Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

Ph.D. in Environmental Science is a 3 to 5-year long full-time postgraduate course, the minimum eligibility for admission to which is the successful completion of M.Sc. or M.Phil. in Environmental Science or other related fields. The course usually lasts for 3 years, depending on the institute offering the course.

Admission to the course is based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test and subsequent round of interview.

Such postgraduates are hired in capacities such as Lecturers, Ecologist, Geographer, Conservation Scientist, Hydrologist, Energy Conservationist, Climate Change Analyst, Botanist, Wildlife Biologist, and so on. Postgraduates interested in pursuing higher studies in the discipline can opt for further scientific research in the subject, and positions in management and consultancy services are available for those interested in pursuing the discipline professionally.

The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 10,000 and 2.4 Lacs for a span of 3 years, and the average annual salary offered to such professionals ranges between INR 8 and 12 Lacs, increasing with experience and expertise.

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: Course Highlights

Aspiring candidates must take note of the following important highlights regarding PH.D. in Environmental Science.

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: What is it About?

Ph.D. in Environmental Science is essentially an advanced study of our natural and man-made environments. It draws from diverse fields of study and requires a strong background in the more traditional sciences including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Ecology, and even Biotechnology.

The course’s curriculum requires the successful completion of research work in areas of current environmental interest, such as global warming, pollution of air and water, soil erosion, desertification, deforestation, melting polar caps, and declining ice cover in glaciers, besides other varied topics such as waste management, sewage treatment, etc. The course can also be pursued part-time across some institutes in India.

Top Institutes offering Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Tabulated here are the names and corresponding details of some of the top institutes in India offering Ph.D. in Environmental Science.

Eligibility for Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Candidates wishing to apply for the course need to fulfil the following minimum eligibility criteria:

• Completion of post-graduation (M.Sc. or M.Phil.) in Environmental Science or other related fields from a recognized university.
• A minimum aggregate score of 55 % at the Master's degree level.
• Preferably, Chemistry as one of the main subjects at the level of post-graduation.

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: Admission Process

Most institutes offering the course admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview. Admission process generally varies across colleges.

Candidates are selected based on performance in the Research Eligibility Test (RET) and interview conducted by a given institute.

Candidates who have already qualified UGC/ CSIR (JRF)/ NET/ GATE/ M.Phil./ M.Tech., or equivalent examinations, are not required to appear for the Ph.D. entrance test, but need to appear for the round of Personal Interview.

Some of the top institutes in India which conduct entrance tests for admission to the course are:

• University of Calcutta
• Agra University
• Osmania University

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: Syllabus and Course Description

Ph.D. in Environmental Science primarily comprises 3 subjects, each of which is marked separately. The student is allotted credits based on performance. These subjects span the whole duration of the course.

All subjects require the qualification of a written examination followed by submission of a presentation. Enrolled candidates are needed to submit a synopsis/presentation of the completed research project (in consultation with the Ph.D. guide approved and allocated by the concerned university) before the Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) within a stipulated duration from the date of admission (date is set by the university).

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: Career Prospects

Successful completion of the course opens many professional avenues for candidates, such as jobs in teaching and research, in roles such as Ecologist, Lecturer, Scientists, Consultants, Technician, Research Assistant, etc. Such Environment Scientists also join any of the various research sectors in government or non-profit organizations.

They are also hired in management, consulting services, and in roles concerning scientific research.

They can become proficient in advanced research methods and develop expertise in a chosen dissertation topic.

Substantial knowledge in a primary Environmental Science concentration can also be acquired.

Owing to the growing industrialization and the consequent need to check the aggravating pollution levels, opportunities in industries are increasingly growing towards roles needed for sustainable growth initiatives.

To further delve into research, students can pursue Ph.D. in Environmental Science in other fields as well to understand ecology as a whole.

Some of the popular professional avenues open to successful postgraduates of the course are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

Aspirants seeking admission to 3-year Full-time Ph.D. program should have passed Master’s Degree in the relevant stream or its equivalent from a recognized university. Admissions will be made on the basis of the rank obtained by the Candidate in the Entrance Test conducted by the University.