate jobs in various companies like NASSCOM, Parsons International Ltd, Fluor Corporation Pvt Ltd, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, John Deere Pvt Ltd, etc or you can work in government sector like Environment & Energy department, state pollution control board or Central pollution control board. You can also join an NGO and become a social activist. There are endless opportunities.
Ques. Name some good colleges for doing MSc Environmental Science study in India?
Ans. JNU, ISM, BHU, DU, PU, TERI, IP, CUB, and other central universities are good when it comes to studying from the best MSc Environmental Science college. You can further check its ranking, placement profile, number of JRF and NET in the last 5 year before applying.
Ques. What is the career scope for an MSc Environmental Science in the Government Sector and Private Sector?
Ans. Graduates of MSc Environmental Science can apply for government jobs in State Departments, National Environment Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, Bombay Natural History Society, Wildlife Protection Society of India, Environmental Education, Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, and other related departments of India. Apart from this, they can also go for a teacher/ trainer for related colleges and schools. Also, there are many companies, such as N TRAFFIC India, Wildlife Trust of India, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wide Fund for Nature, Nature Conservation Foundation, Wildlife SOS, Greenpeace, Kalpbriksh, ATREE, etc which recruits MSc Environmental Science graduates on a contractual or permanent basis.
Ques. What is the duration for an MSc Environmental Science course in India and list some most popular colleges offering it?
Ans. The duration for an MSc Environmental Science is generally 2 years. It may go around 3 years for distance learning. Some of the most famous institutions offering MSc Environmental Science degree are given below:
Ques. Which universities offer Distance Education for MSc Environmental Science in India?
Ans. There are only a few universities in India, which offer MSc Environmental Science study for students. They require a percentile of 45-50% in the UG degree and take INR 10,000 to 28,000 as an annual fee for the distance or correspondence mode. Some of the colleges and universities are:
- Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
- Ashutosh College Training, Kolkata West Bengal
- Nalanda Open University, Patna, Bihar
- Motiram Baburam Government College, Haldwani, Uttrakhand
- Mysore Correspondence College, Bangalore, Karnataka
- School of Distance Learning, Warangal, Telangana
- Swami Vivekananda Government college, Logahat, Uttarakhand
Ques. What is the average annual fee for an MSc Environmental Science course?
Ans. The average tuition fee charged for MSc Environmental Science courses range from INR 25,000 to 3,00,000 for government /public colleges and private colleges respectively. Admission in most of the MSc Environmental Science colleges are Merit-Based, but some universities may conduct their entrance exams like Delhi University and BHU Entrance Exam.
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